Colin Linden "big mouth"

Colin Linden is one of my personal favorites! Since I first stumbled on an earlier release, "South By Eight, North At Nine", I have been a dedicated Colin enthusiast. Colin is a Canadian artist whose distinctive guitar and voice have been gracing stages and recordings since 1972 when he started his performing career at the tender age of 16, after meeting Howling Wolf. Today Colin is a solo performer and a regular in the Blackie and the Rodeo Kings band.

Colin's new "big mouth" release is a collection of new Colin songs with some help from some of his friends. Featured on the album are duets with Lucinda Williams, Keb' Mo', Jonell Mosser, Bruce Cockburn and Lee Roy Parnell. The title track, "Big Mouth", sets the blues firmly in place. Colin's meticulous perfection in finger-picked guitar drives the song as his familiar [to me] voice laments on top of his driving sound. Slide guitar is one of Colin's fortes and this album is full of tasty steel work. "Skeleton Key" is a blues based solo with his dramatic slide work and voice that gives me goose bumps at each listen. "Wasn't That Enough" begins with a count down by Keb'. As Keb' and Colin sing together, you will find yourself asking for a whole CD full of their work together. "Away Too Long" finds the voice of Lee Roy Parnell joining Colin's. Lee Roy may want to consider a genre change from country to blues/roots--the work he does on this song is admirable.

If you haven't already realized, you should run out and get this CD today! I got my copy here, but I am certain that many stores will stock this soon. It is a Sony Music Canada release. Start enjoying this ASAP! - Steve Ekblad