Ian Siegal

Ian Siegal CD coverThe Picnic Sessions
Nugene Records

Once again Ian Siegal returns to the Mississippi Hill Country, teaming up with his pals The Mississippi Mudbloods. Back in the United States for the annual Mississppi Hill Country Picnic, they decided to take the opportunity to head into Zebra Ranch Studio in Coldwater and lay down a few tracks. But the direction taken this time out is unique and comforting. Instead of the usual studio path of recording multiple takes in sound enhancing rooms to get things just right, the guys sat in a semi-circle, camp-fire style, and laid down songs that came to them at the spur of the moment and picking up the nearest instruments at hand, which also adds to the flavor and intimacy of the album.

On the The Picnic Sessions, British blues guitar/songwriter Ian Siegal is joined by renowned modern Southern bluesmen Alvin Youngblood Hart, Cody Dickinson, Luther Dickinson and Jimbo Mathus. As seen on the last two releases that Siegal has put out with The Mississippi Mudbloods, he fits in perfectly with this bunch.

Only four songs on this album have been released previously by Siegal, “How Come You’re Still Here,” “Beulah Land,” “Gallo Del Cielo,” and “Hard Times (Come Again No More).” The cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Heavenly Houseboat Blues” is a true gem in the mix. A gentle flowing song led by Siegal’s raspy vocals backed by the hums and choruses of the full group. The remainder of the tunes are all new and showcase his varied range of musical approaches, including the humorous spoken-word story he relates for “Talkin’ Overseas Pirate Blues,” the Delta blues derived “Keen And Peachy,” “Stone Cold Soul,” or the soft country feel of “Wasted Freedom.”

Ian Siegal proves that despite being a foreigner, he certainly knows a thing or two about laying down some truly deep rooted blues and Americana sounding music. And The Picnic Sessions is a personal love letter written by Siegal and his friends just sitting around having a little fun while the tape rolled in the studio. It is a feel good recording for certain.

Total Time: 39:46

Pistachio Anyone? / Stone Cold Soul / How Come You’re Still Here? / Sweet Pea / Heavenly Houseboat Blues / Beulah Land / Turn Around And Show It To Me / Keen And Peachy / Wasted Freedom / Herman Sings / Gallo Del Cielo / Hard Times (Come Again No More) / Talkin’ Overseas Pirate Blues / Now It’s A Party / Only Tryin’ To Survive / Appreciation