We all know the old expression, “the acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Fortunately for us this acorn finally came around and sprouted at the age of 69 years old. Born in 1939, and named Earnest Johnson, he’s the son of the late great blues legend Elmore James (1918-1963). Back in the 1960′s, Willie Dixon urged this budding performer to change his name from ‘Earnest Jr. – Mr. Soul’ to the more eye catching and rightful stage name of Elmore James, Jr. 
Obviously there will never be another performer as great and as important as the original Elmore James. Elmore James, Jr.’s “Daddy Gave Me The Blues” on JSP Records is a great blues record. Forget about the name of the performer, this album, recorded in August of 2007, is a down and dirty grind of Chicago club blues. Tracks like “Tore Down” and “Oh Baby” will keep you moving and looking for more. The ‘broomdusting’ style of Jr.’s daddy is well preserved and so is the hard rocking sound of his daddy. “Daddy Gave Me the Blues” is a good reminder that Elmore James was really the glue between the blues of the Delta and the Chicago electric blues sounds that became Rock N’ Roll.
Besides sons of legends, grand babies are now getting into the act and the results are also positive. The blues must live on and pianist/producer Alex Dixon has something to say about it. Alex Dixon is the grandson of the late Chess Blues writer, arranger and bassist Willie Dixon. Guitarist, vocalist and former Chess sideman Cash McCall was brought in by Alex to revive and compliment the old Chess Blues sound. The album is billed as The Blues Experience with Cash McCall, entitled “The Vintage Room” (Dixon Landing Music). 
The end result is a great collection of Muddy grinders and dance floor blues rockers. The 67 year old McCall sounds great as they open the album with “Helluva Time” a Wang-Dang- Doodle inspired tribute to the artists of the past. Willie is definitely smiling as he looks down and listens to this one from Blues Heaven. The rest of the supporting cast on this very impressive album include: Steve Bell (Carey Bell’s son – yet another acorn has fallen) on harmonica, Brady Wills on bass, Alex Dixon on piano, Vinnie Threats on drums, Dylan Cooper on upright bass, Bill “Young Blood” Learned and Katy J. on rhythm guitar. The Willie Dixon penned Chess classics reinvented on this release are: “I Just Want To Make Love To You,” “I’m Ready” and “Bring It On Home.” Alex Dixon makes his mark by not only producing this release but penning six very impressive blues numbers. I’m not only glad to see that there is another Dixon to carry on the tradition, but another blues man named Cash McCall to call one of my new favorites.
Greg “Doc” Lefebre
