ALBUMS: STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
BUY CD – U.S. BUY CD – INTERNATIONAL ITUNES AMAZON
Chicago blues at its best with Sunnyland Slim’s rhythm section (Bob Stroger and Robert Covington on bass and drums; Covington on vocals as well), Billy Flynn and James Wheeler on guitars and Pierre Lacocque on harp. A great Chicago blues CD. (1992)
1. LOVIN’ YOU
2. MIDNIGHT RIDE
3. LEAVIN’ TOWN
4. SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
5. NO SORROWS
6. RUBY MAE
7. HEARTBROKEN
8. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
9. I WISH YOU’D STAY
10. LONELY WITHOUT YOU
11. BAD LUCK
12. MOTHER-IN-LAW BLUES
13. MISSISSIPPI HEAT
Mississippi Heat features Chicago blues stars dedicated to safeguarding and promoting traditional blues. The originality of the group lies in its attempt to deliver a unique group sound rather than to highlight a specific artist. The band displays a dynamic force, as is exemplified in the eleven original songs on this recording.
Founded in January of 1992 by Pierre Lacocque, and led by him on the harmonica, Mississippi Heat preserves the post-war traditional blues sound that Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Howlin’ Wolf, and JImmy Reed forged in the early 1950’s.
Pierre’s musical career began in Chicago 23 years ago, at Theresa’s Lounge, playing as a guest with Jr. Wells, Sammy Lawhorn, and Phil Guy. He played for many years in Montreal, Canada, where he won the first prize award at the Montreal Battle of the Bands in 1975. He reemerged on the Chicago scene a few years ago and soon became known as a powerful, sensitive, and innovative harmonica player. Lawrence “Sonny” Wimberly, formerly with the Muddy Waters Blues Band, is credited for relaunching him in Chicago. “Heartbroken” in a tribute to this great blues man.
Singer-drummer Robert Covington has played the blues for 31 years and has been with Sunnyland Slim for the past 10 years. A charismatic performer, he is one of the most celebrated blues artists in Chicago today. He recorded his own album entitled Robert “Golden Voice” Covington on Red Beans Records in 1988.
Bob Stroger’s talent on the bass has earned him worldwide recognition. A veteran of some 35 years, he has toured the world with Eddie Taylor, Willie Mabon, and Carey Bell. He has also recorded with Memphis Slim, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Rush, and Jimmy Rogers among many others.
Guitarist Billy Flynn is another veteran of some 25 years. He displays rare culture and versatility, as can be seen in his four original songs on this recording. His many recordings include a recent release, Leavin’ in the Morning (1992) on Easy Baby. He played for many years with the Legendary Blues Band and with Jimmy Dawkins, among others.
James Wheeler has played the guitar for 30 years. He has performed with Otis Rush for the past 6 years, and has accompanied great blues artists such as Otis Clay and Willie Mabon. He is a deep, sensitive, and inspired musician.
Calvin Jones and Sam Lay are guest stars who have performed several times with Mississippi Heat. Both are living legends! Calvin needs no introduction as he is famous for his outstanding bass playing with Muddy Waters for nearly two decades. Here he sings a song about his wife Ruby Mae Jones.
Sam Lay, the Shuffle Master, plays drums like no other. Recently inducted in the Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame for his contribution to the blues, he has played with such legends as Howlin’ Wolf, Paul Butterfield, and Bob Dylan, to name only a few.
Straight From The Heart (Van der Linden recordings – VR 100RE)
Reissued and Mastered in 1995 (VdR100-RE)
Personnel: Pierre Lacocque, Robert Covington, Billy Flynn, James Wheeler, Bob Stroger.
Guest Stars: Sam Lay and Calvin Jones.
A special thanks to artist Elisabeth Brunner (Pierre’s sister).
photo by Daniel Brunner
“One in a blue moon a band like this comes along … (STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART) got that quality that gives you that gut bucket gizzard rip feel with each and every song. You just want to stop whatever the hell important thing you’re doing and get down and boogie when these blues jump off those speakers … (Pierre) can blow harp with the best of them. (He‚s got) excellent harp tone and technique … (Billy Flynn) plays wicked guitar and slide guitar … Drummer/singer Robert ŒGolden Voice‚ Covington is absolutely one of the most gifted blues singer on the face of the Old Mother Earth.”
