John Lisi
Tom Waits should wish he had the chance to sound this rough and be this smooth—and play with piranha lust bottleneck on 12-string acoustic, lead, and dobro. This is chunky, funky, and slunky, and when the “Little Red Rooster” sees the light of day, you’re gonna wish you had slept in late and not stayed out all night.
Seems like ol’ John has done some woodsheddin’ with some friends down in Baton Rouge—raw and raspy and pass that likker jug while you’re at it.
The instrumental title song (dedicated to his new-born daughter) is a downpour of sadness that brings images of empty arms and lonely beds.
There’s also room to cut the rug with your toes for a knife when “Skat” rips it loose in fine boogie-woogie fashion, and his leading lady’s name is “Caldonia.” Woman, why is your big head so hard? Never mind, “Little Schoolgirl,” you’ve got John to help carry your books—for starters.
