CD reviews: Li’l Chuck: the One Man Skiffle Machine

Good music doesn’t have to get all complicated and the way Christchurch musician David Thorpe goes about it proves that a steady right hand, a good set of lungs and dexterous feet is sometimes all it takes.

Aside from great harmonica playing, Chuck’s secret is a fine sense of rhythm. Concocting a melange of blues, swing, rockabilly and ragtime — all the while playing guitar, harp and drums — is some feat, and what makes it even more impressive is his vocal strength.

Mixed with a great sense of audio finesse by Ben Edwards, Utility Blues is out of step with current trends, yet that is part of the charm.

• Li’l Chuck: the One Man Skiffle Machine. Utility Blues. Backyard. 

• Four stars (out of five)

Single download:  I call on Jimmy Reed
For those who like: Brian Setzer, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Cochrane, R.L Burnside

— Mark Orton