-LAS VEGAS BLUES SOCIETY
“STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART is steeped with tradition, influenced with experience, and so well balanced with artistry. MISSISSIPPI HEAT will warm you, toast you, and fire you up. … Almost every song has a specific arrangement worked out for each instrument, and everything seems well rehearsed and well thought of. Although one would think that this is the way it’s supposed to be on all recordings, far too many blues bands seem to take the easy way out, apparently thinking that calling out ŒSlow blues in G‚ is all the direction that‚s necessary – but that’s definitely NOT the case with this band.”
-AMERICAN HARMONICA NEWSLETTER
“Thankfully, these guys play as though Rock music had never happened … an extremely pleasant surprise.”
-BLUES LIFE JOURNAL (AUSTRIA)
“I am skeptical when a band bills itself as preserving a particular tradition or as an all-star band, both of which MISSISSIPPI HEAT does. Usually it means a band has no sound of its own. In this case they do have one and it is remarkable.”
-COLUMBUS BLUES ALLIANCE
“The 13-track set (all but two tunes are originals) is an energetic and cohesive ensemble workout that harks back to the classic Waters/Williamson/Wolf days of Chicago blues. … MISSISSIPPI HEAT is one of ChicagoŒs top bands.”
-CHICAGO TRIBUNE
“MISSISSIPPI HEAT is stoking up a vintage bonfire on every tack. (Theirs) is a tasty program. You won‚t find many Rock or R&B styling here, just plenty of swinging, soulful, stone blues, convincingly performed with both skill and passion.”
-CHICAGO BLUES MAGAZINE
“MISSISSIPPI HEAT is THE hot new act on the Chicago blues scene. … Billy Flynn is a world-class player … Pierre is mind-blowing, a real hidden gem.”
-BLUES MENTOR (MILWAUKEE BLUES SOCIETY)
“A classy, enjoyable set of Chicago blues …”
-BLUES & RHYTHM
“Pierre is a real soul man.”
-JUNIOR WELLS
FRENCH REVIEWS
“L’homogénéité et la dynamique du groupe priment sur la mise en valeur d‚individualités. En cela, ils suivent l‚exemple de Muddy Waters qui, tout au long de sa carrière, s‚est entoure de musiciens expérimentés et talentueux, solides individualités a part entière, tout en veillant a la cohésion du groupe et au maintien d‚un jeu collectif. … STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART est un no-nonsense Chicago Blues de grande qualité. … Les vocaux de Robert Covington sont extrêmement savoureux, sensuels et convaincants. … Chicago semble vouloir sortir de sa léthargie et on ne peut qu’applaudir.”
-BLUES NOTES/JAZZ IN TIME
LOVIN’ YOU
Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
1. INTRO + INSTRUMENTAL VERSE
2. OH LOVIN’ YOU BABY …
LOVIN’ YOU IS ALL I WANT TO DO
[REPEAT]
… OH WITHOUT YOU WOMAN
I’VE GOT NO ONE TO GO TO
3. YOU SEE ONCE UPON THE TIME
ONLY MISERY WAS TRUE
[REPEAT]
… NOW WITH YOU IN MY LIFE
BABY HOW CAN I BE BLUE?
