ALBUMS: DELTA BOUND

BUY CD – U.S. BUY CD – INTERNATIONAL ITUNES AMAZON

Delta Bound celebrates Mississippi Heat’s 20th year in the business, and their 10th recording! This is a strong and heartfelt post-war blues CD, with a true vintage feel. Fourteen original songs, twelve by Pierre Lacocque, and two written and/or arranged by Inetta Visor. Chubby Carrier, Billy Flynn, Carl Weathersby, & Deitra Farr appear as guests. (2012)

1. GRANNY MAE

2. LOOK-A-HERE, BABY

3. NEW ORLEANS MAN

4. MY MOTHER’S PLEA

5. DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

6. PADLOCK BLUES

7. WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME?

8. THE BLUES MATRIX

9. GOIN’ TO ST. LOUIS

10. TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL

11. MR. MISTREATER

12. LEMON TWIST

13. SWEET OL’ BLUES

14. EASY TO PLEASE

The late guitarist Honeyboy Edwards wrote in his autobiography, The World Don’t Owe Me Nothing, that the blues is “something that leads you,” a restlessness born of both discontent and hope. The archetypical blues traveler seeks sanctuary as well as freedom, a safe haven “further on down the line.” Pierre Lacocque, founder of Mississippi Heat, still remembers the day when this realization came alive for him.

“I was born in Israel,” he recalls. “We are a Christian family, but extremely attracted to Jewish thinking and theology; my father (Andre Lacocque) is a world renowned Old Testament scholar…

Being in a Jewish school (in Brussels, where Pierre and his family moved when he was about six years old) always made me feel different. My brother, sister, and I were the only non-Jews, ever, in the history of that school, to attend. And Belgium is a Catholic country, and we are Protestant, so that was also a kind of different feel. So I was always searching for roots – ‘Where do I belong? Who am I?”

In 1969, Pierre’s father took a faculty position at the Chicago Theological Seminary, and the family moved to America. Adrift in yet another new country, Pierre found himself one evening strolling aimlessly around the campus of the University of Chicago, where the Seminary is located. “It was toward the end of the summer, as I recall . . . I had no idea – here I am from Belgium, I don’t speak English, and I was just walking along, a little bored; then I heard a sound coming from a few blocks away. I said, ‘Man! What the heck is that?’ So I kept walking towards it, with my heart beating and everything – “Damn! I got to go to this! I got to go to this!!”

The “sound” that drew him was the harmonica of blues legend Big Walter Horton, who was playing a concert at Ida Noyes Hall on campus. Entering the hall, Pierre encountered nothing less than a revelation. “I did not know that blues existed as a music form,” he insists, “until I came to Chicago. I never had heard it before in my life until 1969. Big Walter – of course I didn’t know who he was at the time, a harmonica player, with an amplifier on a chair, and then the bass, guitar, and drums. Like a lightning bolt, it just converted my life; it just changed my life’s meaning. I never knew this existed – that sound, that tone. I just said, ‘This is what I want to do!’

In 1970, he moved to Montreal to pursue his education; when he wasn’t studying, he continued to hone his chops. He eventually hooked up with a local band called Oven and got a further taste of the blues life when he and his bandmates were burned by a shyster promoter. He returned to Chicago in 1976, but rather than leaping back into the city’s blues scene, he took time off to earn a doctorate in psychology and embark on a career as a clinician and researcher. By the late ‘80s, though, he was again feeling restless, and he decided it was time to take the plunge into music once more.

Now a proficient harpist, Pierre worked with various blues aggregations around town. But he craved the opportunity to express himself more fully. “I felt the cry in blues,” he explains, “but also the truth about the music. (Guitarist) Jon McDonald, who was a friend of mine, invited me to one of his gigs; it just happened that (bassist) Bob Stroger and (drummer/vocalist) Robert Covington were part of his band. We had such a great time that his brother Michel said, ‘Let’s form a band! I’ll be your manager.”

The result was Mississippi Heat. “Jon McDonald was the first guitarist, and Bob Stroger, and Covington was on drums in the beginning. Then Bob Carter took over [on drums] because Covington wanted to be a front man. ‘The Golden Voice,’ man! He had such an impressive stage presence, and his voice, it was just amazing.” That voice (as well as Covington’s drumming) was featured on the band’s debut CD, 1992’s Straight From The Heart. But Covington was suffering from health problems. On Stroger’s recommendation, Pierre recruited vocalist Deitra Farr. With Deitra at the helm, a reconstituted Mississippi Heat recorded Learned The Hard Way in 1994 and Thunder In My Heart the following year.

By that time, Mississippi Heat’s ‘traditional blues with a unique sound,’ as their slogan puts it, had been codified, and it’s remained intact ever since. Through myriad personnel changes, which have included stints by some of Chicago’s most esteemed musicians and vocalists (Katherine Davis, who appears on 1999’s Handyman, took over after Deitra struck out on her own in the mid-’90s; the incendiary Inetta Visor stepped in in 2001 and has held the mic ever since), Pierre’s beloved dream band has become both a Chicago mainstay and an international ambassador of the living blues tradition.

This CD, Delta Bound, is both a showcase for fresh material and an affectionate look back – Deitra has returned to sing a few songs; guitarist Billy Flynn, another early member, is also on hand to contribute his deft meld of rootsy integrity and forward-looking flash. And as usual, the special guests – including Zydeco great Chubby carrier, keyboardist Chris “Hambone” Cameron, and fretboard mainstay Carl Weathersby – ignite almost as many sparks as the core unit itself.

