Review: Matt Baxter & Jake Sampson – Haunted

MattBaxter & Jake Sampson – Haunted(Auburn Sky Records)Based in San Francisco, I’ve no idea howMatt Baxter and Jake Sampson got together, but I’m pleased they did. Over theyears Baxter has worked with a vast array of artists, both on stage and onrecord, from Prince Buster and Longhorn Slim to Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker andDonnie Osmond. The list is almost endless. Sampson is an established bluesmanwith several acclaimed albums under his belt.
Together on “Haunted” they keep thingssimple and direct. They’re both exceptional musicians, and Sampson possesses avoice that’ll remind many listeners of a young John Lee Hooker or Taj Mahal. Anative of Detroit, there’s not too much evidence of a Motown upbringing, thoughit’s an album that isn’t short of other attributes. Both of them are on greatform, and the best of the material on “Haunted” is some of the finestcontemporary folk blues you’ll hear anywhere. Baxter’s dobro playing addsanother dimension, and on songs such as “Dusty Mule” and “Same Old Pain”they’re nothing short of a match made in blues heaven. I hope they find theirway to the UK soon.www.mattbaxter.comTony S.