Big Bill Morganfield “Ramblin' Mind” (Blind Pig)

It can be hard to step out of the shadow of one's parents, especially when your father happens to be Muddy Waters. Big Bill Morganfield's first CD “Rising Son” (Blind Pig, 1999) was, in many ways, a tribute to his father. The CD contained a set of classic blues songs and included three veteran musicians from the original Muddy Waters Band. In his newest venture, “Ramblin' Mind” (Blind Pig), Big Bill steps out to establish his own sound. Backed by his own band, with assistance from Taj Mahal, this CD contains mostly original blues songs written by Morganfield. The music shows the maturation of Big Bill as a singer, songwriter, and guitar player who has immense talent. Although the songs are new and the music is contemporary, this CD does a outstanding job of capturing Muddy Water's spirit and love of the blues. Alternating between “Ramblin' Mind” and classic Muddy Waters CDs demonstrates a strong father/son connection.