Through it all, the group’s shared passion for blues expression, in all its soul-baring honesty, is palpable. “Sweet Ol’ Blues, I’m so glad you’re my friend,” sings Deitra, in what could stand as both Pierre’s and the entire band’s theme song. “You are my trusted companion, now – yes, my pal, forever on end.”

LINER NOTES BY PETER DAVID WHITEIS

“Fantastico!”
-VINCENTE ZUMEL, LA HORA DEL BLUES, RADIO PICA 96’6 FM. BARCELONA, SPAIN

“Whoa! What a spectacular release…”
–CHEFJIMI PATRICOLA, RADIO DJ, BLUES411, PITTSFORD, NY

“Vibrant, well-played… their best recording to date. one of the best combo currently active in the Windy City.”
–BRUNO CONTI, BLUES WRITER, PASSIONE MUSICA/DISCO CLUB, ITALY

“It is always a pleasure to see a new offering from Mississippi Heat, because you always know you are going to hear some fantastic, down-home, deep-Chicago-styled blues, plus the band is eclectic enough that they always toss in a surprise or two! And, “Delta Bound” marks not only their tenth overall recording (and fourth for Delmark), but their twentieth year performing! The anchor of the band remains the mighty harp of Pierre Lacocque, himself a disciple of both Walters, both Sonny Boys, and every other one of the greats that blew thru the Windy City! And, Inetta Visor’s big voice is joined by an early member of the Heat, Deitra Farr, on three cuts. Add in special guest appearances by Carl weathersby and Billy Flynn on guitar, and Chubby Carrier’s accordion on one cut, and this truly becomes an All-Star affair! … Pierre Lacocque and Mississippi Heat have not only made lifelong friends with the blues, but with all of us fans that love their unique blend of contemporary Chicago blues! Delta Bound is Mississippi Heat best recording yet!”
–SHERYL AND DON CROW – NASHVILLE BLUES SOCIETY, TN

“Fantastic Album!”
–PASCAL DELMAS, PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN, FRANCE

“A masterpiece.”
–BERND KREIKMANN, HANOVER, GERMANY

“I love the album…. thanks for the wonderful tunes and Blues. Quite the personal history you have, Pierre. The blues do seem to suit you because you do play so well.”
–RON WATERMAN, RADIO DJ, GRAND JUNCTION, CO

“[I] greatly admire your work.”
–ADAM GUSSOW, HARP MASTER AND TEACHER, MODERNBLUESHARMONICA.COM

“Great job, Pierre.”
–JON GINDICK, HARP MASTER AND TEACHER, MALIBU, CA

“Delta Bound carries on the tradition, with Lacocque leading the way with his tough as nails, fat and crunchy harp tones. I was hard pressed to distinguish between the vocal stylings of Inetta Visor and Deitra Farr. I listened to the CD before checking credits and had no idea which songs Farr sat in upon. Neither are what I’d call “blues shouters”. They don’t go for the vocal histrionics of some that ply the trade. I like that. … They get what the deep blues is all about. Even though Lacocque’s tone throughout the proceedings rips and roars for the most part, he can call up a rounded, horn like, tenor sax vibe at will, or for variety, lay back a bit and display his acoustic chops. … [If] it’s taken you twenty years to discover what Mississippi Heat is all about, I’d say better late than never and this CD would provide a great entry point for the introduction. Well played, well sung, well written, and well, you know, just a darned good blues recording.”
–RICCHARD “RICKY” BUSH, BLUES WRITER AND BLOGGER, TEXAS

“Wonderful!”
–EUGENIO MARTINS Júnior, JOURNALIST, BRAZIL

“I’d like to congratulate you with the 20th anniversary of Mississippi Heat. I didn’t know that the band existed for so long. … “WOOOHHH! This is great!” Again you got a bunch of great musicians grouped around you! I remember our chat about the discography of MH, and that it would be hard to exceed your CD, “Footprints on the ceiling”. But with “Delta Bound” you succeeded. An enrichment to my CD collection!”
–PETER OTTENHEIM, BLUES PROMOTER, THE NETHERLANDS

“DELTA BOUND sounds great – great songs, singers, and the harmonica playing is really fantastic. It’s my favorite “Mississippi Heat” album so far.”
–DOV HAMMER – FACEBOOK, PROFESSIONAL HARMONICA PLAYER, ISRAEL

“Fourteen tracks. Fourteen diamonds for a jewel of an album! To my mind, Delta Bound is the best CD ever recorded by Mississippi Heat. As usual, the guests (Chubby Carrier, Carl Weathersby, Billy Flynn, Deitra Farr, …) bring a cohesion to the album and the immediately recognizable style of Pierre Lacocque is a real delight for the listener. Undoubtedly a must on your CD shelf.”
–GEORGES LEMAIRE (BELGIUM), BLUES HISTORIAN, AMAZON.FR

“Splendid! Your best recording yet.”
–ELISABETH BRUNNER, CHICAGO

“It’s hard to believe that Mississippi Heat has been rocking audiences with their throwback Chicago blues sound for twenty years now, time flying when you’re having fun and all that, but two decades on the band is still going strong. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Delta Bound is the band’s tenth album, a fourteen-track collection of mostly original material featuring a dozen songs penned by Mississippi Heat frontman and harp wizard Pierre Lacocque, and two more written and/or arranged by singer Inetta Visor, including an incredible version of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” a big hit for Eric Burdon and the Animals back in 1965. The album also includes guest shots from guitarist Carl Weathersby, original band singer Deitra Farr, and zydeo great Chubby Carrier.”
–DELMARK RECORDS

