“Fooled Around And Fell In Love”…  remember that one?  An out and out classic, the song hit #3 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976 and was sung by Mickey Thomas, who would go on to even greater fame with Jefferson Starship and Starship (“We Built This City”) a short three years later.  Funny thing though…  while this may be Elvin Bishop’s biggest hit and arguably his most memorable song, it is a bit removed from the good time rock n blues that he has been purveying for over 50 years now.  That said, those elements of that hit (especially his raw and ragged guitar work) are sprinkled all throughout his catalog.

Before we dive into Bishop’s new album, let’s give those of you unfamiliar with the man’s oeuvre a brief history lesson.  After leaving Oklahoma for college in Chicago in the early 60s Bishop soon met harp player Paul Butterfield and formed a band, going on to release four albums until branching off on his own with his own self titled band in the late 60s.  Throughout the 70s, Bishop did some heavy duty touring and recording and released a number of albums until a ten year recording respite, only to return to his blues roots with 1988’s Don’t Let The Bossman Bring You Down.  For the past 30 years, he has released a good number of blues based albums as a solo artist or sometimes with occasional guest stars.

Which brings us up to Big Fun Trio, which I’m happy to say is a fantastic mix of Elvin’s styles over his entire recording career.  On this album, Bishop strips everything back to a trio format with touring member Bob Welsh on guitar, bass, and piano and Willy Jordan on vocals and percussion, with guest harmonica players in Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, and Rick Estrin.  Things kick off  with the rollicking good time bluesy stomper “Keep On Rollin'”, which really sets the tone for this album-  the vocal interplay between Bishop and Jordan is infectious as they trade verses and throw in a few jabs at each other as Welsh adds boogie woogie piano and some excellent guitar work himself.  As always with an Elvin Bishop tune, the lyrics are often hilarious and in this case the first verse is spot on 🙂 (I’m not going to tell you what it is, buy it and find out for yourself!)

That infectiousness I’d mentioned regarding the intro cut’s vocal is found throughout this album and there is not a dull moment anywhere.  The interplay between the three is contagious; everything from Jordan’s soulful lead vocal shout on “It’s You, Baby” to Bishop’s killer vocal chops and guitar playing on “Ace In The Hole” to the guitar tradeoffs between Welsh and Bishop (and another joyful Bishop/Jordan vocal) in “Let’s Go”, to the full on bop and strut on display via the classic “It’s All Over Now”.  And dig the guest appearance from Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica and vocal as he duets with Elvin on the true to life “100 Years Of Blues”, which sounds like a blues history lesson with a groove as comfortable as a lazy summer afternoon on the front porch with your favorite cocktail.

As an already unabashed Elvin fan, I am pleasantly surprised at how much I really like this album.  There is enough changeup between the players that leaves you wanting a little bit more from each artist-  Jordan’s lead vocals are sweet and sublime, Bob Welsh’s accompaniment is strong as he throws in some tasty nuggets on piano and guitar, and Elvin’s guitar is suitably dirty and raw and features some of his strongest playing ever.  Believe me, there is not a song to skip anywhere!  It’s as if the three artists brought out the best in each other for this 45 minute platter.  If you like your music with a sense of fun, it would do you a heap o’ good to pick up Big Fun Trio!  I give it a strong 9 out of 10.