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Reviews:

In 2001, the North Mississippi Allstars received a nomination for a Grammy (BestContemporary Blues Album), Living Blues Critics’ Awards for Best Debut Albumand the Handy Award for Best New Artist. So what will blues fans think of 51Phantom, the latest offering from the Mississippi-based power blues trio?

More than mere blues interpreters, the Allstars use 51 Phantom to emphasizetheir Mississippi roots while simultaneously staking their place in the world.Examples abound, from the jam-infused hill country rhythms of “Circle inthe Sky” (complete with fife riff) to the rock’n’ roll of “Snakesin My Bushes,” which features a sinister set of lyrics that could’vecome from a John Lee Hooker tune. A cover of Junior Kimbrough’s “LordHave Mercy” begins with a faithful rendition of Kimbrough’s hypnoticguitar riffs; halfway through the number the Allstars take off on a modern romp,replete with noodling Allmanesque solos and heavy bass licks.

Much of 51 Phantom, including the title track (“The Ballad of ThunderRoad” updated to a 2001 Memphis-to-New Orleans electric boogie style), takesthe listener far beyond the traditional blues world. The metaphors of both theroad and the vehicle are dead on: Ultimately, the only question facing the NorthMississippi Allstars is not “will they go far,” but rather “howfar will they go?” Unfortunately, some blues fans may not be willing to goalong for the ride.