“Spectacular! It’s got everything. We don’t know how you do it — it’s fresh yet has history (a stroke-of- genius idea to celebrate your 20th anniversary and to bring in a great line up to support that) plus a sophistication, unmatched, anywhere, not to mention remaining very ‘music forward’. Always very personal with a healthy dose of “Pierre’s wit and wisdom”. I’ve been listening all day, and every track is my favorite. This newest CD (as all of it’s predecessors’) is a gift to us all. And we thank you so very, very much. Keep ’em coming!”
–KYRA SEMKOVA, CHICAGO

“Wow! What a treat it’s been to listen to the CD you sent! A great mix of blues styles! A greattribute to your 20th anniversary celebration of ‘Mississippi Heat'”
–KEN HALL, VIBRAPHONIST [GUEST STAR ON DELTA BOUND]

“Very impressive my friend, nice CD!”
–CURT ST CYR – HARP PLAYER FROM SAN FRANCISCO

“Very nice sound! What a nice band you have.”
–BRUNO LOPES, blueson-radio.com [BRAZIL]

“What a recording !!! Outstanding.”
–YANNICK LAGUIDE, PROFESSIONAL BLUES MUSICIAN, FRANCE

“Another 5 stars production. Great rendition of [The Animals’]“Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”. The whole CD is a winner. Great Material … outstanding Harp playing from Pierre. This is a Must to add to anyone’s Collection.”
–JOHNNY ACE, VINTAGE HARMONICA MICROPHONES [AND AWESOME HARP PLAYER]

“This tenth album recorded by Mississippi Heat is one of the best I listened to, so far, in 2012. The compositions skills of Piere Lacocque are amazing , the band is in phase and as always, the guests are well chosen and outstanding : zydeco icon Chubby Carrier (“New Orleans man”) , guitar wizzards Carl Weathersby (2 tracks) and Billy Flynn (4 tracks), a welcome return to the roots for Billy ….and for singer Deitra Farr whose tone of voice is so attractive (3 tracks). A very good’un, not to be missed”
–ROBERT S., AMAZON.COM

“Bravo à vous tous pour cette galette royale.”
–BERNARD VILLENEUVE, WILLING BOOKING AGENCY, TOULOUSE, FRANCE

“Quel plaisir d’avoir de tes nouvelles et de découvrir un si bel album de Mississippi Heat!”
–DAVID BAERST, RADIO DJ, ALSACE, FRANCE

“Je suis fan, Pierre ! Bravo, toujours aussi bon ! et je partage . C’est du bon de chez bon”
–PAUL LASSEY, HARP MASTER AND TEACHER, FRANCE

“SUPER!!! Et puis quel son, wouah! C’est encore une fois vraiment très très bon !!”
– JEAN-MARC HENAUX, PROFESSIONAL HARP PLAYER, FRANCE

“Cet album est vraiment très beau, bien né et abouti comme on dit dans le jargon.”
–PATRICK BAILLY, FAN, BELGIUM

“Delta Bound, qui célèbre les 20 ans du groupe, nous invite à un voyage musical fait sonorités classiques (Lemon twist) et d’arrangements exotiques (New Orleans man) qui raviront les oreilles du fan convaincu comme celles de l’explorateur avide de pures sensations blues. Quant aux textes servant les 14 titres de l’album, ils toucheront par leur sincérité et leur justesse, tout autant que les retrouvailles à l’origine de l’enregistrement de Delta Bound. Une aventure musicale et humaine à conseiller sans la moindre hésitation ! I love this CD and I play it almost every day. ”
–JOACHIM DESTERCKE, PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN – BELGIUM, AMAZON.COM

“Superbe!”
–MYRIAM DEVOS, FAN AND MUSICIAN, FRANCE

“Je l’ai déjà écouté quelques fois et je dois dire que c’est (encore !!!) un petit chef d’oeuvre !!! Tous les titres sont excellents et portent l’empreinte, reconnaissable entre mille, de Mississippi Heat.”
–GEORGES LEMAIRE, BOOKING AGENT, BLUES HISTORIAN, BELGIUM

“Encore des terres inconnues sublimées par d’excellents guitaristes, une rythmique fine ,éfficace, subtile et que dire du chant des très grandes dames qui t’ accompagnent [Pierre Lacocque] !!! Que du bonheur, et bien sur une excellente production. Un grand BRAVO à tous.”
–YANNICK LAGUIDE, PROFESSIONAL BLUES MUSICIAN, FRANCE

“Ce 10e album gravé par Mississippi Heat fera date et figurera parmi les meilleurs enregistrés en 2012; les talents de compositeur de Pierre Lacocque sont stupéfiants, les accompagnateurs sont au top et , comme toujours, les guests sont bien choisis , qu’il s’agisse de l’icone du zydeco, l’accordéoniste Chubby Carrier (“New Orleans Man”) ou des super guitaristes Carl Weathersby (2 faces) et Billy Flynn (4 faces), un retour aux sources pour ce dernier comme pour la chanteuse Deitra Farr dont le timbre de voix est tellement envoûtant (3 faces). Excellent, à ne pas rater.”
–ROBERT S., AMAZON.FR [FRANCE]

