The Mighty Mojo Prophets are guys that truly love the blues. They are: Big Son (blues shouter), Mitch “Da, Switch” Dow (guitars), Scott “Hot Rod” Lambert (standup and electric bass), Ronnie Johnson (harp) and guest artists Big Rockin Daddy (harmonica) and Smilin Jack Debuan (drums). The band has been playing venues all over California and is a huge hit on the local blues scene.
“Hoodoo Lover” is pure swinging West Coast Blues. The harmonica and harp are scorching and the bass and guitar blaze a trail of fire that makes this one of my favorite tracks on the album. “A spell is being cast on a woman in the vocalist’s sights. “Well now midnight is striking baby, and the moon is shining bright, got you in my spell and my mojo working right. I’m your Hoodoo lover, baby.” This song is spicy and full of liquid charm. It will have you swinging your hips and dancing around the room.
“Night Train” is a track that gets into your soul. The smoky vocals wind their way into your head as you begin to feel yourself on a night train going into the city. The visual description of the sights and the low grinding motion of the music give you the sensation of being there. The vocalist misses his home, and goes to visit his lady, only to discover she is already moved out. He is back on the night train again saddened by his relentless wandering. This song has deep musical depth and is a great example of what this amazing group of blues artists is capable of.
“Evil Sometimes” is the first track on the album. Singing about his evil woman “when she throws her loving on me, sure enough make me lose my mind.” The music spins you around on a magic carousel of color that envelops your senses. Beauty and darkness are bound together as his woman casts spells and talks to the dead. When she turns her loving attention to him, he is torn between the horror of what she has done and the sweet loving she provides. This song casts its own spell on the listener and draws you into the rest of what this amazing band has to offer.
The Mighty Mojo Prophets are a hot up and coming band on the West Coast Blues scene. They have played a number of big events and are a worthy band to join the Rip Cat Record Label. These guys work hard and pour their soul into each track, and it shows. Spicy songs like “Hoodoo Lover,” “Evil Sometimes,” and “Carmen G” are well matched with more bluesy feeling tracks like “Night Train.” This band is worth taking the time to listen to and I will be keeping them on my blues playlist for a very long time to come. If you want to try just one new sound this summer, this one is it.
Key Tracks- Hoodoo Lover, Evil Sometimes, Night Train
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
July 14, 2011