Mark Braun (aka
Mr. B.) is a throwback both to the Chicago blues pianists of the 1950's and the boogie-woogie masters of the 1920's and 30's. On this live set (recorded in Ann Arbor, Michigan),
Mr. B. (who takes a couple of heartfelt vocals) is featured at the head of a trio that includes bassist Kurt Krahnke and several different drummers, including
Roy Brooks on six of the dozen selections. With the exception of
Brooks' "Blues for a Carpenter" (which features the composer on musical saw!),
Blind John Davis' "When I Lost My Baby," "'Roll 'Em Pete" and a couple of adaptations of traditional material (including "Swanee River Boogie"), the material is comprised of all
Braun originals. This CD is easily recommended to blues, jazz and boogie-woogie collectors. ~ Scott Yanow