4. SOLO
5. YES LOVIN’ YOU BABY
IS THE ONLY THING I WANT TO DO
DON’T YOU KNOW, LOVIN’ YOU, LOVIN’ YOU WOMAN
IS THE ONLY THING I WANT TO DO
… OH WITHOUT YOU HONEY
I’VE GOT NO ONE TO TURN TO
6. YOU SEE BABY …
YOUR LOVE FOR ME IS SO STRONG
YES IT IS …
[REPEAT]
… AND NOW THAT I FOUND YOU
BABY NOTHING CAN GO WRONG
WELL …
7. SOLO
8. OH ALL I GOT SAY IS
YOUR LOVE, YOUR LOVE FOR ME BABY
DON’T YOU KNOW IS SO STRONG
REPEAT]
… AND NOW THAT I FOUND YOU
BABY NOTHING CAN GO WRONG
[AND THAT IS WHY I SAY… ]
9. LOVIN’ YOU BABY
IS THE ONLY THING I WANT TO DO
I’M NOT ASHAMED TO LET YOU KNOW GIRL
THAT LOVIN’ YOU IS ALL I WANT TO DO
… AND NOW THAT I FOUND YOU
I KNOW NOTHING CAN GO WRONG
[REPEAT TURN AROUND 3 TIMES …EXIT]
MIDNIGHT RIDE
Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
Instrumental
LEAVIN’ TOWN
W. Flynn, Easy Baby, BMI
1. WELL, I’M LEAVIN’ TOWN
YOU KNOW I JUST CAN’T STAY [REPEAT]
… I GOT TO HIT THE ROAD
I GOT TO GET AWAY
2. WELL I BOUGHT MY TICKET
ALL MY MONEY IS GONE [REPEAT]
… YES I’M LEAVIN’ BABY
CHICAGO HERE I COME
3. WELL I GOT TO BOARD THE GREYHOUND
WITH MY GUITAR IN MY HAND [REPEAT]
… I’M GONNA PLAY SOME BLUES
GET ME ANOTHER CHANCE
4. SOLO
5. ALL MY FRIENDS HAVE GONE
NOW I AM LEAVIN’ TOO [REPEAT]
… BECAUSE I AIN‚T GOT NOTHIN‚
BUT THESE TRAVELIN‚ BLUES
6. SOLO
7. I FEEL LIKE A STRANGER
NOBODY WANTS ME AROUND [REPEAT]
… I’M GETTIN’ UP IN THE MORNING
YOU KNOW I’M LEAVIN’ TOWN
8. [FADE]:
LEAVIN’ TOWN …
LEAVIN’ TOWN …
I GOT TO GO …
SURE DO …
GOT TO GET AWAY …
FROM THIS TOWN …
LEAVIN‚ TOWN …
LEAVIN‚ TOWN
MAN I GOT TO GET AWAY FROM HERE
I GOT TO GET AWAY …
LEAVIN‚ TOWN …
HERE’S THE BUS STATION
HOP UPON THAT GREYHOUND
LEAVIN‚ TOWN …/ … [REPEAT]
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
W. Flynn, Easy Baby Music, BMI
1. I’M SO HAPPY BABY
I WANT TO SCREAM AND SHOUT
[REPEAT]
… MY BABY, SHE’S SWEET
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
2. YES I LOVE THAT WOMAN
REALLY THERE’S AIN’T NO DOUBT
[REPEAT]
… MY BABY, SHE’S SWEET
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
3. WHEN SHE’S WALKING DOWN THE STREET
THE MEN JUST STAND AND STARE
[REPEAT]
… THE GIRL, SHE’S HIP
I KNOW SHE AIN’T NO
4. SOLO
5. WHEN I FIRST MET THIS WOMAN
I WAS DOWN AND OUT
[REPEAT]
… NOW I’M DOING ALRIGHT
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
6. YES SHE MAKES ME HAPPY
THE HAPPIEST MAN IN TOWN
[REPEAT]
… MY BABY SHE’S SWEET
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
7. YES SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
YES SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
YES SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
YES SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
… MY BABY, SHE’S SWEET
SHE KNOWS WHAT LOVE IS ABOUT
8. [FADE ON THE I]
NO SORROWS
P. Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
Instrumental
RUBY MAE
B. Flynn, Easy Baby Music, BMI
1. INSTRUMENTAL INTRO
2. HEY RUBY MAE
WOULD YOU BE MY FRIEND
[REPEAT]
… YOU FILL MY HEART
WITH THE LOVE YOU SEND
3. HEY RUBY MAE
YOU SURE ARE SWEET
[REPEAT]
… WILL YOU COME WITH ME
ACROSS THE STREET
4. WE CAN DANCE ALL NIGHT
AND HAVE SOME FUN
[REPEAT]
… AT LEAST WE CAN ROCK
‘TILL THE NIGHT IS DONE
5. SOLO
6. HEY RUBY MAE
YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT
[REPEAT]
… I WOULD LOVE TO ROCK
BE WITH YOU ANY NIGHT
7. SOLO
8. HEY RUBY MAE
I’LL BUY YOU A DIAMOND RING
[REPEAT]
WHILE YOU LOVE ME [?]
