The Mighty Mojo Prophets

Top Ten Albums

1) Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Evening Severn Records

2) Cash Box Kings Holler and Stomp Blind Pig Records

3) Jimmie Vaughan ...Plays More Blues Ballads and Favorites Shout Factory Records

4) Ivan Appelrouth Blue and Instrumental Eller Soul Records

5) Shawn Pittman Edge of the World Delta Groove Records

6) Duke Robillard Low Down and Tore Up Stony Plain Records

7) The Mighty Mojo Prophets The Mighty Mojo Prophets Rip Cat Records

8) Big Pete Choice Cuts Delta Groove Records

9) Terry Hanck Look Out! Delta Groove Records

10) Big Joe and the Dynaflows You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down Severn Records

Honorable Mention: Barrelhouse Chuck Blues Calling Viola Records / Greg Allman Low Country Blues Rounder Records / Barry Levenson The Late Show Rip Cat Records / Tip of the Top From Memphis to Greaseland Delta King Records / Andreas Arlt All Time Favorites Crosscut Records - bluesjunctionproductions.com

Top Ten Albums

1) Sugar Ray and the Bluetones Evening Severn Records

2) Cash Box Kings Holler and Stomp Blind Pig Records

3) Jimmie Vaughan ...Plays More Blues Ballads and Favorites Shout Factory Records

4) Ivan Appelrouth Blue and Instrumental Eller Soul Records

5) Shawn Pittman Edge of the World Delta Groove Records

6) Duke Robillard Low Down and Tore Up Stony Plain Records

7) The Mighty Mojo Prophets The Mighty Mojo Prophets Rip Cat Records

8) Big Pete Choice Cuts Delta Groove Records

9) Terry Hanck Look Out! Delta Groove Records

10) Big Joe and the Dynaflows You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down Severn Records

Honorable Mention: Barrelhouse Chuck Blues Calling Viola Records / Greg Allman Low Country Blues Rounder Records / Barry Levenson The Late Show Rip Cat Records / Tip of the Top From Memphis to Greaseland Delta King Records / Andreas Arlt All Time Favorites Crosscut Records - bluesjunctionproductions.com

Now, with no further banter from me, it's time to announce the winners. Since our review policy requires that I must like the CD in order to review it, it's quite obvious that the list of honorable mentions could be lengthy. However, since in the text of my review I did say that these discs were possible candidates, the runners up are: The Bad Influence Band with "Under The Influence"; Franco Paletta And The Stingers with "Can't Kick Love"; Jumpin' Jack Benny with "I'll Be Alright"; Midnight Shift with "Rhythm Rockin Boogie".

I now congratulate The Mighty Mojo Prophets as the 2011 BLEWZZY AWARD winners in the CD category with their self titled disc - "The Mighty Mojo Prophets" - Mary4Music.com

This retro-sounding album is the first to be released by the fledgling Rip Cat records of Los Angeles. Rip cat was founded by Scott Abeyta, guitarist for White Boy James and the Blues Express (who also record for Rip Cat). According to Abeyta the "Rip Cat sound" is "a cross between Chicago blues and West Coast swing... a modern take on the LA blues scene of the 1980's and 1990's when James Harman, William Clarke, Robert Lucas' Luke and the Locomotives, and affiliated luminaries ruled."
The Mighty Mojo Prophets (vocalist Tom "Big Son" Eliff, guitarist Mitch "Da Switch" Dow, bassist Scott Lambert, drummer Johnny Minguez, and Harpist Alex "Li'l A" Woodson) hail from Long Beach and were formed in 2007. Their eponymous release is comprised of 12 Eliff and Dow originals and one by White Boy James, who vocalizes on his snappy call to the dance floor "Boogie Woogie Rhythm". Eliff and Dow tunes don't break any new ground and are mainly inspired by either classic Chicago blues ("Evil Sometimes"," Night Train", and "Hoodoo Lover") or by the R&B of T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Wynonie Harris et al ("Friday Night Phone Call", "Life's a Hurt'n Thing", and "My Baby").
Eliff is an unpretentious vocalist, seemingly more inspired by R&B than Chicago blues, yet equally confident in either style. Dow compliments Eliff's vocals with big splashes of glistening chords and some dazzling solos that recall T-Bone Walker and Albert Collins. Woodson is a force on Harmonica and deserves more space on their next album. Kudos and good luck to Rip Cat for shining the light on this new breed of West Coast blues band. ---- Thomas J. Cullen III - Blues Review Magazine - November / Decemder 2011 Issue