“Mississippi Heat, l’excellente formation de Chicago, formée autour de l’harmoniciste Pierre Lacocque, découvreur-incubateur de talents, célèbre son vingtième anniversaire avec ce nouvel et superbe album, le dixième au compteur. Delta Bound contient 14 titres originaux (douze signés par Pierre Lacocque, deux par Inetta Visor la chanteuse du groupe) plus une superbe reprise de «Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood»( chanson écrite par Nina Simone et popularisée par Eric Burdon & The Animals). Le Blues traditionnel au son unique. Pierre Lacocque, originaire de Belgique est arrivé à Chicago à l’âge de 17 ans; au Theresa’s, il fait plus ample connaissance avec Junior Wells qui sera sa deuxième grande influence. Il l’accompagne parfois sur scène ainsi que Phil Guy, le frère de Buddy. A la fin des années 80, après une période universitaire passée à Montréal, il se remet au blues et accompagne Calvin Jones, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, et Pinetop Perkins. Mississippi Heat est né dans la chaleur d’une nuit de l’année 1991, au Café Lura à Chicago, quand le guitariste Jon McDonald invite Pierre à jouer de l’harmo avec lui et Robert Covington (à la batterie et vocaux). De cette soirée mémorable naîtra un groupe culte dans la “Windy City”, qui réunira au fil des années parmi les meilleurs interprètes du Blues, mariant avec bonheur tradition et modernité, dans le sillage des anciens, Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed ou Sonny Boy Williamson, parmi tant d’autres. Plus tard, Bob Stroger vient renforcer la section rythmique à la basse. Peu après, Jon McDonald a cédé la place à Little Smokey Smothers et lorsque celui-ci est parti, il a été remplacé par les guitares de Billy Flynn et de James Wheeler.”
–GEORGES LEMAIRE (BELGIUM), BLUES HISTORIAN AMAZON.FR [FRANCE]

GRANNY MAE

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. I CAN HEAR THE TRAIN
I HEAR THAT SWEET MELODY
I’M SO EXCITED
MY BABY IS COMING HOME TO ME
V: IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS
TEARS KEEP RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS

.2. I DIDN’T WANT HIM TO GO
BUT HIS GRANDMA GOT ILL
[AND] WHEN SHE IS NEED
SHE JUST WOULDN’T LET YOU BE STILL
V: IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS
TEARS KEEP RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS

.3. I NEVER LIKED HIS “GRANNY MAE”
BUT SHE HAD A NASTY FALL
HER HEALTH WAS FADING FAST
BUT SHE KEPT ON DRINKING ALCOHOL
V: IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS [STOP]
TEARS KEEP RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS

.4. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARMONICA SOLO

.5. “GRANNY” MAE IS DEAD AND GONE
SHE PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY
TREATED ME LIKE A DOORMAT
NO, SHE NEVER TOOK A SHINE TO ME
V: IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS [STOP]
TEARS KEEP RUNNING DOWN MY CHEEKS

.6. BILLY SATTERFIELD [X2]

.7. I CAN HEAR THE TRAIN A-COMING
I CAN HEAR THAT SWEET MELODY
I’M SO EXCITED
YOU’RE ALMOST HOME HERE WITH ME
V: LORD, IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS
NO MORE TEARS UPON MY CHEEKS

.8. IT’S BEEN A LONG LONG TIME
I HOPE HE WON’T BE LATE
HE SAID HE MISSED ME TOO
YOU KNOW I JUST CAN’T WAIT
V: IT’S BEEN 8 LONG WEEKS
NO MORE TEARS UPON MY CHEEKS

.9. NO MORE TEARS
– –
NO MORE TEARS

LOOK-A-HERE, BABY

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

GUEST SINGER: DEITRA FARR

.1. LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
IV: LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE
I TRIED THE BEST THAT I COULD

BREAK:
.2. YOU KEEP ON WORRYING
I’LL STEAL OFF WITH ANOTHER MAN
WHY YOUR MISTRUST?
I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND
IV: LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE
I LOVED YOU THE BEST THAT I COULD

BREAK:
.3. YOU TRIED TO CATCH ME LYING
BY LOOKING AT A PHONE BILL
YOU PUT ME UNDER PRESSURE
YOU DIDN’T CARE IF IT MADE ME ILL
IV: LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
LOOK-A-HERE, BABY [PAGE 2]

YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE
I TRIED THE BEST THAT I COULD

.4. BILLY SATTERFIELD: GUITAR SOLO

.5. YOU SEARCHED AND SEARCHED
DEEP INSIDE MY PURSE
YOU SAY YOU DON’T WANT TO LOSE ME
BUT YOU’VE MADE MATTERS WORSE
IV: LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE
I LOVED YOU THE BEST THAT I COULD

.6. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARMONICA SOLO

BREAK:
.7. YOU KEEP ON WORRYING
I’LL STEAL OFF WITH ANOTHER MAN
WHY YOUR MISTRUST?
I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND
IV: LOOK-A-HERE, LOOK-A-HERE
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE
AND I LOVED YOU THE BEST THAT I COULD

.8. OH, OH BABY …
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
IV: BABY,
YOU DON’T MEAN ME NO GOOD
V: OUR GOOD DAYS ARE LONG GONE:
BREAK:
I HAVE TRIED THE BEST THAT I COULD

NEW ORLEANS MAN

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

CHUBBY CARRIER: ACCORDION

.1. MY MAN FROM LOUISIANA
HE LOVES MOST EVERYTHING ABOUT ME
IV: YES, MY MAN FROM LOUISIANA
HE LOVES MOST EVERYTHING ABOUT ME
V: I AM A LUCKY-LUCKY GIRL
ALL MY FRIENDS WOULD AGREE

.2. HIS NAME IS JORDAN
AND HE HAILS FROM NEW ORLEANS
IV: YES, HIS NAME IS JORDAN
AND HE HAILS FROM NEW ORLEANS
V: HE IS AS TALL AS HE IS HANDSOME
THE FINEST MAN I HAVE EVER SEEN

.3. HE COOKS A MEAN JAMBALAYA
AND I LOVE HIS RICE AND BEANS
IV: HE COOKS A MEAN JAMBALAYA
AND I LOVE HIS RICE AND BEANS
V: THERE IS NO WAY ON THIS EARTH
I’D TRADE MY MAN FROM NEW ORLEANS

