The Forrest McDonald Band Blues in a Bucket

The Forrest McDonald Band
Blues in a Bucket
World Talent Records

"Blues in a Bucket" is a new album by singer-songwriter-guitarist Forrest McDonald. Black Jack Ketchum, an Atlanta DJ, writes that "McDonald has been performing and recording earth-shaking, soul-stirring music distilled in the blues for nearly six decades." This CD is his 15th album and dedicated to his brother Steve who passed away in 2019 of cancer. His many credits include recording with Bob Seger and is the guitarist soloing on "Old Time Rock and Roll." Among those heard on this album are vocalists Andrew Black and Becky Wright, bassist Lee Gammon, keyboardist Matthew Wauchope, drummer John McKnight, and harmonica player Pix Ensign along with a horn section and backup vocalists. McDonald wrote all 11 songs.

McDonald impresses as a guitarist with his fiery B.B King-styled guitar lines, and thoughtful, well-constructed solos. Black, a superb soulful blue-eyed vocalist, sings most of the songs. He brings plenty of energy and fervor, whether handling the New Orleans groove of "Boogie Me Till I Drop," and the gutbucket slow blues, "Blues in the Basement." These are terrific, idiomatic blues with Black digging deep in his vocals with superb solos from McDonald. The rhythm section is first-rate throughout.

Other standout tracks include "Blues in the Bucket" with its nice groove, "Blue Morning Sun," a song he wrote after his brother passed away, and another intense slow blues, Windy City Blues," where Black sings about going back to Memphis. McDonald is outstanding, as is keyboardist Wauchope with the horns adding atmosphere. "Go To The Light" is a soulful groover with punchy horns and backing vocal chorus. Pix Ensign's harmonica adds flavor behind McDonald's robust vocal on "Misery and Blues." Becky Wright impresses with her forceful vocal on "Powerhouse," with its rock-solid groove and more harmonica.

Overall "Blues in a Bucket" is an exceptional recording with first-singing, superb playing, and excellent ensemble playing. This is certainly a disc that will energize any blues party.

I received my review copy from a publicist. here is the official video for "Blues in a Bucket."