With the sound carrier Tales of Tampa Chris Kramer and Paddy Boy Zimmermann delve deep into the musical legacy of Tampa Red, the legendary blues musician known by his real name Hudson Whittaker. With his distinctive guitar playing and humorous, often melancholic songwriting, Tampa Red shaped the blues of the 1930s and 1940s like no other. His works, including classics like "Black Angel Blues" and "Love Her With a Feeling," remain among the genre's underrated gems.
Kramer and Zimmermann have made it their mission not only to honor these hidden treasures, but also to make them accessible to a new generation of blues lovers. They consciously avoid highlighting their virtuoso abilities and instead focus on capturing the essence of Tampa Red's music with respect and sensitivity. They carefully utilize their craftsmanship to interpret the songs in a way that is both subtly and expressively supportive of the song.
Kramer, a harmonica virtuoso and charismatic singer with a pleasantly raspy voice, and the masterful guitarist Zimmermann create a homage with this all-acoustic album that shines a new light on Tampa Red's musical output. They remain true to the traditional roots of the compositions, but add a personal touch. They reinterpret classics like "So Crazy About You Baby" and "Crying Won't Help You" with a fresh approach and palpable passion.
The recording impresses with its acoustic clarity and the passionate musicianship of both artists. Zimmermann, who played all guitar, bass, and percussion tracks himself, demonstrates not only impressive technical skill but also a deep understanding of the structure and dynamics of the blues. Kramer complements this with his unmistakable harmonica playing and captivating vocals. The harmonious collaboration of the two artists and their sensitivity to the soul of each song make this recording a special experience.
With up-tempo ragtime pieces and groovy blues shuffles, they exude pure joie de vivre and invite you to swing along. These lively moments contrast perfectly with the soulful, melancholic tracks that impressively reflect the emotional depth of Tampa Red's work.
Tales Of Tampa has a refreshingly light touch and simply puts you in a good mood. It's an album that will delight both connoisseurs of handcrafted music and newcomers to the blues genre.
