Bluesworthy

New Louisiana blues on CD

". . . Bassist Benny Turner has created his own brand of blues on his self-produced debut CD Blue and Not So Blue. Turner is the brother of Texas guitar legend Freddie King, and has made his mark in New Orleans as Marva Wright's bassist and bandleader. In honor of his late brother's peerless six-string work, Turner has opted to forsake any lead guitars on his CD, putting the focus on his songs, his surprisingly strong singing and the playing of a fantastic band that includes such guest members as Dr. John, Charles Brown, Davell Crawford and Marva Wright.

On the tracks "Remember" and "Have you Ever Been Lonesome," Turner's bass serves as the lead instrument, paving the way for beautiful piano work from Sammy Berfect and even some string harp work from Rachel Van Voorhies on "Remember." "Pity on this Lovesick Fool" is a grinding slice of New Orleans funk, featuring Turner's bass weaving out of Marc Adams' clavinet and Davell Crawford's organ and Fender Rhodes lines. The absence of any guitar leads may sound odd, but it's a winning approach here, and serves as a reminder that far too many contemporary blues artist are hastily-written fodder merely meant as vehicles for overbearing and bluesy guitar solos. Benny's brother would be immensely proud of Blue and Not So Blue.

Scott Jordan, Offbeat Magazine