This retro-sounding album is the first to be released by the fledgling Rip Cat records of Los Angeles. Rip cat was founded by Scott Abeyta, guitarist for White Boy James and the Blues Express (who also record for Rip Cat). According to Abeyta the "Rip Cat sound" is "a cross between Chicago blues and West Coast swing... a modern take on the LA blues scene of the 1980's and 1990's when James Harman, William Clarke, Robert Lucas' Luke and the Locomotives, and affiliated luminaries ruled."
The Mighty Mojo Prophets (vocalist Tom "Big Son" Eliff, guitarist Mitch "Da Switch" Dow, bassist Scott Lambert, drummer Johnny Minguez, and Harpist Alex "Li'l A" Woodson) hail from Long Beach and were formed in 2007. Their eponymous release is comprised of 12 Eliff and Dow originals and one by White Boy James, who vocalizes on his snappy call to the dance floor "Boogie Woogie Rhythm". Eliff and Dow tunes don't break any new ground and are mainly inspired by either classic Chicago blues ("Evil Sometimes"," Night Train", and "Hoodoo Lover") or by the R&B of T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Wynonie Harris et al ("Friday Night Phone Call", "Life's a Hurt'n Thing", and "My Baby").
Eliff is an unpretentious vocalist, seemingly more inspired by R&B than Chicago blues, yet equally confident in either style. Dow compliments Eliff's vocals with big splashes of glistening chords and some dazzling solos that recall T-Bone Walker and Albert Collins. Woodson is a force on Harmonica and deserves more space on their next album. Kudos and good luck to Rip Cat for shining the light on this new breed of West Coast blues band. ---- Thomas J. Cullen III - Blues Review Magazine - November / Decemder 2011 Issue

This retro-sounding album is the first to be released by the fledgling Rip Cat records of Los Angeles. Rip cat was founded by Scott Abeyta, guitarist for White Boy James and the Blues Express (who also record for Rip Cat). According to Abeyta the "Rip Cat sound" is "a cross between Chicago blues and West Coast swing... a modern take on the LA blues scene of the 1980's and 1990's when James Harman, William Clarke, Robert Lucas' Luke and the Locomotives, and affiliated luminaries ruled."
The Mighty Mojo Prophets (vocalist Tom "Big Son" Eliff, guitarist Mitch "Da Switch" Dow, bassist Scott Lambert, drummer Johnny Minguez, and Harpist Alex "Li'l A" Woodson) hail from Long Beach and were formed in 2007. Their eponymous release is comprised of 12 Eliff and Dow originals and one by White Boy James, who vocalizes on his snappy call to the dance floor "Boogie Woogie Rhythm". Eliff and Dow tunes don't break any new ground and are mainly inspired by either classic Chicago blues ("Evil Sometimes"," Night Train", and "Hoodoo Lover") or by the R&B of T-Bone Walker, Big Joe Turner, and Wynonie Harris et al ("Friday Night Phone Call", "Life's a Hurt'n Thing", and "My Baby").
Eliff is an unpretentious vocalist, seemingly more inspired by R&B than Chicago blues, yet equally confident in either style. Dow compliments Eliff's vocals with big splashes of glistening chords and some dazzling solos that recall T-Bone Walker and Albert Collins. Woodson is a force on Harmonica and deserves more space on their next album. Kudos and good luck to Rip Cat for shining the light on this new breed of West Coast blues band. ---- Thomas J. Cullen III - Blues Review Magazine - November / Decemder 2011 Issue

The Mighty Mojo Prophets – The Mighty Mojo Prophets

Rip Cat Records

http://www.mightymojoprophets.com/

13 Tracks, 45:22

The Mighty Mojo Prophets have released their self-titled first CD and at first listen it is reminiscent of fellow west coast blues bands like The Paladins and Little Charlie & The Nightcats. But to call them a West Coast Blues band would be an injustice to this California combo. They may have a foot firmly planted in the soil tilled by Big Joe Turner and T-Bone Walker but they reach far beyond the Golden State to Texas, Chicago, the Mississippi Delta and beyond.

