Mark Cameron - Playing Rough (2016)

The fourth Album from Minneapolis-based blues man Mark Cameron is rough-around-the-edges blues the way it was meant to be. From the boogie based opener "Doctor In the House" to the haunting closing cut "Borrowed Time" this album delivers on it's promise to play it rough. The searing harp of Bill "Killer" Keyes and the haunting flute of Sheri Cameron add a rare flavor that is a perfect compliment to Cameron's brutally honest vocal style. Audiences have been moved to tears over "Bluesmans Lullaby" (a tribute to BB King) and driven to dance the night away to the funky riffs of "Somewhere down the Line". Cameron delivers a surprising twist on the front-porch vibe with the slide based "Done Me Wrong" and "Rusty old Model T". Listeners are reminded of the 1950's Memphis sound with the sentimental sweetness of "Almost". "Close My Eyes" breaks form with a chain-gang style rock crushing field holler. The sound of "Playing Rough" mirrors the live sound of the Mark Cameron Band perfectly. A fun, funky and very original approach to the Blues.