Not the sort of one-man-band you saw outside Woolworths in the 70s, John Schooley is firmly in the blues-trash vein of Daddy Long Legs. Hailing from Austin, Texas, and with a love of Howlin’ Wolf and primal, dirty rhythm and blues, this is his second album for Voodoo Rhythm Records. A mixture of classics and originals.

The album is bookended with ‘Black Diamond Express Train To Hell’ parts 1 and 2, ‘Chicago Breakdown’ being the first full song, with the rhythm of an out of control train, in 1930s Chicago, obviously. ‘Factory Dog’ is an original, not that you’d know, as John is fully immersed in his chosen field. This is a compliment. He even throws in a third chord, just to show off. ‘Cat Squirrel’ is a foot-stomping tune, while ‘She Ain’t Comin’ Home’ is a slower, slide-infused song.

‘Drive You Faster’ does exactly that. John is almost beating Daddy Long Legs on his own here, he certainly doesn’t hold back. Live, he must be a sight to see. ‘Honest I Do’ pushes the distortion to the edge, ‘I Wish You Would’ takes it back to its original roots, ‘A Lover Not A Fighter’ is like a old, blues dude wrestling The Cramps. Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Killing Floor’ wraps things up nicely, just as it should sound.

If Daddy Long Legs’ last album was too slick for your tastes, this will float your boat. Feral production values and plenty of rough edges. Real rhythm and blues.

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Author: Martin Chamarette