By Ken Clarke
If it’s new blues music you crave, look no further than Hungry Ghosts, the first, and hopefully not last, collaboration between Canadian acoustic blues guitarists Doug Cox and Sam Hurrie. These two pick and slide their way through an enjoyable montage of original tunes and covers by Duane Allman, Jagger/Richards and more.
The album features fine vocal performances from both musicians, but what is most impressive is the virtuosic guitar playing. The duo effectively employ a wide variety of acoustic axes including Electro-Reso slide, Celtic Cross Weissenborn, National Steel guitar, Sven Norland brass guitar, mandolin and dobro.
A variety of guest musicians are sprinkled throughout the mix adding occasional backing vocals, bass and drums to the laid-back feel of the sessions.
For fans of acoustic blues guitar, Hungry Ghosts is a must-have. For those unfamiliar with the genre, it is an elegant starting point.