Skip
"Little Axe" McDonald
*
Photo gallery *
‘Hard
Grind’, last year’s worldwide album release by 21St century Nu— Blues
guru Skip “Little Axe” McDonald was well worth the wait. Sales have
been impressive, particularly on the U.S.A., Japanese and U.K. markets.
The music press were not slow to recognise that the Little Axe album
was something special. Fred Dellar at Q magazine wrote. “With hints
of southern gospel, aching guitar and some blues raps from the US
Library Of Congress, this is fascinating, deeply convincing stuff’.
The Daily Telegraph’s Andrew Perry also saw the light when he noted
that with its high—tech beats and looped up snatches of blues moaning
Little Axe really does deserve wider recognition. “Moby nicked the
basic idea and did quite well with it,” he said.
Skip delighted thousands of Festival goers last year with appearances
in Holland, Belgium, France and the UK. He rounded off 2003 with a
live music and interview session on the BBC Radio 2 Paul Jones Christmas
Blues Show. Little Axe played a selection from the soon to be released
Real World album “Champagne And Grits”. Skip’s middle name could be
‘Modesty’ as he describes the new album as just a natural progression
of the Blues. It’s hard to conceive that he should surpass the pure
magic of ‘Hard Grind’ but with guests including Junior Delgado and
Ghetto Priest plus regulars Doug Wimbish and Keith La Blanc he proves
to any aspiring young pretender that he is the true creator of 21
St Century Blues.
Skip’s musical pedigree stretches from here to eternity and his invaluable
contributions to the likes of Sugarhill Gang, James, Brown, George
Clinton, Lee Perry, Afrika Bambaata, Tackhead, African Headcharge
and Wilson Picket are well documented as are his co— production credits
with On-U-Sound amigo Adrian Sherwood.
Anyone doubting Skip’s invaluable contribution to music should check
out the latest, Paul Oliver compiled, Sony double CD set Story Of
The Blues, Skip’s seminal track ‘Ride On’ sits graciously alongside
some blues greats as well as contemporaries Santana and Johnny Winter.
Skip’s left his mark on music’s rich history but he’s also HAPPENING
NOW and COMIN’ AT YA SOON!!!
der
blues der dub
Review