Guitarist Mitch Dow gets some classic Elmore James tones and harp-man Alex “Lil A” Woodson explores the sounds of Little Walter, James Cotton, and fellow west coaster Charlie Musselwhite. Vocalist Tom “Big Son” Eliff delivers his vocals in a casual manner exuding style and confidence that his Mojo is working just fine and the rhythm section of drummer Johnny Minguez and bassist Scott Lambert are adept at keeping things moving from sea to shining sea.

Their songs, mostly written by Eliff and Dow, are succinct but pack a lot of top-notch playing into the short spaces of time. In fact, each tune could be considered a time capsule in the sense that they each capture a moment that is both of an era and timeless in the same instance.

Opening with a brisk shuffle that could have been born in Chicago in 1951 or Austin, Texas in 1981, they’re off and running with “Evil Sometimes.” “Friday Night Phone Call” could be a Saturday night fish fry or high school hop with guitar licks reminiscent of Bill Haley & The Comets over the swing of Louis Jordan. “Life’s A Hurtin’ Thing” could be a Jimmy Smith or Jimmy McGriff organ trio tune or a Mighty Flyers vamp, and album closer “Travelin’ Man” captures the lonesome train station blues of the Delta where the Southern crosses the Dog and a sorrowful harp blows like the wind of discontent.

Mitch Dow gets extra miles with some raspy slide guitar on “Night Train” while Woodson blows the Mississippi saxophone announcing the departure for parts unknown. Eliff sings with the sorrow of a man deserted at the station, scorned by love, a lover, and life. It is a shining moment where all their talents come together with profound results.

Guitarist Mitch Dow also gets time to shine on his jumping instrumental “Da Switch.” He mixes up the tones on his guitars with the rhythm guitar slightly distorted and drenched with reverb while the solo guitars vary from crisp and clean to icy cool like Albert Collins. Again, it is a short tune that comes on, says what needs to be said and gets out. It is an exercise in restraint that owes as much to Jimmie Vaughan as it does Freddie King. Dow uses the spaces to let this and many other songs on the album do some breathing and we’re all the better for it. His riffs convey notions, emotions and motions without being overbearing or too busy and Tom Eliff’s smooth singing is always bolstered by the band. They play for the song, making each one count.

Alex Woodson plays some lowdown harp on “Hoodoo Lover” while Eliff’s vocals work their spell on the unsuspecting object of his affection. In songs like this, “Evil Sometimes,” “Night Train” and others, Eliff captures the spirit of old blues lyrics without sounding trite or hokey. Musically, stylistically, and lyrically this new band captures the essence of the old and offers a contemporary adaptation of their influences. Hopefully this disc is the first of many for this Long Beach area band.

Reviewer Jim Kanavy is the greatest guitar player in his house. He has been reviewing albums in his head for 30 years and in print since 2008, and is deeply committed to keeping the blues alive and thriving. For more information visit http://jimkanavy.com. - Blues Bast Magazine

(New York, NY)

A thriving blues scene in Long Beach, California? Who knew? Well, apparently The Mighty Mojo Prophets did and their debut CD, on Rip Cat Records, shows that it is not only thriving, but some genuinely good music is coming out of it.

With their first album, simply titled THE MIGHTY MOJO PROPHETS, these West Coasters may not bring anything significantly new to the table stylistically, but their sheer passion for the music and themastery they have over their instruments shines through loud and clear. Tom "Big Son" Eliff's vocals are smooth and authoritative. Guitarist Mitch Dow masterfully dishes out blues with the finesse of a jazz player. Alex "Li'l A" Woodson's harp tone is thick and quintessentially "blues" and the rhythm section of drummer Johnny Minguez and bassist Scott Lambert can best be described with one word..."solid."

Tracks like "Evil Sometimes", "Smile on My Face", "Travelin' Man" and especially the Chess-infused "Night Train" are superb examples of how these boys can serve up some low-down dirty blues, but this self-titled debut cooks most when the band is swinging. "Friday Night Phone Call", "Life's a Hurtin' Thing", "Da' Switch" and "Boogie Woogie Rhythm" simmer with jazz-drenched silkiness, fancy fret-work and authenticity.

The Mighty Mojo Prophets may not be taking the blues and swing anywhere new, but with a bag of decent original compositions, solid musicianship and brilliant energy they are managing to take vintage musical conventions and making them sound fresh and exciting....throw in a few notable guest performances by artists like Junior Watson, Edo Guidotti, Scott Abeyta, Whiteboy James and San Pedro Slim and blues (and swing) lovers have themselves a debut album that is unquestionably worth checking out. - American Blues News