.4. CHUBBY CARRIER: ACCORDION SOLO
KEITH BLAIR: GUITAR SOLO

.5. I HAVE NEVER MET A MAN
WHO IS THAT EASY TO UNDERSTAND
IV: NO, I HAVE NEVER MET A MAN
WHO IS THAT EASY TO UNDERSTAND
V: HE IS ALWAYS GOOD TO ME
ALWAYS GIVES ME A HELPING HAND

.6. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO
CHUBBY CARRIER: ACCORDION SOLO

.7. HE COOKS A MEAN JAMBALAYA
HOW I LOVE HIS RICE AND BEANS
IV: HE COOKS A MEAN JAMBALAYA
HOW I LOVE HIS RICE AND BEANS
V: THERE IS NO WAY ON THIS EARTH
I’D TRADE MY MAN FROM NEW ORLEANS

.7. CHUBBY CARRIER: ACCORDION SOLO
EXIT

MY MOTHER’S PLEA

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. BEFORE SHE TOOK HER LAST BREATH
MY MOTHER SHARED THESE WORDS WITH ME
IV: YES, BEFORE SHE TOOK HER LAST BREATH
MY MOTHER SHARED THESE WISE WORDS WITH ME
V: SHE SAID “BABY, DO AS I DID WITH MY LIFE
TRUST ME, THERE AIN’T NO OTHER WAY TO BE”

SHE SAID:
.2. EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD IS SPECIAL
WHETHER THEY BE A CHILD, WOMAN OR A MAN
IV: YES, EVERYONE IN THIS WORLD IS SPECIAL
WHETHER THEY BE A CHILD, WOMAN OR A MAN
V: PLEASE DO AS I DID, DARLING
LIFE’S PURPOSE AIN’T HARD TO UNDERSTAND

.3. PIERRE LACOCQUE: CHROMATIC SOLO

.4. BILLY SATTERFIELD: GUITAR SOLO

.5. GO AND HELP THE POOR, MY CHILD
AND DON’T YOU FORGET THE SICK ‘N ELDERLY
IV: YES, GO AND HELP THE POOR, BABY
DON’T YOU FORGET THE SICK ‘N ELDERLY
V: HONEY, DO AS I DID WITH MY LIFE
I TELL YOU, IT WORKED WONDERS FOR ME

MY MOTHER’S PLEA

.6. CHRIS “HAMBONE” CAMERON:
PIANO SOLO

.7. TREAT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WELL
PLEASE LISTEN WHEN THEY WANT TO TALK
IV: YES, TREAT YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WELL
PLEASE LISTEN WHEN THEY WANT TO TALK
V: DARLING, DO AS I DID WITH MY LIFE
AND AWAY FROM YOU, THEY’LL NEVER WALK

DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

Bennie Benjamin, Gloria Caldwell and Sol Marcus; EMI Music Publishing, BMI; Warner/Chappell Music, INC. Arrangements, K. Thompson

.1. BABY … DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME NOW?
SOMETIMES I FEEL A LITTLE MAD
BUT DON’T YOU KNOW THAT NO ONE ALIVE
CAN ALWAYS BE AN ANGEL
SOMETIMES I FEEL A LITTLE BAD

BRIDGE

BUT I’M JUST A SOUL
WHOSE INTENTIONS ARE GOOD
OH LORD,
PLEASE DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

.2. BABY … DON’T YOU KNOW I’M ONLY HUMAN
I HAVE THOUGHTS LIKE ANY OTHER ONE
BUT SOMETIMES I FIND MYSELF,
LORD, REGRETTING
THE FOOLISH THINGS THAT I HAVE DONE

BRIDGE

BUT I’M JUST A SOUL
WHOSE INTENTIONS ARE GOOD
OH LORD,
PLEASE DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

IF I SEEM EDGY, I WANT YOU TO KNOW
THAT I NEVER MEANT TO TAKE IT OUT ON YOU
LIFE HAS ITS PROBLEMS, AND I GET MY SHARE
THAT’S THE ONE THING I NEVER MEAN TO DO
‘CAUSE I LOVE YOU …

.3. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.4. CARL WEATHERSBY: GUITAR SOLO

.5. BABY … DON’T YOU KNOW I’M ONLY HUMAN
I HAVE THOUGHTS LIKE ANY OTHER ONE
BUT SOMETIMES I FIND MYSELF,
LORD, REGRETTING
SOME FOOLISH THINGS THAT I’VE DONE

BRIDGE

I’M JUST A SOUL
WHOSE INTENTIONS ARE GOOD
OH LORD,
PLEASE DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD
… DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

I’M ONLY HUMAN
DON’T LET ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD
BAND VAMPING:
PIERRE LACOCQUE AND CARL WEATHERSBY TRADING SOLOS

I FEEL SO CAREFREE
WITH A JOY THAT’S HARD TO HIDE

OH LORD
I’M ONLY HUMAN
DON’T LE ME BE MISUNDERSTOOD

PADLOCK BLUES

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. YOU’RE A GOOD MAN
AND I KNOW YOU MEAN WELL
BUT I AM LONELY AND CRYING
LIKE A JAILBIRD IN A CELL
V: CAN THIS PADLOCK BE OPENED
IF I CAN’T FIND … THE KEY?

.2. I HAVE KNOWN YOU
FOR A LONG-LONG TIME
I’M WONDERING, BABY
IF YOU’RE REALLY STILL MINE
V: CAN THIS PADLOCK BE OPENED
IF I CAN’T FIND THE RIGHT KEY?

