Simply Bobbie

"Simply Bobbie", Bobbie "Mercy" Oliver's new cd, is just that - it's almost exclusively Bobbie!

According to the liner, "this work was written, set to music, arranged and mastered by Bobbie Mercy Oliver." Bobbie plays bass guitar, second lead guitar, harmonica, organ and vocals." On Soul Food Mr. T is on organ, and Oran Gipson is lead guitar on all.

It's hard to be objective, because Bobbie and "Mom" (his wife Eva) are such wonderful people and I love them, but I will do my best (smile).

My favorite piece on this CD is his "Devil Eyes (Part II). Something about this one catches and holds me from the first notes, a gentle rocking blues tune with Bobbie carrying on an irreverent conversation in the background, punctuated by git-down growls and mellow mouth harp; I know this wasn't meant to be his "A" tune, but it's very simplicity gets to me, and it makes me smile every time I hear it. "Devil Eyes (Part I) is great, but I can't help it - I like #2 the best.

The second tune, "I'm Just a Nobody" (trying to be a somebody), is another great tune, I love the lyrics, and it rollicks along on his vocals and the laid-back guitar work.

"Left Hand Woman" has got to be a tribute to wife, Eva, and it's marvelous! (I've got a left hand woman who still does everything right!). Just lovely guitar licks, and the love shines thru the whole piece.

"Simply Bobbie" shows off some absolutely unique guitar styling and riffing; a must hear.

"Bang, Bang, Bang" is a bit of sly double-entendre cheating-woman-love-gone-wrong with some fabulous harmonica work and guitar pickin'; this one I have to run a second time every time I listen, because there is some neat phrasing in it that begs for a repeat.

"Blues Train" starts out with Bobbie's wonderful harmonica, which is the dominant instrument; the guitar provides a backdrop, but the harmonica is what this song is about, and it's pure blues.

This is a great CD, all Bobbie, as it says, which makes it a must-buy. You can get it directly from him off his website, http://bobbieoliver39.tripod.com or from http://buymusicdirect.com/

- - C.W.