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The work of Joe Beard is something you have to be introduced to as it's not something you would stumble across browsing through the cd racks.  The fact that this man has not been more widely publicised is a complete travesty.

This cd brings together Joe Beard and Duke Robillard to great effect.  Whilst Joe, on vocals and guitar, provides the backbone to each of the songs, Duke Robillard's contribution adds that bit extra that makes this a great recording.

Most songs are written by Joe Beard which are interspersed with Joe's renditions of classics by Lightning Hopkins, Sonny Boy Williamson, Eddie Jones and John Lee Hooker.

'The Things I Used To Do', is an example of how one of those classics has been given the Joe Beard makeover.  He's not only changed the guitar part but he's also slowed it down to give the song more feeling.

The song, 'She's Wonderful' is one of Joe's own and just shows what he is capable of as a blues songwriter.  Joe's soulful vocals are backed by the restrained harmonica of Jerry Portnoy and piano of Bruce Katz.  Portnoy's harmonica solo is never over the top and fits in perfectly with the mood of the song.  This is something which is echoed in the guitar lead which, in a similar way, adds to the song rather than takes over.

Although I like this song immensely, my favourite is 'Elem'. Once again, this is a Joe Beard song which, amongst other things, showcases Bruce Katz's brilliant piano playing. Despite this being a sad song the lyrics also carry with them elements of humour which add to the appeal even more.

Believe me, I would buy this cd just for this song, but there is a lot more to it than that.  This is a collection of thirteen songs performed by one of the unsung masters of the blues. If, in the event of a fire, I could only save one cd then this would be it.

What can I say, BUY IT!