BRIDGE:

.3. YOU’RE BUSY, ON THE RUN
NO TIME FOR A PHONE CALL
I NEED TO HOLD YOU CLOSE
LIKE A BABY HOLDS HER DOLL
I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL
BUT THE DISTANCE SEEMS SO HARD
YOU GOT TO STEP IT UP BABY
YOUR LOVIN’ AIN’T THE PAR

.4. I WILL NOT KEEP YOU
IF YOU CONTINUE THIS WAY
WHAT IS IT SWEET DARLING
THAT MAKES YOU STAY AWAY?
V: CAN THIS LOCK BE OPENED
IF I CANNOT FIND THE RIGHT KEY?

.5. CHRISTOPHER “HAMBONE” CAMERON: PIANO SOLO

.6. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

BRIDGE:
.7. YOU’RE BUSY, ON THE RUN
NO TIME FOR A PHONE CALL
I NEED TO HOLD YOU CLOSE
LIKE A BABY HOLDS HER DOLL
I LOVE YOU HEART AND SOUL
BUT THE DISTANCE SEEMS SO HARD
YOU GOT TO STEP IT UP BABY
YOUR LOVIN’ AIN’T THE PAR

.8. YOU’RE A GOOD MAN
AND I KNOW YOU MEAN WELL
BUT I AM LONELY AND CRYING
LIKE A JAILBIRD IN A CELL
V: CAN THIS LOCK BE OPENED
IF I CAN’T FIND … THE RIGHT KEY?

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME?

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

GUEST SINGER: DEITRA FARR

.1. MY MAN DONE TOLD ME
DON’T WANT ME AROUND NO MORE
IV: YES, MY MAN DONE TOLD ME
DON’T WANT ME AROUND NO MORE
V: I’VE BEEN CRYING SO MUCH
MY EYES HURT FROM BEING SORE

.2. HE GAVE ME NO GOOD REASON
HE SAID HE HAD A CHANGE OF HEART
IV: HE GAVE ME NO GOOD REASON
SAID HE HAD A CHANGE OF HEART
V: WELL I NEVER SAW IT COMING, GIRLS
MY SOUL IS TORN APART

.3. I SCREAMED AND I PLEADED
BUT HIS MIND REMAINED SET
AFTER ALL I’VE DONE
IS THIS THE THANKS I GET?
IV: MY MAN DONE TOLD ME
HE DON’T WANT ME AROUND NO MORE
V: I’VE BEEN CRYING SO MUCH
MY EYES HURT FROM BEING SORE

.4. CHRISTOPHER “HAMBONE” CAMERON:
PIANO SOLO

.5. BILLY FLYNN: GUITAR SOLO

.6. OH LORD-LORD, LORD
WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME?
I TRUSTED HIM BLIND
NOW I’M IN MISERY
IV: MY MAN DONE TOLD ME
DON’T WANT ME AROUND NO MORE
V: I’VE BEEN CRYING SO MUCH
MY EYES HURT FROM BEING SORE

.7. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.8. HE BETTER LEAVE TOWN
BEFORE I SHOOT HIM DEAD
HE BETTER GET GOING
THIS GIRL IS PACKING LEAD
MY MAN DONE TOLD ME
DON’T WANT ME AROUND NO MORE
REPEAT [X3]
I’VE BEEN CRYING SO MUCH
MY EYES HURT FROM BEING SORE

THE BLUES MATRIX

I. Visor & D.D. Shonie; The Spiritworks & DeeDee Shonie Music, BMI. Arrangements by I. Visor & D. Morgan

.1. HAVE YOU LOOKED AT YOUR SURROUNDINGS?
THOUGHT YOU’VE DONE THIS THING BEFORE
IT’S THE SAME FEELING OF STRANGENESS
THAT JUST WON’T LET YOU GO
YEAH YOU’RE RUNNING A RAT RACE
WITH NO END IN SIGHT
YOU’RE ASKING IF THERE IS A GOD
OR SHOULD I CONTINUE THIS FIGHT?
IF SOMEBODY GAVE YOU A CHOICE
TO FIND OUT THE MASTER PLAN
AND ALL YOU HAVE TO DO
WAS CHOOSE 1 OR 2 PILLS IN A HAND

BRIDGE
THE RED PILL YOU CAN USE IT
TO KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN IN THE SAND
THE GREEN PILL WILL GIVE YOU THE TRUTH
WILL YOU USE IT TO TAKE A STAND?
THE RED PILL, IT WON’T RACK YOUR BRAIN
IT’LL KEEP YOU RUNNIN’ ON THE SAME WHEEL
THE GREEN PILL WILL HAVE YOU RECOGNIZE
THAT YOU’RE GETTING A DIRTY DEAL

CHILD, YOU ARE LIVING IN BLUES MATRIX UHU …

.2. MAYBE YOUR LOVE IS IN DANGER
LET ME HELP YOU UNDERSTAND
HE IS LOVING ANOTHER WOMAN
OR MAYBE HE IS LOVING ANOTHER MAN
HE IS COMING IN AT SIX IN THE MORNING
AND YOU’RE TRYIN’ NOT TO YELL
YOUR HEART IS SAYING “NO NEVER”
BUT YOUR SPIRIT IS GIVING YOU HELL
IF SOMEBODY GAVE YOU A CHOICE
TO FIND IF HIS LOVE WAS TRUE
OR ARE YOU BEING A GOOD WIFE
WHILE HE IS MAKING A FOOL OUT OF YOU