I WOULD DO ANYTHING
9. HEY RUBY MAE
WOULD YOU BE MY FRIEND
[REPEAT]
… YOU FILL MY HEART
WITH THE LOVE YOU SEND
10. RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
… RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
I LOVE YOU SO
11. RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
… RUBY MAE, RUBY MAE
I LOVE YOU SO
[FADE]
HEARTBROKEN*
Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
* IN MEMORY OF LAWRENCE “SONNY” WIMBERLY (1937-1991)
1. INSTRUMENTAL VERSES
2. I’M [SO] HEARTBROKEN
AND BABY LET ME TELL YOU WHY
[REPEAT]
… WELL IT HAPPENED A WHILE AGO
AND I STILL HAVE A TEARY EYE
3. A FRIEND OF MINE IS NOW GONE
AN EVENT I COULDN’T FORESEE
[REPEAT]
… BUT NOW I KNOW
I CAN COUNT ON ONLY ME
4. NO ONE [BABY]
NO ONE HAS EVER TREATED ME SO KIND
[REPEAT…]
… AND NOW THAT HE IS NO MORE
I STILL HAVE HIM ON MY MIND
5. I’M [SO] HEARTBROKEN
OH MORE THAN I CAN TELL
[REPEAT]
… WELL MY GRIEF IS SO DEEP
SOMETIMES I FEEL LIKE HELL
6. SOLO
.7. A FRIEND OF MINE IS NOW GONE
OH AN EVENT I COULD NOT FORESEE
[REPEAT…]
… BUT NOW I KNOW
I CAN COUNT ON ONLY ME
8. I’M [SO] HEARTBROKEN
AND LET ME TELL YOU WHY
[REPEAT]
… WELL IT HAPPENED A WHILE AGO
AND I STILL HAVE A TEARY EYE
9. INSTRUMENTAL VERSES – FADE
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
P. Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
1. INSTRUMENTAL INTRO
2. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
BABY TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT MY LOVIN’
[REPEAT…]
… AND WHEN I SAY I LOVE YOU
WOMAN I DON’T MEAN NO JIVIN’
3. TALKING STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
IS SOMETHING THAT I DO BEST
[REPEAT…]
… AND WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU
BABY YOU DON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE REST
4. I LOVE YOU PRETTY BABY
WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL
DON’T YOU KNOW THAT …
[REPEAT]
… AND WHEN I TELL YOU I DO
BABY PLEASE BELIEVE ME SO
5. SOLO
6. STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART
TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT MY LOVIN’
[REPEAT…]
… AND WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I LOVE YOU
I DON’T MEAN NO JIVIN’
7. YOU SEE BABY …
TALKING FROM MY HEART
IS SOMETHING THAT I DO BEST
YES IT IS …
OOOH …
[REPEAT]
AND WHEN I TELL YOU THAT I DO
HONEY YOU DON’T NEED TO WORRY ‘BOUT THE REST
8. [SOLO]
9. OH I LOVE YOU PRETTY BABY
I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL
[REPEAT…]
… AND WHEN I TELL YOU I DO
BABY PLEASE BELIEVE ME SO
10. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
BABY TELLS YOU ALL ABOUT MY LOVIN’
[REPEAT…]
… AND WHEN I SAY I LOVE YOU
BABY YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU SO
11. STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
I DON’T MEAN NO CHUCKIN’ [?] AND JIVIN’
OH STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART
I DON’T MEAN NO LYIN’
… OH I WANT YOU TO TELL ME BABY
TELL ME YOU LOVE ME SO
12. SOLO [END]
I WISH YOU’D STAY
Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
Instrumental
LONELY WITHOUT YOU
B. Flynn, Easy Baby Music, BMI
1. INSTRUMENTAL INTRO
2. LONELY WITHOUT YOU BABY
I’M BY MYSELF RIGHT NOW
[REPEAT]
… SHE WENT AND LEFT ME
YOU KNOW SHE REALLY DIDN’T LOVE ME NO HOW
3. I WAS DOING ALL RIGHT
‘TILL SOMEONE TOOK HER AWAY FROM ME
[REPEAT …]
… HARD LUCK BABY
NOTHING BUT MISERY
4. SOLO
5. I’M GOING TO TELL YOU PEOPLE
THAT IT IS A SHAME
[REPEAT]
… DON’T HAVE A THING IN THE WORLD
NOR A PENNY IN YOUR NAME
6. FEELING LOW DOWN
JUST AS DOWN AS CAN BE
[REPEAT]
… MY HEAD IS HANGING LOW
I CAN’T EVEN WALK THE STREETS
[EXIT]
BAD LUCK
(J. Taub & S. Ling, Powerforce Music/Sounds of Lucille, BMI
1. INSTRUMENTAL VERSE
2. WELL MY BAD LUCK IS FALLIN’
FALLIN’ DOWN LIKE RAIN [REPEAT]
… WELL NO MATTER WHAT I DO
IT SEEMS LIKE MY LUCK WON’T NEVER CHANGE
3. WELL I FELT KIND OF LUCKY BUT MY LUCK WAS RUNNIN’ COLD
THE LAST HAND I CAUGHT … [?]
