LIMITED QUANTITIES... ORDER YOURS TODAY!

The Triumphant Return of Slim Jim Jimmie Stagger It has been nearly 6 years since "Cruel Hearted Papa" was released, capturing the attention to many local blues lovers. After 6 long years of anticipation, Jimmie Stagger has finally released a second album which is surely to pique the interest of a new generation of blues aficionados. Old Stagger fans will continue to marvel at Jimmie's unique vocal phrasing and the consistently progressive musicianship he continues to show year in and year out. The Triumphant Return of Slim Jim is arguably the best locally independently produced CD of the year. Eric Jon's patience and care in producing the CD is evidenced by the exceptionally fine sound quality of the recording. There is an unusual live ambiance throughout the album, as if the Jimmie Stagger Band set up in your living room and launched into a 45 minute set. According to Eric Jon, the exceptional fidelity of the recording comes from the fact that the band chose Soundfield Studios as their base of operations. Eric explains that Soundfield's multiple isolation units allowed the band to interact more closely together while recording and laying down arrangements. The spatial qualities of this has yielded a fine field of sound which is unlike any you expect to hear from locally produced music. The CD's initial track "Big Fun - Small Town" has big broad jump band sound of which will alert you that there is some great music ahead in this CD. "Fruitridge Mama" is Stagger's homage to the fruit-producing region just North of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Apparently Stagger has knowledge of "Fruitridge Mamas" that very few of us are privileged to have known. His lead guitar opening has a snaky, weaving feel to it that pulsates with hypnotic rhythm. "Walking Blues", a composition by Robert Johnson, showcases Jimmie's extraordinary slide guitar. "Slim Jim" features a harp solo by Hank Mowery, a frequent contributor to Jimmie's live performances. Hank's harp solo coupled with Stagger's guitar gives this selection a "Junior Wells" feel. Jimmie's rich baritone and sustaining vocal endings testifies to the vocal uniqueness that is all Jimmie Stagger "Crossroads", another composition by Robert Johnson, is played on the National steel guitar. Those of you who follow Stagger's live performances may have noticed an absence of steel guitar. His version of "Crossroads" will undoubtedly result in fans asking Jimmie to reinsert his steel guitar playing at live performances. "One Mans Trash" is perhaps the best cut in the entire CD. It showcases so much of the unique abilities that this man has. The rich cord changes found in this number are reminiscent of the old New Orleans School of R&B that was evident in the fifties. Stagger's vocals are smooth and rich and heavily infused with R&B stylings. The last track is a real eye opener. Producer Eric Jon breaks all the rules of standard blues recording by allowing the presence of bass and drum solos. This is unheard of. You can certainly get away with it in Jazz recordings, but bass and drum solos on blues recordings are absolutely taboo! "Baby Please Don't Go" starts off with a heavy drum intro, joined by a driving guitar solo masterfully pumped out by Stagger's custom made Parker guitar. These guys play this number fast and hard. Then somewhere in the middle of the track the bass player comes off with a remarkable solo. That is followed by a tasteful solo by drummer Chris Fassbender. Chris' drums throughout the CD are pure pleasure. This last track is a fitting finale; it synthesizes the parts to the whole, leaving the listener with a sense of a complete musical experience. A literal blues explosion! The Triumphant Return of Slim Jim should please the most ardent Jimmie Stagger fan. It should also serve as an introduction to newly acquired blues fans to the splendid talent that we have here in Grand Rapids. On any given night the Jimmie Stagger band can blister and smoke you out of any club with their sensational stage show. You now have it encapsulated in a ten track CD. The new Jimmie Stagger CD is like a ten-course meal. You'll savor each track as if you were experiencing a gourmet delight and the best part of it is you can go back for seconds! - West Michigan Blues Society