The former
Muddy Waters drummer
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith turns in an enjoyable, but unremarkable, set of Chicago blues with
Bag Full of Blues. Supported by
Pinetop Perkins and
Fabulous Thunderbirds harpist
Kim Wilson,
Smith runs through a set of mid-tempo blues, combining some competent originals with covers like "Baby Please Don't Go." There's not many solos --
Wilson mainly shines, while guitarists
James Wheeler,
Nick Moss, and Gareth Best all contribute small, pithy leads -- but the grooves are nice and relaxed.
Bag Full of Blues may not be a jaw-dropper, but it does have some fine moments. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine