You'd never know from hearing Chris Cotton that he's a California native. Bitten by the blues bug after hearing a Muddy Waters album, Cotton learned guitar in New Orleans and then started up a band at home called the Blue Eyed Devils. After two albums, he ventured to Memphis where he hooked up with Jimbo Mathus. The result is his first solo venture, "I Watched the Devil Die".
These dozen songs were recorded using vintage equipment in Mathus' studio in Clarksdale, Miss., and the resulting old-timey feel gives the album a distinct edge similar to that of fellow Yellow Dog artist Mark Lemhouse. Mathus, who produced the album, also assisted musically, as did guitarist Big Jack Johnson on one track, a lengthy jam session titled "Black Night." Cotton's best numbers are faster and more upbeat - "Morgan City, Mississippi," "Black Night," a remake of Skip James' "I'm So Glad," and the title song all have tight chops - and Cotton's gravelly vocals counterpoint the lively music nicely. "That's It" could fit comfortably on a bluegrass record, with excellent fiddle and mandolin the focal point. Cotton also does a few numbers with just his voice and guitar; the best is "Come On." Other covers include the traditional "Bill Bailey" and Blind Willie McTell's "Dying Crapshooter's Blues."
Cotton's music will find its niche among blues fans - mostly those who enjoy Lemhouse, Richard Johnston, and others who aim to get back to the genre's roots. Cotton has put forth a good first solo album, and he has the talent to go further. It'll be interesting to see what his next effort brings.