Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos - Swamp Slinger (1997) Lossless

This fine disc cooks and simmers with the flavors of the Louisiana swamps. Mel Melton has a slight rasp in his voice that adds that extra bit of spice that brings out the true flavors of this music. His voice isn't exceptional, but it is very well suited to the songs on the disc. The Wicked Mojos are a tight group that back him quite well, moving effortlessly from the slow blues of a song like "French Quarter Rain" through some real dust-ups like "Backdoor Cajun Man," making stops to go back to some Chicago blues and some fine zydeco raves. Melton's harmonica playing blends itself to fit the needs of the song, and the Wicked Mojos are given ample chances to display their licks. Used to seriously push the music to another level are slide guitar whiz Sonny Landreth and zydeco accordionist C.J. Chenier, both of whom Melton had once played with in a band called Bayou Rhythm. The multi-talented Melton has written eight of the 11 songs here, reflecting the variety of his musical influences. Two of the other songs are traditional, and the remaining song is the wonderful "Devil Moon," written by Randy Friel, who contributed production and some welcome organ, accordion, and clavinet playing. This is a disc to bring back (if you've been there) or to introduce you to the rhythms of the swamps of Louisiana.