.3. GILES COREY: GUITAR SOLO

.4. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

BRIDGE
.5. THE RED PILL YOU CAN USE IT
TO KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN IN THE SAND
THE GREEN PILL WILL GIVE YOU THE TRUTH
WILL YOU USE IT TO TAKE A STAND?
THE RED PILL YOU CAN LAY DOWN
AND GO TO SLEEP FOR A WHILE
MAYBE YOU BETTER NOT TAKE THAT GREEN PILL
IT MAY BE HIS FUNERAL AND YOUR TRIAL
LOVE, YOU ARE LIVING IN A BLUES MATRIX
GO ON AND FREE YOUR MIND … YEAH

TIME TO WAKE UP …
YES, YOU’RE LIVING IN THE BLUES MATRIX

HONEY, YOU’RE LIVING IN THE BLUES MATRIX
UHU … JUST LIKE THAT MOVIE
YOU BETTER WAKE UP

GOIN’ TO ST. LOUIS

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. LIKE AN OLD ENGINE
I AM SLOWLY FALLING APART
IV: I WANT TO KEEP ON GOING
I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START
V: TROUBLE-TROUBLE
PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE

.2. I CANNOT SLEEP – CANNOT EAT
EVERYTHING LOOKS SO HOPELESS
IV: I’M ABOUT TO LOSE MY JOB
AND MY MIND WON’T LET ME REST
V: TROUBLE-TROUBLE
PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE

.3. MY SISTER IN ST. LOUIS
SHE ONCE HAD THESE TROUBLES TOO
IV: SHE SAID “COME TO MISSOURI,
AND I’LL HELP YOU WORK THEM THROUGH”
V: TROUBLE-TROUBLE
PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE

.4. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.5. KENNETH HALL: VIBRAPHONE SOLO

.6. HEY TROUBLE —
WHY DON’T YOU LET ME BE?
IV: YOU KNOW YOU’RE MAKING A FOOL
A DARN FOOL OUT OF ME
V: TROUBLE-TROUBLE
PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE

.7. MY SISTER IN ST. LOUIS
SHE ONCE HAD THESE TROUBLES TOO
SHE SAID “COME TO MISSOURI,
AND I’LL HELP YOU WORK THEM THROUGH”
TROUBLE-TROUBLE
PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE
REPEAT [x3]

TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. I DO NOT TRUST MY MAN
HE LEAVES TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL
IV: NO, I DO NOT TRUST MY MAN
HE LEAVES NOTHING BUT TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL
V: HE IS SO CARELESS ABOUT OUR MONEY
NOW THE FEDS ARE HEAVY ON OUR TAIL

BREAK:
.2. HE BUYS EXPENSIVE THINGS
THINGS WE CANNOT AFFORD
HE MAXED OUT OUR CREDIT CARDS
NOW THE JUDGE WANTS US IN COURT
IV: I DON’T TRUST MY MAN
HE LEAVES BUT TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL
V: HE IS SO CARELESS ABOUT OUR MONEY
NOW THE FEDS ARE HEAVY ON OUR TAIL

.3. HE SPENT ALL OF OUR MONEY
ON GAMBLING AND ALL THAT JAZZ
HE DID NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW
NOW HE IS FLIRTING WITH ALCATRAZ
IV: I DON’T TRUST MY MAN
HE LEAVES TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL
V: HE IS SO CARELESS ABOUT OUR MONEY
NOW THE FEDS ARE HEAVY ON OUR TAIL

.4. BILLY FLYNN: GUITAR SOLO

.5. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.6. GOT TO MOVE IN WITH AUNT MARIE
IT BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES
HE SAYS HE’S GOING TO CHANGE
BUT I KNOW HE IS TELLING ME LIES
IV: I DON’T TRUST MY MAN
HE LEAVES TROUBLE IN HIS TRAIL
V: HE IS SO CARELESS ABOUT OUR MONEY
NOW THE FEDS ARE HEAVY ON OUR TAIL

MR. MISTREATER

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. I GOT A LETTER TODAY
WITH YOUR PICTURE IN IT
IT SHOWS YOU KISSING A WOMAN
IN A SKIMPY OUTFIT
THE PHOTO I SEE HERE
IS CLEAR AND EXPLICIT
THE LESS I SEE OF YOU
THE BETTER OFF I’LL BE

.2. YOUR NEIGHBOR MARYANNE
SAVED ME [FROM] A LENGTHY HUMILIATION
SHE SENT ME THIS PICTURE
TO AVOID A WORSE DEVASTATION
I AM STUNNED AND I’M SHOCKED NOW, BABY
BUT I’M LEAVING THIS SITUATION
THE LESS I SEE OF YOU
THE BETTER OFF I’LL BE

BRIDGE:
.3. LIKE A SAVVY SALESMAN
YOU PROMISED ME THE MOON
HAD ME SWALLOWED EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME
HAD ME EATING OFF YOUR SPOON
DON’T BOTHER EXPLAINING NOW BABY

IT WOULD ALL BE IN VAIN
QUITTING YOU AIN’T SOON ENOUGH
DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME AGAIN

.4. YOU SAID YOU WERE A WIDOWER
EVEN ASKED ME TO BE YOUR WIFE
THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS
CUTS ME LIKE A HUNTING KNIFE
YOU MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME BABY
BUT I WON’T LET YOU RUIN MY LIFE
THE LESS I SEE OF YOU
THE BETTER OFF I’LL BE

.5. CARL WEATHERSBY: GUITAR SOLO

BRIDGE:
.6. LIKE A SAVVY SALESMAN
YOU PROMISED ME THE MOON
HAD ME SWALLOWED EVERYTHING YOU TOLD ME
HAD ME EATING OFF YOUR SPOON
DON’T BOTHER EXPLAINING NOW BABY
IT WOULD ALL BE IN VAIN
QUITTING YOU AIN’T SOON ENOUGH
DON’T YOU DARE CALL ME AGAIN

