Experienced fans of the blues know that there are variations of the genre that represent geographical flavors and creative tradition. It is a common trait within a region that ultimately leads an artist to play a certain type of blues.

Chris Cotton is from California but he honed his craft in New Orleans -- where he learned to play, sing and write music in the distinctive Piedmont style of blues. While so many artists are full of Americana, Cotton blazes a new trail with some "old music." What's his secret in pulling this off? He has a great conviction in the music he plays and the lyrics he sings…pretty simple.

I Watched The Devil Die is a CD that oozes piedmont blues. Naturally, there are colorful stories that one would expect to find in the Deep South. Cotton sings with strength and confidence on "Dying Crapshooter's Blues" by Willie McTell. The imagery is easy to come by as he tells of the crooked gambler Jesse and his dying wish about his burial details -- which are comically over the top.

The other mainstay of Piedmont blues is the style of guitar and banjo play. This happens to be Cotton's strong point. He can pick, no doubt. "Come On" is a fine testimony to his abilities. The fiddle play on the instrumental piece "That's It" is a highlight also. Note the fiddle, spoons, and washboard on "Blues For Big Bill" too.

"Black Night" may be the one that broke the mold on this CD. It's different in that it features electric guitar play. It's not exactly traditional Piedmont, but still cut from the same cloth. Regardless, it's definitely good enough to make the final cut onto the album.

In general, this CD has an old school feel to it. There is a certain degree of homage paid to an old style of musicianship. Thanks to Cotton's talent, this CD isn't a farce -- which often happens when a new artist tries to be an old musician.