The Cadillac Kings: Trouble in Store (33 Records)

The Cadillac Kings are fronted by the superb vocals of Mike Thomas, embellished by the instrumental artistry of Gary Potts (harmonica), Mike Adcock (piano) and Mal Barclay (guitar) and expertly driven by Roy Webber (drums) and TC Copp (upright bass). Trouble In Store comprises 14 original numbers, eleven of them written solely or jointly by Mike Thomas with contributions from three other members of the band.

The album presents a fine mix of rhythm and tempo, which is typified by the opening sequence of the upbeat "Too Blue", the medium-paced shuffle, "She's My Sugar Rush", the swinging "Hot Rod V8 Ford" (with Gary Potts on vocals) and "Around The Block", a slow blues with intermittent staccato accompaniment. Further variation is delivered by the jazz-tinged, guitar-led instrumental "Blue Cap Bounce", the heavy-beating rocker "Chief Of Police", the New Orleans-influenced "Stop Digging That Hole" and "Tongue-tied", a fast-moving instrumental, featuring tremendous virtuosity from Gary Potts.

"Fries With That" is an upbeat shuffle, while "Less is More" allows Mike Adcock to switch to Zydeco-style accordion. "Mr Nip And Tuck" is another medium-paced shuffle, which is followed by more magic from Mike Adcock on the instrumental "North Sea Jump". Finally, the energetic "Chain Gang Boogie", underpinned by some great drumming from Roy Webber, the smouldering "Trouble In Store" and the frantic "Mama Drop That Hammer" bring the album to a cracking conclusion.

This is another gem from one of the treasures of the British blues scene. It epitomises the band's unfailingly entertaining live performances, which combine top class vocal and instrumental ability with an abundance of warmth and humour.

Rating: 9

Lionel Ross

BLUES IN BRITAIN NOV 2008