.7. YOU SAID YOU WERE A WIDOWER
EVEN ASKED ME TO BE YOUR WIFE
THIS IS HORRIBLE NEWS
CUTS ME LIKE A HUNTING KNIFE
YOU MADE A FOOL OUT OF ME BABY
BUT I WON’T LET YOU RUIN MY LIFE
THE LESS I SEE OF YOU
THE BETTER OFF I’LL BE

.8. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

FADE: TALKING
WHAT?
WHO IS THIS CAMERA CREW THAT IS RUNNING TOWARDS THE CAR?
IS THAT [THE TV REALITY SHOW]“CHEATERS”
WHO IS THAT WOMAN WITH THEM?
I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOUR WIFE WAS DEAD
… ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
HEY MAN GET THOSE CAMERAS OUT MY FACE
I DON’T WANT NOBODY TO SEE ME
I GOT TO WORK IN THE MORNING
WHAT ABOUT OUR ENGAGEMENT MAN?
I THOUGHT WE WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO THAT IF YOUR WIFE IS STILL ALIVE?

OH MY GOODNESS
THIS OLD CHEAP DIAMOND RING
THE DIAMOND HAS FALLEN OFF ONTO THE FLOOR
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

LEMON TWIST

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

GILES COREY: GUITAR SOLO
JOHNNY IGUANA: KEYS

SWEET OL’ BLUES

Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

GUEST SINGER: DEITRA FARR

.1. LIKE JACOB AND THE ANGEL
I FOUGHT YOU TOOTH AND NAIL
IT WAS HARD, SO DREADFUL
ALL I DID WAS SOB AND WAIL
IV: SWEET OLD BLUES
I AM SO GLAD YOU’RE MY FRIEND
V: YOU ARE MY TRUSTED COMPANION NOW
YES MY PAL FOREVER ON END

.2. YOU WERE ONCE A BITTER ENEMY
NOW I FIND YOU IN MY ARMS
YOU NEVER MEANT TO HURT ME
OR CAUSE ME ANY HARM
IV: SWEET OLD BLUES
I AM SO GLAD YOU’RE MY FRIEND
V: YOU ARE MY TRUSTED COMPANION NOW
YES MY PAL FOREVER ON END

.3. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.4. YOU ARE MY MENTOR, MY TEACHER
AND YOU SHOW ME THE WAY
TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT NOW
AND I’LL LISTEN TO WHAT YOU’LL SAY
IV: SWEET OLD BLUES
I AM SO GLAD YOU’RE MY FRIEND
V: YOU ARE MY TRUSTED COMPANION NOW
YES MY PAL FOREVER ON END

.5. BILLY FLYNN: GUITAR SOLO

.6. LIKE JACOB AND THE ANGEL
I FOUGHT YOU TOOTH AND NAIL
IT WAS HARD SO DREADFUL
ALL I DID WAS SOB AND WAIL
IV: SWEET OLD BLUES
I AM SO GLAD YOU’RE FRIEND
V: YOU ARE MY TRUSTED COMPANION NOW
YES MY PAL FOREVER ON END

EASY TO PLEASE

Music: P. Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI & C. Cameron, Chi-Bone Music, ASCAP; Lyrics: P. Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI

.1. MY BABY AND I
WE GO HAND IN GLOVE
HE IS EASY TO PLEASE
SO EASY TO LOVE
HE IS THERE FOR ME
WE SELDOM HAVE A FALL

STOP:
ONE THING ABOUT MY BABY
HE LOVES ME ALL AND ALL
IV: HE IS EASY TO PLEASE
YES, HE IS SO EASY TO PLEASE
WHEN HE IS SAD AND BOTHERED
I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
YEAH … AT EA-EA-EASE

.2. HE IS CUTE AS A BUTTON
I AM ON CLOUD NINE
HE IS SMART AS A WHIP
I’M SO GLAD THAT HE IS MINE
HE IS SWEET AS PIE
I NEVER HEAR HIM WHINE

STOP:
ONE THING ABOUT MY BABY
HE LOVES ME ALL THE TIME
IV: HE IS EASY TO PLEASE
GIRLS, HE IS SO EASY TO PLEASE
WHEN HE IS SAD AND BOTHERED
I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
YEAH …. AT EA-EA-EASE

.3. BILLY SATTERFIELD: GUITAR SOLO

.4. WHEN HE IS NEAR
WE HAVE A BALL
WHEN I NEED HIM
I DON’T HAVE TO BEG OR CRAWL
HE HOLDS NO GRUDGES
I AM AS HAPPY AS A CLAM

STOP:
ONE THING ABOUT MY BABY,
YOU’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND
IV: HE IS EASY TO PLEASE
GIRLS, HE IS SO EASY TO PLEASE
V: WHEN HE IS SAD AND BOTHERED
I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
… UHU … AT EA-EA-EASE

.5. PIERRE LACOCQUE: HARP SOLO

.6. HE IS CUTE AS A BUTTON
I AM ON CLOUD NINE
HE IS SMART AS A WHIP
I’M SO GLAD THAT HE IS MINE
HE IS SWEET AS PIE
I NEVER HEAR HIM WHINE

STOP:
SOMETHING ABOUT MY BABY:
HE LOVES ME ALL THE TIME
IV: HE IS EASY TO PLEASE
GIRLS, HE IS SO EASY TO PLEASE
V: WHEN HE IS SAD AND BOTHERED
I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
YEAH — AT EA-EA-EASE

FADE: PIERRE SOLOING
.7. I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
… AT EA-EA-EASE
… I CAN PUT HIS MIND AT EASE
… HE’S MY MAN