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Mad Dog Lester Davenport: I Smell A Rat
ByThough not as cohesive as his 1991 debut, When the Blues Hit You, Davenport has delivered a winner with I Smell A Rat. The obvious questions: Why hasn't he recorded more often? And how come it took eleven years to release new material? We may never know the answers, but we certainly know that it is a shame because Davenport is a true gem an under- utilized, under-recorded gem.
Davenport, who is mainly known for playing as a sideman to Bo Diddley and Big Daddy Kinsey, can stand up to any 1960's Chicago Blues Man. Helped by guitarist and producer Jimmy Dawkins; Detroit Junior on piano; Allen Batts, also on piano; Jimi Schutte on drums and Bob Stroger on bass, Davenport has crafted an album that could easily be confused with some of the later, rock- influenced Chess recordings. Highlights include: "My Mama Rocks Me," "So Wurrid," the instrumental "To Our Lost Ones 9/11/01," the album opener "Bad Treatment" and "Knocked on Every Door."
Track Listing
1. Bad Treatment - 4:08 2. Knocked on Every Door - 5:23 3. You So Sexy - 5:22 4. West Side Blues Harp- 3:35 5. Miss Sallie Mae - 5:43 6. My Mama Rocks Me - 5:55 7. In My Bedroom - 4:09 8. So Long - 7:06 9. I Smell a Rat - 4:55 10. So Wurrid - 5:57 11. To Our Lost Ones 9/11/01 - 4:12 12. Stop Beggin' Me - 4:24 13. Goin' Away - 3:23
Personnel
Mad Dog Lester Davenport - Harmonica, vocals; Jimmy Dawkins - Guitar; Allen Batts - Piano; Detroit Junior - Piano; Jimi Schutte - Drums; Bob Stroger - Bass; Sho Komiya - Bass; Billy Flynn - Guitar
Album information
Title: I Smell A Rat | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: Delmark Records