Personnel:
Horst Tolks: Guitar, Vocals
Andy Brötzner: Bass, Vocals
Fred Forrester: Drums
Guests:
Jimmy Carl Black: Vocals (Indian Of The Group, Who Did You Love & Black
Limousine)
Armin Woods: Organ
Pete Bruestle: Drums (Shake, Homesick, Bad Boy & Just Got Paid)
Omnita & Claudia Cane: Background Vocals
It is such a pleasure when I get CDs in to review from bands that I already
know I like. Such is the case with "Have Mercy!", the latest release from
the Bavarian blues/rocking band Boogie Stuff. Fronted by their most
excellent guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Horst Tolks, Boogie Stuff is a hard
driving power trio featuring the scorching riffs of Tolks combined with the
world class growl of Boogie Stuff charter member bassist Andy Brötzner. They
are joined on this set by their newest bandmate, who is not so new at all,
as original drummer Manfred Forrester returns to the fold and he is splendid
indeed.
The CD includes 11 studio tracks, a mixture of both originals and covers
done ala Boogie Stuff. As an added bonus, the CD includes 3 live tracks
featuring the legendary ex-Mothers Of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black on
vocals. These live tracks REALLY make me long for the day the band releases
a purely live recording. Studio or live, Horst Tolks has become one of my
favorite guitarists with his distortion heavy rhythm and blistering lead
work, all tastefully flavored by some very nasty tone.
Many highlights here, including the best remake I have heard of
ZZ Top's "Just Got Paid", the three live tracks
with Black, and "Muddy Water". However,
track 4 on the set, "Homesick" may be the best sounding cut I have heard
from the band yet. Their last CD "Still Rough 'n Wild" is one of my
favorites, but "Have Mercy!" is noticeably superior. These guys just keep
getting better, which is great news for every fan of hard driving
blues/rock. ~Review by Tom Branson
