by Tom Baldino
Curtis Salgado has been on the blues scene since the mid 70’s, most notably with the Robert Cray Band, and Room Full of Blues and then becoming the inspiration for John Belushi’s character “Joliet” Jake Blues in The Blues Brothers movie. He’s fronted his own band for more than three decades and was performing at the Triple Door in Seattle when a fan came up to him at the end of the show and asked if he had ever considered making a live recording. That was the impetus for the beginning of this collection, with fan Randy Magg inspiring the project and going on to co-executive produce it along with his wife Deanna. The song selection, recording at the Triple Door, and video, for this project came to fruition in April of 2025. Curtis was a little hesitant, but after hearing the finished product, he was glad they decided to make it happen. A cast of seventeen players brought these thirteen songs to life, and if you’re a fan of live recordings like me, you definitely want to add this one to your collection.
A drum beat kicks off “Sing My Song,” and the lyrics provide a roadmap for Curtis’s life in music. With the full band and chorus of background vocals, this soulful number is a great starting point for this musical journey. “Wiggle Out of This,” is laid down over a great bass line from John Linn and the lyrics, so expressively put forth by Curtis, demand an answer to the question in this high energy version. A piercing guitar over the horn section introduces the need to leave everything behind and make a “Clean Getaway,” from the collection of the same name. With the entire ensemble adding to the urgency, they bring the song to life in a way no studio recording could.
The funk drips from both guitar and vocals on “My Girlfriend,” who Curtis makes abundantly clear, is not his wife or the manager of his life, with some witty lyrics. “Money Must Think I’m Dead,” was co-written with Rick Estrin and is the only track Curtis is credited with on harp. After listening to it, I wish he had decided to add the Mississippi Saxophone to more than just one song. Some great horn charts introduce “Sweet Jesus Buddha the Doctor,” a rollicking number that allows for a gritty bass solo by John Linn, with out losing any of the momentum built up by the band, and makes its seven minutes literally fly by.
“Count of Three” begins as a sparsely mild-mannered ballad, but builds up to an all-out rocker, and give credit to this fine group of musicians for making the seamless transition. The introduction of slide guitar lends the perfect accent to Curtis’s vocals on “Precious Time,” a love song that is highlighted by some heart felt lyrics. “Nobody But You,” credited to Charles Hodges is the perfect vehicle for this outfit, with some lively horns supplied by Gary Harris, Timothy Bryson, Lars Campbell and Dave Mills. Some impassioned singing over the excellent backing vocals of Keashaun Jones, Margaret Linn and Lindsey Reynolds, makes the title of this song certainly ring true.
“I Don’t Want to Discuss It,” a tune made famous by Little Richard is given the full treatment and must have been a show stopper for the live audience. You can feel the energy coursing the notes here, again demonstrating that there’s no substitute for a live recording. Curtis then takes us to church with his Mama’s advice in “A Woman and the Blues.” This toe tapper
features some tasty B3 by Brian Harris over some mighty testifying from Curtis. David Duncan’s “20 Years of B.B. King,” is a classic blues in tribute to the Beale Street Boy, quoting some lyrics and guitar that conjures up B.B. without sounding too close to Lucille. The CD ends with another original, “Fine By Me,” a light hearted pop number that talks about some famous people Curtis meets in his dreams (you will have to listen for yourself to find out.) It demonstrates the versatility of Curtis’s song writing and is a fine way to wrap up, and give the listener a taste of his remarkable career.
Go to nolabluerecords.com or sallie@nola-blue.com for more information on availability in CD, vinyl, and digital formats.