Mr. Sipp – The Mississippi Blues Child

It’s My Guitar
Self Produced

While running a stage at the International Blues Challenge for so many years, I have come across some acts that have really impressed me. This last year was no exception, with perhaps my absolute favorite being a 36-year-old guitarist from Vicksburg, Mississippi named Castro Coleman who plays under the moniker Mr. Sipp. Coleman has a long history playing in the gospel scene, having been a part of over 50 recordings. But he has always felt that the blues was where his heart was at. And listening to his debut album, It’s My Guitar, you know that heart was definitely in the right direction. This disc is sure to strike at anybody who has a liking for traditional electric Delta blues. Think of BB King or Little Milton and you’re in the right neighborhood.

The first thing you’ll notice is what a sensational guitarist Mr. Sipp is. Did I mention BB King? Listen to a song like “If Loving You Is Crazy” and you might find that same feeling you get from King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.” Or perhaps going to “Miss Jones;” now that opening guitar melody just screams BB. Guitar playing throughout the album is impeccable. Very smooth and satisfying every time.

But what is even more impressive on It’s My Guitar is the fact that not only has Mr. Sipp written every track, sings and plays guitar like he was born to do it, but he also played every other instrument on the album. Bass, keys, drums, harmonica, all of it. The guy is a natural musician and entertainer.

The songwriting is every bit as exceptional. This is deep in the alley blues, exactly what you’d expect from a Mississippi bluesman. Clever phrasing such as “if loving you is crazy, then crazy must be my last name.” On “You’ve Got A Good Woman,” he warns you to get yourself together because if you don’t want her somebody else does, and it just might be me. This song emphasizes everything blues you could ever hope for, passionate, expressive and searing all rolled into one six-minute song. “They Got Me Messed Up” is a funky tune that tells the story of the preacher who is distracted by all the pretty women in his congregation that are pulling at his mind with the shorty shorty skirts sitting right down in the front pews, “they’re putting salt in my coffee, pepper in my tea, I don’t know what’s coming over me.” “It’s My Guitar” gives you the thought that he is talking about his lover, giving him pleasure when he squeezes her and helping take care of him when he needs it, when in reality he means his guitar. And on “Yes Man,” he lets you know that women aren’t looking for somebody who is going to fall over to their every beck and call, but want somebody who is going to take charge at the end of the day.

If there is any justice in the blues world then Mr. Sipp should be destined to rise to the cream of the crop. This is everything that made you fall in love with the blues to begin with. Soulful or gritty, guitar excellence and vocal power, Mr. Sipp just cries out Mississippi blues with every note he plays. One of the finest blues debuts you’re going to find anywhere. Highly recommended for all blues fans.

Total Time: 48:22

Can I Ride / If Loving You Is Crazy / It’s My Guitar / Hey Hey Hey Hey / Miss Jones / The Woman I Love / If You Got A Good Woman / Why You Do Me This Way / They Got Me Messed Up / My Blues Jig / Yes Man