THE POLICE BROKE DOWN THE DOOR
I SAY LORD …
LORD WHAT CAN A POOR BOY DO?
AIN’T IT BAD WHEN YOU CAN’T MAKE NO MONEY
SEEMS LIKE ALL THE BREAKS COME TO YOU
4. I GOT HOME THIS MORNING
SHE LOOKED AT ME KIND OF FUNNY
SHE SAID DON’T COME IN BABY
UNLESS YOU GOT SOME MONEY
NOW I SAY LORD …
LORD WHAT CAN A POOR BOY DO?
AIN’T IT BAD WHEN YOU CAN’T MAKE NO MONEY
AND YOUR WOMAN TURNS HER BACK ON YOU
5. SOLO[S]
6. I GOT HOME THIS MORNING
SHE LOOKED AT ME KIND OF FUNNY
SHE SAID DON’T COME IN BABY
UNLESS YOU GOT SOME MONEY
NOW I SAY LORD …
LORD WHAT CAN A POOR BOY DO?
AIN’T IT BAD WHEN YOU CAN’T MAKE NO MONEY
AND YOUR WOMAN TURNS HER BACK ON YOU
7. I ASKED HER FOR DINNER
SHE LOOKED AT ME LIKE A FOOL
SHE SAID I’M PLAYING CHECKERS BABY
AND NOW I THINK ITS YOUR TIME TO MOVE …
LORD WHAT CAN A POOR BOY DO
AIN’T IT BAD WHEN YOU CAN’T MAKE NO MONEY
SEEMS LIKE ALL THE BAD BREAKS COME TO YOU
8. SOLO [EXIT]
MOTHER-IN-LAW BLUES
D. Robey, Duchess Music, BMI
1. INSTRUMENTAL VERSE
2. IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNIN’
I HEARD THE ROOSTER CROW FOR DAYS
[REPEAT…]
… I LOOK DOWN MY WINDOW
AND SAW MY BABY WALK AWAY
3. I CRIED LORD PLEASE STOP HER
I AIN’T GONNA GET DRUNK NO MORE
[REPEAT…]
… I HOLLERED OUT OF MY WINDOW
COME BACK BABY, PLEASE DON’T GO
4. I KNOW SHE HEARD ME CALLING
SHE LOOKED BACK AND WAVED HER HAND
[REPEAT…]
… I HEARD HER TELL HER MOTHER
NOW THAT’S ONE OLD NO GOOD MAN
5. SOLO[S]
6. I KNOW SHE HEARD ME CALLING
SHE LOOKED BACK AND WAVED HER HAND
[REPEAT…]
… I HEARD HER TELL HER MOTHER
NOW THAT’S ONE OLD NO GOOD MAN
7. WELL NOW I WATCH MY BABY LEAVE ME
OR BY THE HEAD OR BY THE HAND [?]
[REPEAT…]
… I’D GIVE ANYTHING I OWN
JUST TO SEE MY LITTLE GIRL AGAIN
8. 2 INSTRUMENTAL VERSES – END
MISSISSIPPI HEAT
Pierre Lacocque, Ransart Music, BMI
Instrumental