Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, Talk to You by Hand (Hep Cat)

This was the initial offering from Black Top back in 1981, and it stands the test of time. The Rockets were a band out of Dallas, a poor man’s Fabulous Thunderbirds, but they were a very good blues combo and frequent visitors to the Crescent City. This was the early version of the Rockets, with Lil’ Darrell Nulish on harp and vocals, and the CD is made up of covers, some of which (I humbly add) were my suggestion. The title track comes via Louisiana’s Lazy Lester, and while some of the fairer sex might object to the subject matter, the Rockets aptly capture the sound of the swamps. Funderburgh had a knack for being able to mimic any blues guitar. Here he apes Ike Turner on “Tore Up,” Earl King on “Come On,” and Guitar Gable on “This Should Go on Forever.” No slouch on vocals or harp, Lil’ Darrell has no problems selling “All My Love in Vain” and “How Long.” This CD makes one yearn for those early days of Tipitina’s and weekends filled with touring Texas bands.