Search - Travis 'Moonchild' Haddix :: Daylight at Midnight

Soul-stirring Blues

Shannon Riley | Mississippi | 09/30/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"DAYLIGHT AT MIDNIGHT

Travis "Moonchild" Haddix

Wann-Sonn Records, 2008



Travis "Moonchild" Haddix has traveled a long way from Hatchie Bottom, Mississippi, where he was born, to become the accomplished musician he is today. He lays down some sweet soul-stirring sounds on his latest CD, Daylight at Midnight, the tenth recording he has produced on his own Wann-Sonn Records label, and this high-energy set should appeal to a wide variety of listeners. The disc includes ten tracks penned by the prolific artist and the mix of blues, soul and R & B is sure to please.



The songs feature Haddix on vocals and solo guitar backed by the solid sounds of outstanding musicians like Bob Frank on lead guitar and harmonica and Gil Zachary on keyboard. Frank's fantastic harmonica work is especially rewarding on tracks like "Backward Baby," a traditional blues number that is a standout treat.



Other outstanding tracks include the humorous "Nine Behind," the title song "Daylight at Midnight," inspired by a town in northern Finland where the bluesman toured, and "Way Back in the Country," possibly referring to the artist's Mississippi roots.



This Hill Country born and bred artist is the son of Delta bluesman Chalmus "Rooster" Haddix. "I got introduced to the blues at a very early age," Haddix said. His first instrument was a piano, but after his older brother took him to see B. B. King on radio station WDIA, he decided he wanted a guitar. Judging from the skill he exhibits on the strings, he made the right decision. Other early influences include Lowell Fulson, Albert King, Little Milton, T-Bone Walker, and Buddy Guy.



Haddix paid his dues working with Chuck & the Tremblers and Earnest & the El Roccos in Cleveland, before forming his first band, the Now Sound.



His debut album, Wrong Side Out, recorded for Ichibon in 1988, led to four more well received releases from the company before it closed in the mid-1990s. In 1995, Haddix launched his own recording company, Wann-Sonn Records, and he has released ten CDs on his own label. Originally released by Wann-Sonn, Daylight at Midnight was quickly accepted by Earwig for wider distribution.



With strong songs, excellent backup and Travis "Moonchild" Haddixs' throaty baritone and sweet guitar work, Daylight at Midnight is a winner.



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