Record Review - Mudcat: Freedom Creek
Music Maker
Mudcat is one of the few blues musicians of the decade who actually understands the art of subtlety and innuendo. The loose, ramshackle pace and homespun sound of Freedom Creek comes together with humid and comedic restraint that plays a vital role in making the simple melodies and lonely horn honks of “San Antone” and “Empty Room Blues” so catchy. Of course, an undeniable gift for the art of storytelling in such songs as “Police Dog” and “Peter Rumpkin” doesn’t hurt, either. But rather than hit listeners over the head, each song plants a seed that connects the dots. The redneck inflections between songs sounds a bit too contrived at times, but it makes the banter all the more amusing. 4 out of 5 stars.