Eddie 9v   Little Black Flies

The opening of the liner notes for this album reads; “The best blues records feel like a party going off in your speakers.” This is a completely accurate summation of this album.

The necessary child of a global pandemic, “Little Black Flies” conjures up sweaty Saturday nights at the local juke joint. You know the kind of atmosphere, the thumpin’ blues and a shadowy room haunted by the spirits of Jimmy Rogers, Elmore James, Muddy and the Wolf.

Each track is a modern homage to the pioneers of an artform that has grown and spread from the Mississippi delta to become a global phenomenon. New soul tinged tracks that echo from the tiny hole in the wall spots that litter the blues highway.

The album opens with the deliciously dark title track, the sad tale of the victim in an abusive relationship, trapped in the apartment upstairs. So tantalizingly close, yet so heart rendingly far away.

Next, the upbeat and energetic “She Got Some Money”, a song that could easily be haunted by Elmore James. There’s a wonderful off beat feel to this cut, dripping lost nights and smoky bars.

The third cut, “Dog Me Around”, is a classic in the guitar style that only Eddie 9v and his world class backing band can create. Powerhouse vocal, impressive guitar work and a killer rhythm section give this cut the means to get your heart pumping.

The fourth cut is “Don’t Come Around This House”, which lets Eddie preach the truth perfectly underscored by the subtle harp of Jackson Allen, that harp haunts the song, a perfect counterpoint to Eddie.s pent up energy.

Next Eddie pays homage to Albert King, by covering “Traveling Man”, possessed of a boundless energetic groove. The guitar work on this track is indicative of the depth of Eddie’s talent with 6 strings and an electric amp. It is also a tribute to his reverence and respect for the music.

Track six is my personal favorite cut on the album. “Three AM in Chicago” is one of those smoky blues tracks that invites you to close your eyes and immerse yourself in the world created by the music. The sonic landscape of this track transports you to the shadow laden empty streets of the windy city in the lonely silence that can only be experienced after hours. A serious blues statement about the poverty, discrimination and unfairness experienced in the land of plenty.

Up Next is “Reach Into Your Heart”, a soul searing offering that would be comfortable in a 1970’s back alley bar, a sweat-soaked romp, straight from a dance floor drenched in sweat, lust and strong perfume.

Cut eight is the fun and funky “Miss James”, a slippery sounding blues that would be right at home at a late-night party.

Up next, the Acoustic driven “Back On My Feeserioust Again”. A straight up blues that’s too cool to fool. You cannot listen to this without it infecting your soul, and making your toes tap in solidarity with the narrative.

“Putting the Kids to Bed” is a delight. A tad off the beaten path with a funky rhythm and Eddie preachin’ the truth. A little side trip down the rabbit hole outside what one might expect after hearing the first 9 cuts of the album.

Next is slow jam, almost spoken word piece, in which Eddie takes a tongue in cheek look at just how much it sucks being an exhibit in the “Columbus Zoo Blues”. Perhaps best described as a lament for the creatures, born free but now confined in tiny spaces for the entertainment of their captors.

The album finishes up with “You Don’t Have to Go”, the perfect close to the fabulous and free-wheeling romp that is Little Black Flies. Every cut has an authentic live feel, warm and inviting, calling you in and holding to tight, like the sultry dancer that draws you on to the dance floor. Once there, you never want to leave.(Terry Parsons)