Professor's Blues Revue featuring Karen Carroll

The recent loss of the late Eddie Lusk hit the blues world hard. He earned the title of Professor because of his multiple keyboard prowess. While he played with numerous blues and soul greats, and is heard on many recordings, Professor Strut (on Delmark) was the only American release under his  name (actually Professor's Blues Revue featuring Karen Carroll). It is a fitting testament to a musician whose musical roots were rooted in the gospel he played at his father's South Side Chicago church, and this can be heard in the arrangements and the voicings heard here.

Using gospel and jazz voicings, his blues has a sophisticated flavor. Even a Jimmy Reed styled blues, I Wanna Be With You, is given an uptown flavor with the arrangement Professor provides vocalist Karen Carroll's relaxed, soulful singing. In addition to Lusk's considerable talents on various keyboards, mention should be made of Joey Woolfalk's versatile guitar work. Woolfalk is comfortable with straight soul-blues lines, reflecting his tenure with Otis Clay (check out his playing
on You're Leaving Me with a fine vocal from Carroll), or in a jazzy vein on the title track. In addition to the jazz seasonings of the Professor Strut, Carroll's vocal on Everything is You is more akin to Al Jarreau, than Koko Taylor, and has nice chording by Woolfalk and splendid sax from Paul Mundy. Woolfalk can sing also, although he could have chosen a more obscure vehicle than Stormy Monday, although it is very well-played.

Blues Revue is an apt description for the contents of this release. While not a must recording, the arrangements, the solid ensemble work, and the jazzy flavoring help this release stand out.

This review originally appeared in Issue 177 of Jazz and Blues Report from 1992.  Here Professor Lusk and guitraist Michel Coleman perform at the 1991 Chicago Blues Festival.