Album Notes

Some of the marks of excellence on a Billy Flynn CD are as predictable as they are gratifying. It's a given that the songwriting, music, and players will reflect taste, quality, a savvy knowledge and broad nuanced mastery of the blues (with special emphasis on Chicago sylings) which only a true scholar, virtuoso, and veteran could bring, and a love of exploring both styles and instruments outside of the blues guitar and vocals which remain the core of his music.

On "Blues Drive", Billy fulfilled a goal of recording with his fellow Deitra Farr bandmates; Roosevelt "Hatter" Purifoy on keys (who's probably worked in most of the churches and blues bands in Chicago by now), bassist Felton Crews (Miles Davis, Charlie Musselwhite), drummer Ricky Nelson (Koko Taylor). Grammy nominated guest star Kim Wilson turned in a sterling cameo on harp and vocals. Together they concocted a potent brew of all original gutbucket and contemporary blues, blending echoes of Otis Rush, Earl Hooker, Jimmy Dawkins, Johnny Fuller and B.B. King, with a pinch of gospel and a couple of back porch feeling collaborations with Wilson.

Billy Flynn has worked hard at his career for over 30 years now and has reached the point where he is as familiar a name in Europe as in the US. Revered around the world and in constant demand in studios and touring bands. This CD will only reinforce the calls for his musical services. In fact, if he's not careful, he may have to buy a new wardrobe and add dance clubs to his circuit.

-- Dick Shurman, Blues Producer and Historian.