Boogie Man by Omar & The Howlers

11 Jan

Written by Morrice Blackwell
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I heard about Omar and The Howlers when they first arrived on the blues-rock scene many years ago. If you can remember the Midnight Special TV show in the seventies and the host Wolfman Jack, you will hear the resemblance in Omar’s voice, although he can really sing when he decides to.

Boogie Man is the latest offering from Omar & The Howlers, and it’s a real dandy. For some reason I never explored this man’s work any further, until now. I sat down and listened to all of these blistering tracks a few times and what do ya know? I was completely blown away by every one. Okay so I am 20 years late, see what I get for not paying attention long ago? I hear this music loud and clear now.

I especially loved tracks like "Bambozzled," the play on words is hilarious and other infamous sayings such as hornswaggled are used. I always chuckle when I hear these words for some reason. There is so much more than that on this great album, stellar musicianship being the main ingredient that makes this recording so outstanding.

Check out a few of the guests on this album.... Terry Bozzio on drums (you name a person and he probably has played with them one time or another during his awesome career) and the incomparable Tommy Shannon on bass (Double Trouble). This is a mightily impressive album with some heavyweight talent contributing to make this a stand-alone blues-rock release for 2004 (so far.... ).