Tom McFarland – Travelin’ With The Blues / Arhoolie CD-9055

Description

CD 9055

In Memoriam (Jan 30 1945 – Sept 3 2004). This is the late West-Coast native Tom McFarland’s first album (plus three bonus tracks) for the first time on CD. Subject matter ranges from personal relationships to prostitutes from blues musician’s wages to the price of gasoline. Some humorous some serious all composed and performed by this remarkably tasteful and subtle blues singer guitarist and composer.

Tom McFarland – vocals and guitar; Bobby Broadhead – drums; Steve Ehrmann – bass. Selections # 11-13 previously unreleased. # 1-10 originally appeared on Arhoolie LP # 1079

1. Travelin’ With The Blues
2. You Can’t Take It With You
3. Gasoline Blues
4. You’re Killing Me
5. Going Back To Oakland
6. Street Walking Woman
7. Juicer’s Blues
8. Blues Got Me
9. Blues Up And Gone
10. Telephone Blues
11. Midnight Train
12. Big Drought In California
13. Tom’s Boogie

REVIEW

“Backed only by bass and drums McFarland’s clean guitar lines and no-nonsense vocals ring true to such mentors as B B King Freddie King and Otis Rush while his original songs present an artist quite worthy of standing in his own spotlight. McFarland died in September 2004 aged 59 so this reissue of his first major (1978) album (plus 3 extra tracks) provides a timely tribute to a fine musician who never achieved wide fame.”

(Folkroots World Music Magazine)