Washboard Chaz

http://www.washboardchaz.com/   “Washboard Chaz” Leary is a Frenchmen Street icon whose raw blues style transports the listener back in time and place, to the Mississippi Delta “Crossroads” cotton country, circa 1940s. On this CD, Chaz assembled a formidable trio, consisting of himself on his namesake washboard, Roberto Luti (of Roberto & Lissa) on dobro guitar, and Andy J. Forest, a leader of his own band, on harmonica and backing vocals. The record’s fifteen tracks are nearly all short pieces (generally three minutes and under), but they pack a lot of action and emotion into each of the selections, in traditional blues fashion. The sound and style are pleasantly reminiscent of the immortal blues duo, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. There is even a McGhee composition on the CD, So Much Trouble, which also happens to be one of the best, most rollicking songs among the selections. Another personal favorite is “Special Streamline,” in which all three musicians use their instruments to mimic the sounds of a huffing-puffing, clickety-clacking train “rollin’ down the track to New Orleans.” With nimble thimbles skillfully working the washboard, keeping the basic beat going, Chaz eliminates the need for a drummer, while Forest and Luti wail and resonate nicely behind his old-style blues vocals. This CD is a welcome addition to the ever-growing inventory of great, home-based New Orleans music.  –Dean M. Shapiro