Tab Benoit – 鈥楲egacy: The Best of Tab Benoit’
The Louisiana singer, songwriter and guitarist, Tab Benoit, debuted in 1992 with “Nice and Warm” and followed with three more Cajun-influenced blues albums for Vanguard. His latest offering is a collection of the hard-working artist’s hits released over the last 10 years on the Telara label.
The album features a mixture of original Benoit material as well as several covers, all sprinkled with a Creole, Delta blues and rock flavor. Benoit opens with a fiery cover of Buddy Miller’s “Shelter Me,” as the Benoit’s spirited guitar licks conjure up the soulful bravado of “Gimme Back My Bullets” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Benoit’s passionate style is highlighted on Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ “I Put a Spell on You,” as Benoit unflinchingly delivers a slow, smoldering interpretation with New Orleans native and swamp-blues master, Kenny Neal assisting on guitar.
Other notable covers include Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine” and “The Blues Is Here to Stay,” featuring Cyril Neville. Benoit’s “Night Train” and “Muddy Bottom Blues” are pure Louisiana blues-rock arrangements that are sizzling game changers. The compilation contains two live tracks that give a taste of the talented musician on stage. Much to my delight, one performance features a cover of “New Orleans Ladies” from Louisiana LeRoux’s debut album. My older brother had the band’s album from 1978, and I can still fondly remember repeatedly playing this track from this hidden gem over and over again. Members of the band backed Benoit on his “Brother to the Blues” and “Power of the Ponchartrain” albums.
The album closes with a live version of “Bayou Boogie” as Benoit asks, “If we give you the boogie, can you handle it?” Benoit proves he can tear it up in the studio and on stage, making “Legacy: The Best of Tab Benoit” a must-hear introduction to one of the premier blues artist you’ll come across period.