Billy Boy Arnold 1995- Eldorado Cadillac @256

Review by Scott Yanow


Billy Boy Arnold, a fluent blues harmonica player and an expressive singer, made his initial impact in the 1950s/early '60s, but then went three decades between American records. The second recording from his comeback, Eldorado Cadillac, finds Arnold (who worked many yeas earlier with Bo Diddley) in enthusiastic form while utilizing a top-notch group that includes guitarists Bob Margolin and James Wheeler, pianist Sonny Leyland, bassist Steve Hunt, drummer Chuck Cotton, and (for three numbers) David Zielinski on tenor. Arnold contributes such originals as "Don't Stay out All Night," "Mama's Bitter Seed," "Man of Considerable Taste," "Too Many Old Flames," and "Slick Chick." A fun set of passionate Chicago blues.