Papa Voodoo: Mick Pini’s Masterful Fusion of Blues, Funk, and Soul

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Mick Pini’s latest album, Papa Voodoo, is a powerful testament to a career that spans nearly six decades. Released on August 15th by Audio 54 via Cadiz, this album marks the 26th entry in Pini’s expansive discography and his third collaboration with fellow Leicester native and innovative producer, Craig Marshall.

With Papa Voodoo, Pini and Marshall explore the rich, multifaceted world of blues, infused with elements of funk, soul, world, ambient music, and even reggae. The album’s title track, a New Orleans-inspired groove, is a highlight, showcasing the seamless blend of Pini’s soulful guitar work with Marshall’s modern production techniques.

Opening with “Duck Soup,” Pini sets the tone with a Jeff Beck-inspired fusion track that flirts with the eccentricities of Frank Zappa. From there, the album takes listeners on a journey through various sonic landscapes. “Funky Delicatessen” lives up to its name, with a groove that’s as irresistible as it is infectious, while “Mornington Crescent 69” and “Got To Get My Way Home” tell personal stories with a sense of humor and introspection.

Tracks like “Blues For Peter Green” and “A Cold Day In Memphis” offer deeply emotional moments, with the former paying homage to Pini’s hero, Peter Green, and the latter capturing the universal blues of lost love and loneliness. Meanwhile, “Yo Yo Love” and “You No Betta” inject a joyful energy, with reggae rhythms that evoke Pini’s Leicester roots.

Pini’s guitar work is as versatile as ever, moving from the Latin-tinged “Spark” to the expansive and cinematic “Theme from Icarus,” revisiting a track from nearly 30 years ago with fresh insight. “Never Goes Away” adds a raw, aggressive edge, embodying the tough resolve that sometimes accompanies the blues.

In Papa Voodoo, Pini and Marshall have crafted an album that not only honors the traditions of the blues but also pushes its boundaries, incorporating diverse influences that make each track a unique experience. The result is a vibrant and dynamic album that’s as much about the past as it is about the future of blues music. For fans of Mick Pini and newcomers alike, Papa Voodoo offers a deeply satisfying listening experience, full of groove, soul, and the ever-present spirit of the blues.

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