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Burton Gaar

“One hundred pounds of trouble”

Blind Pig BPCD-5049

I was going back and forth as to which CD I would review for this issue. It was either the latest release of one of the blues master artists or the CD provided by a record company on one of their up and coming stars. After about 3 songs at Blues On The Bayou in Tarpon Springs a couple of weekends ago, there was little question as to who I wanted to review.

You may be more familiar with Burton Gaar if you hail from the Pelican State. Gaar is from Lecompte, Louisiana and is a prime example of the good blues performers that state has to offer. Growing up in Baton Rouge, Burton caught all the big name acts like B.B., Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Ray Charles when they came through. A stint as bass player for "swamp blues" legend Slim Harpo added to his education. After years of playing in cover bands like the Capricorns, working with R&B groups like the Boogie Kings or crossing over to the first cousin of the blues - zydeco - and playing with Rockin' Sidney, Gaar's career is ready to take off. His CD one hundred pounds of trouble brings these diverse experiences together and delivers an excellent recording in Louisiana style.

The CD was recorded at Studio 44 in Heelsum, Holland. Burton playing bass and singing is joined by Jan Mittendorp on guitar, Roel Spanjers on Hammond organ and piano (he was part of Luther Allison's European band), and Frank Bolder on drums. I heard a harp on a couple of cuts, but could not find anyone given credit. Burton wrote all of the songs except Bim Bam Thank you Ma'am, which is a Stanley Durrell creation.

The 13 songs on this CD definitely have a Southern sound which ranges from blues and R&B to swamp boogie. Songs like Step Out Lady and 100 Pounds of Trouble showcase Burton's voice and the greasy rhythm laid down by his bass. The tightness of the band on the numbers Real Good Woman and No reminded me of the sounds of Booker T and the MG's. Only a deaf person could sit still to songs like Tear It Up and Short Red Dress. These are all songs that should be danced to. (As an interesting side note, the songs on the CD are not in the order listed on the cover, so be warned. The first time I listened to it I thought I might just have tipped a bit too much of Soulman's Gatorade).

This is one good entertainer and a CD that I would highly recommend for your collection. Check with your favorite record store and if unable to find it, ask. Don't think about borrowing our copy—I can't get Nikki to take it off the player.

Tim Graham