Leo Welch

Sabougla Voices

Big Legal Mess Records

Leo Welch is a former bluesman, who now devotes his music to gospel. Mississippi hill country style. Never ashamed of his blues background, Welch told writer Wiley Prewitt that he looks at the blues as not an evil art form, rather an extension of one’s life and experiences. Those who enjoy the blues music of this region of Mississippi will find themselves nodding their heads and dancing along with Welch here. Regardless of what or who he may be singing about. Imagine if RL Burnside or Junior Kimbrough sang about praise to the Lord and you may have a good impression of what to expect here. Raw guitar lines with Welch’s deep vocals and the backing choir of the Sabougla Voices in almost a call and response pattern.

Not that Welch has not experienced his own share of blues highlights. He was once offered to audition for BB King, but could not afford the trip fare to get to Memphis. He gave up the blues life for the focus towards religion in 1975 and nowadays is seen not only in local churches, but also hosting his own local gospel television show.

The Sabougla Voices CD is Welch’s debut disc. At the ripe age of 81 takes those rhythms of his blues playing into the church. Produced by Bruce Watson and distributed by the guys from Fat Possum Records, Welch is deftly backed by first-rate musicians and one you may recognize, Jimbo Mathus on guitar. It may sound like the blues, but Leo Welch is definitely making a joyous noise for the Lord and it comes across quite righteous indeed.

Total Time: 33:35

Praise His Name / You Can’t Hurry God / Me And My Lord / Take Care Of Me Lord / Mother Loves Her Children / Praying Time / Somebody Touched Me / A Long Journey / His Holy Name / The Lord Will Make A Way