Swampy and funky are words you don't want to hear describing your basement, but when applied to a musician of Tab Benoit's caliber, they offer high praise indeed. On Wetlands, Benoit pays tribute to the many varieties of b... more »lues from his home state of Louisiana: the bayou boogie of "Down in the Swamp," the zydeco soul of Boozoo Chavis's "Dog Hill," the down-home acoustic blues of "Georgia," and the New Orleans beat of "Let Love Take Control." Benoit's rough but soulful voice bears the mark of too many gigs in smoky roadhouses, but it's a perfect match for his masterful guitar playing. He really knows how to make six strings grumble, growl, shriek, and sing. The one weak spot on this CD is Benoit's lyrics, which rarely rise above the level of cliché. But as his skillful performance shows, it's not the words you say or the chords you play, it's how you say them and how you play them that make all the difference. --Michael Simmons« less
Swampy and funky are words you don't want to hear describing your basement, but when applied to a musician of Tab Benoit's caliber, they offer high praise indeed. On Wetlands, Benoit pays tribute to the many varieties of blues from his home state of Louisiana: the bayou boogie of "Down in the Swamp," the zydeco soul of Boozoo Chavis's "Dog Hill," the down-home acoustic blues of "Georgia," and the New Orleans beat of "Let Love Take Control." Benoit's rough but soulful voice bears the mark of too many gigs in smoky roadhouses, but it's a perfect match for his masterful guitar playing. He really knows how to make six strings grumble, growl, shriek, and sing. The one weak spot on this CD is Benoit's lyrics, which rarely rise above the level of cliché. But as his skillful performance shows, it's not the words you say or the chords you play, it's how you say them and how you play them that make all the difference. --Michael Simmons
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 04/03/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While Tab Benoit is easily one of my top 20 favorite blues performers, his latest release "Wetlands", took me a little time to appreciate. For those that have seen Benoit perform know just what a high octane performance he is capable of delivering. Lot's of sweat and string breaking are a common occurance. This CD, however, is a different type of Benoit release, one that is a little more subdued.On "Wetlands", Benoit returns to his Cajun roots and pays tribute to the likes of Boozoo Chavis on "Dog Hill", Professor Longhair's former bass player David Watson on "Her Mind Is Gone" and his grandfather Nat Babin on "Stackolina". Tab does come out of the tribute mode to return to top guitar form on the hard driving "Muddy Water Blues" and the slow blues numbers "Love Lips" and "Let Love Take Control" . Another high note on the CD is "Georgia" which features some acoustic guitar and vocals by Anders Osborne. Finally, not to be overlooked is the fine performance by Tab on Peppermint Harris' "I Got Loaded". Overall, it's not the Tab we have come to know lately (Nice and Warm or These Blues Are All Mine"), but it's an enjoyable CD in it's own right."
Down & Dirty
C. Stevens | Pittsburg, KS | 05/14/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wetlands is Tab's best Cd so far! I have been a huge Tab fan for 6 years, I own every Cd and I must say He's got the blues down pat, with his mellow down-&-dirty style in Wetlands! Tab's addicting guitar sounds leave you wondering when his next CD is coming out! Tab has Awesome talent!! This is a cd you can put in and play start to finish! (Which is hard to find these days!).....The last song on the Cd Georgia is Spectacular!!! Tab is a Down & Dirty Cajun....His voice & Guitar!! He is also Gorgeous..but I hear he is recently married =-(..I plan to book Tab Benoit for our Wedding! I guarantee you will like this Cd! Good Work Tab Keep the Blues Coming!!!!!!!"
Another great Tab album
C. Stevens | 04/02/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Once again, Tab hits the mark. This album is a little grittier than past Tab albums, and the production is a little rougher (in a good way). Excellent songs, including a couple that Tab performs but hasn't recorded. The last song, a trio effort with Anders Osborne and Brian Stolz (funky Meters) is a treat. Highly recommended !"
Superb Effort
sbhntr | ma | 04/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tab Benoit has proven himself not only as an excellent performer, but also an outstanding guitarist. He can get down and dirty in 'Muddy Bottom Blues' and paint an emotional picture in 'When a Cajun Man Gets The Blues'. Listen to 'I Got Loaded' and I defy you not to tap your feet. Those that have seen him live can attest to the immediate attachment he makes with his audience, as well as his mastery of the blues. BUY THIS!!"
Best CD yet!!!!
W. A. Green | Nolensville, TN USA | 03/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I own all of Tab's releases, I honestly feel this is his best effort yet.This CD will take you on a journey through the WETLANDS, and you will call it home. Makes this TN boy wish he was a CAJUN. Buy it!!"