Delta Wires: Lee Cotten Review

Entire Lee Cotten Rock and Blues News Review:

Delta Wires, Take Off Your Pajamas, Live in San Francisco (Mud Slide).

Really hot blues bar bands are a rarity. I think it's the grind that kills 'em. There are a few who survive in that environment, and the Delta Wires are one band that not only survives but actually thrives. The Delta Wires are celebrating their 30th year together! The band is a 7-piece group founded by vocalist Ernie Pinata as a project of the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Pinata recruited Tom Gerrits, a childhood friend and bass guitarist; Bobby Delgado, lead guitar; and four more musicians, many of whom had worked with one of the area's top blues groups, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood. This CD, recorded live at The Saloon in San Francisco, is a great introduction to a mighty fine aggregation of pros. The boys pace their set well, starting with two self-penned songs, the super-swinging "Weary Man", and the low-down title-cut, "Take Off Your Pajamas." Along the way, every member of the band gets a chance to shine. On "J.B. In Oakland (Pass the Peas)" the horn section gets to riff on a James Brown lick for 6 minutes. About half of the numbers are cover tunes, including such bar standards as Roy Head's "Treat Her Right" and the classic "Everyday I Have the Blues." Each one is offered up with outstanding arrangements just as if it were a new piece of music. For example, they take John Lee Hooker's one-note boogie, "Dimples," and turn it into a 7-minute romp. This is "get out and sweat" music, played before an appreciative crowd. Now, ain't that where it's at.

Lee Cotten - Rock & Blues News (April/May 2000)