New blues from Magic Slim

As if we haven't had enough good old-fashioned blues lately with new CDs by B.B. King and Buddy Guy, along comes another Chicago stalwart with that fine old sound -- Magic Slim.

His new CD, "Midnight Blues' (Blind Pig Records) set for release today (yes, for once, BlueNotes is right on time) is another round of what Slim (Morris Holt) does best: Some of the toughest straight-ahead blues you can find that are still delivered by the guy who  created them -- Slim just turned 70, so he's been playing these licks for a while. The authority is obvious, and the passion is still there.

He's got some of his own tunes here, from the two-fisted, hard-rocking "Let Me Love You" opener through a set that never lets up on the intensity, even though the tempo might slow down now and then.

Slim has also brought along a few other Chicago greats to lend a hand, and although his crackling tight Teardrops don't really need any help, the addition of James Cotton's tough harp is a fine addition to Muddy Waters' You Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had."

Lil' Ed Williams lends a scorching guitar to "Give Me Back My Wig," and Lonnie Brooks adds his old Chicago style to Willie Dixon's "Spider in My Stew." Elvin Bishop plays on Slim's "Cryin' Won't Let You Stay," and Otis Clay checks in for background vocals on Little Milton's "Loving You is the Best Thing That Happened to Me." And there are a few horns here and there for a little flavor.

Slim's work here doesn't break new ground, but it does plow a nice rich, deep furrow in old blues ground. It's a pleasure to listen to.

I seem to have run into Slim a couple of times earlier this year, first at Moondog's in May, then at the Chicago Blues Festival in June. At Moondog's, Slim got more festive as the evening and the drinks rolled on. At one point, appreciative fans drew the playful reaction in the photo I took, below.