Mississippi Magic (2000)

"This is Evans' first album not featuring guitar master and ex-employer Ry Cooder. But this is a rollicking example of Evans' uncut, non-commercialized, gritty gospel and swamp vocals. He taps Jorge Calderon (who goes under the alias of J.C. Parsons) for two songs, and turns in stunning versions of "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You" and especially Willie Dixon's "Mellow Down Easy." The latter finds his band locking together on a joyous, upbeat groove. Elsewhere, guitarist Jesse Samsel turns in solos that are very similar to Cooder's -- especially when he lets his slide loose. Evans digs into this material with the gruff but affable approach that added such down-home Southern soul to Cooder's and Hans Theessink's work. His version of Theessink's "Where The Southern Crosses The Dog" is one of the highlights, but there's truly not a weak track here. Whether he's singing straight blues or testifying with religion-soaked R&B, Evans brings ferocious, rousing soul power here." (Hal Horowitz, Allmusic)

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