Mississippi Heat - Handyman (1999)

Led by virtuoso Pierre Lacocque on harp, this Chicago-based band focusses on ensemble work. Every instrument collaborates to create a weave that harks from the days of Howlin' wolf, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers. On this album, Barrelhouse Chuck adds on the piano what Otis Spann, Little Brother Montgomery and Leroy Carr gave us in the 50's. Carl Weathersby and Chris Winters work magic on the guitar and Kenny Smith keeps the pulse on drums like his father (Willie Smith) did for 15 years with Muddy Waters.

Pierre wrote most of the material and blows powerfuk and melodic harp. Billy Boy calls him a virtuoso and Niles Frantz of WBEZ's Chicago Public radio calls him a budding legend. Katherine Davis sings her heart out; Billy Boy Arnold and George Baze sing several tunes with great conviction and Zora Young swings us in her inimitable Chicago blues style for a great song.
George Baze died shortly after the studio recording and before the release of this CD. It is dedicated to his memory.