Elvin Bishop Source: Sonic Boomers Date: 10/2008 Writer: n/a

Though he was born in Oklahoma, Elvin Bishop originally made his name in Chicago during the mid-Sixties. He was guitarist in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and even when he got overshadowed by Michael Bloomfield’s addition, Bishop kept right at it. He has a deep well of feeling to draw on, and if he isn't a flashy player, at least he always finds the groove in a song and rides it out to the end with a big grin and burning guitar. His big red Gibson told the truth, and coupled with a down home style, it wasn’t long before Elvin Bishop was a star in his own band. The Blues Roll On lets him pull out a fat Rolodex and call on friends to join in this bluesy fun. Some pairings really pop, and others are simply good. Either way, every song has enough going on that the album as a whole is a blessing for blues fans young and old. What really sets it apart is how many lesser-knowns get to join in the fun. The Homemade Jamz Band range in age from 9 to 14, but play like the pros they are. John Nemeth might not be a known name quite yet, but on his four songs he shows that’s only a matter of time. And Texan Angela Strehli has always been one of the great secret weapons of the blues; once you hear her you never forget. Other guests include B.B. King, Kim Wilson, James Cotton, George Thorogood, Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks, Tommy Castro and several others. But instead of sounding like a messy star trip. Bishop’s innate soulfulness keeps everything in check, where the musicians are in service of the song and not themselves. Put it in the alley.