Filipowicz is something of a throwback. He grew up in the Chicago of the mid-sixties and early seventies rubbing shoulders with Jimmy Dawkins, Son Seals, Otis Rush and Hound Dog Taylor. He lived and played in Texas as well and played extensively with Luther Allison. He has a long and successful solo career playing and writing blues that is tough and uncompromising, he takes no prisoners.
His latest album opens with Tuff Girl, originally recorded by Dawkins and sets the tone perfectly. Paul has gathered a band of seasoned Chicago bluesmen around him, Martin Lang (harp), Bo Diddly’s cousin EG McDaniel (bass) and Jimmy Voegeli on piano and organ. They simply cook on tracks like Wolf’s, I’m Leaving You. Title track Breakwater builds slowly with Paul playing an ice shattering guitar tone reminiscent of Peter Green. Sonny Boy pays tribute to the man himself, close your eyes and you could be in Teresas Lounge on a Friday night. This Time I’m Gone For Good has a feel of menace from the off, the dexterity of Pauls playing is captivating and perfectly framed by the band. Lefty Phillips is Pauls instrumental tribute to Lefty Dizz and Brewer Phillips, both old friends and Chicago guitar legends.
“anyone who claims to be a fan of real deal blues music should have Paul Filipowicz in their record collection”
Conversation With JR is pure Chicago while Ashes In The Wind gives a nod to Mississippi Hill Country. That’s The Truth is a fab cover of the old JB Hutto number, who was another uncompromising West Side bluesman. Maggie ‘Blues Chic’ Aliotta provides wonderful lead vocals on the Magic Sam cover, That’s Why I’m Crying. The album closes with a brace of Pauls originals, Poor Boy and Rollcage, both guaranteed to get you moving along with the music. I think that anyone who claims to be a fan of real deal blues music should have Paul Filipowicz in their record collection, if you don’t, start by buying this and then seek out his back catalogue. I have them all and there isn’t any that I wouldn’t recommend.
STEVE YOURGLIVCH
