The Heat is turned up again for another chapter in the 25-year history of Pierre Lacocque's Mississippi Heat. The Living Blues review of their previous album said "Warning Shot (DMK 839) showcases bandleader and principal songwriter Lacocque's eloquent harp playing, supported by a cast of heavy hitters that delivers the trademark big band sound and one of the hottest, tightest bands in Chicago today, and the original songs on this album are pure fun and are worthy additions to the great history of Chicago blues." Cab Driving Man features 15 new songs with Inetta Visor and Michael Dotson as lead vocalists again. The songs are a wonderful blend of Mississippi, Chicago, boogie, swing and south of the border.
As bandleader and composer, Pierre Lacocque's vision has never wavered since he founded Mississippi Heat in 1991. "Mississippi Heat not only breathes new life into the classic sounds of Chicago Blues, but they also uplift with joy and dedication everything they play. Pierre Lacocque is that rare younger generation harpist who's absorbed the lessons of subtlety, silence and solo construction from the masters." - David Whiteis, Chicago Reader. Mississippi Heat's lineup for this live recording: Inetta Visor, vocals; Lurrie Bell, vocal/guitar; Max Valldeneu, guitar; Chris "Hambone" Cameron, organ/piano; Sparling Banks, bass; Kenny Smith, drums. A DVD of this performance is available as DMK #1783.
Delta Bound celebrates Mississippi Heat's 20th year of creating wonderful blues music and their 10th recording! Fourteen original songs, twelve by leader and harmonica player Pierre Lacocque, and two written and/or arranged by lead vocalist Inetta Visor. While the record is a solid electric blues album, you will also find acoustic blues, a catchy New Orleans tune as well as a stunning version of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" written by Nina Simone and made famous by the Animals in 1965. Special guests include Heat alumnus and original member, singer Deitra Farr who delivers on three awesome songs, zydeco giant Chubby Carrier, guitarists Billy Flynn and Carl Weathersby.
Let's Live It Up is Mississippi Heat's third recording for Delmark. For this outing, the band recorded 14 new original songs, eleven by leader, harmonica player Pierre Lacocque. Special guest John Primer sings on 3 cuts. Another great blues guitarist Carl Weathersby and keyboardist Chris "Hambone" Cameron can be heard throughout the album. Inetta Visor sings on 8 tunes, while singer Rhonda Preston delivers two songs. The Chicago Horns, percussionist Ruben Alvarez, and background vocalists also appear on this exciting and best Mississippi Heat recording to date. More Mississippi Heat on Delmark: One Eye Open, Live at Rosa's (CD DMK 783, DVD DMK 1783), Hattiesburg Blues (DMK 795).
Though this is Pierre Lacocque's band, and he is the principal songwriter and stage front with his harmonica, there is an ensemble feel to all of Mississippi Heat albums. When you listen to this superb CD, you're not just hearing a band. You're hearing a family, one with a deep love, understanding, and respect for each other. That special guest Sax Gordon is so seamlessly incorporated into their signature sound speaks volumes. Fourteen of the sixteen songs here are new originals. From straight-ahead Chicago blues, boogie and swing to Latin beat, Caribbean and funk Warning Shot is a remarkable musical achievement.
