Quintus McCormick Blues Band - Hey Jodie! - Delmark Records 2009

According to the album's liner notes, written by David Whiteis; McCormick, born in 1957 Detroit, realized he first loved the Blues in the late 80's, spent the early 90's earning a Bachelor's degree in Music from Columbia University, and successfuly made the switch from prog rock and pop music guitarist to Blues sideman somewhere in between.

Hey Jodie! begins with the title track, "Hey Jodie! (Take Good Care of My Baby)," a Soulful Blues about recognizing you're no longer the man in her life, and confronting the "back door lover" to do the right thing. The track sets the tone for the entire album, giving a preview of some of the instrumental work ahead, including the rich horn section, arranged by Kenny Anderson on most tracks.

Other standout instrumental performances include Roosevelt Purifoy's organ on "You Got To Do Me Better Than That," Ted Reynolds' harmonica solo on "I'm Alright Now," and the amazing rhythm section work on the blindingly fast-paced "Get That Money" (by Lovely "JR" Fuller on bass and Jeremiah Thomas on drums.)

Although his singing and guitar playing are certainly not lacking, McCormick's songwriting is really the star on Hey Jodie!. It's some of the best work with the pen I've personally heard in quite a while. Songs like "Get You Some Business" and "Fifty-Fifty" are staightforward, but not simple. McCormick has a fantastic way of painting the picture in his music. Quintus wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the disc, except the classic "Let the Good Times Roll."

"What Goes Around Comes Around" is a slow burning, Albert King-style Blues with some more great harp from Reynolds. The song clocks in over five minutes long, but it's one of those great tunes where it ends and you think to yourself, "That was over quickly."

Quintus McCormick stacks various musical syles side by side on Hey Jodie!, with Soul ("Hot Lovin' Woman"), Gospel ("There Ain't No Right Way To Do Wrong"), and various forms of the Blues. His knowledge of music as a result of his education is a valuable tool, because McCormick knows exactly what it takes to get you off of your seat.

McCormick lights up the fretboard on back-to-back tracks "Plano Texas Blues" and "I'm A Good Man, Baby." He delivers one of his most personal songs with "There Ain't No Right Way To Do Wrong," a track that successfully delivers it's positive message. "You Got It" give Quintus and company a chance to get Funky.

Hey Jodie! closes with one of Quintus McCormick's strongest vocal efforts on his version of "Let the Good Times Roll." Purifoy's piano work is great here, as well.

McCormick and Delmark have crafted a successful debut. I highly recommend this album.

Standout Tracks: All of Them, Especially "Get You Some Business," "What Goes Around Comes Around," "Fifty-Fifty," and "Let the Good Times Roll"

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