Steve Ferguson

The second solo album by former NRBQ guitarist Steve Ferguson and his new combo, the Midwest Creole Ensemble, Mama-U-Seapa finds the Louisville, KY-based guitarist reunited with his old bandmates for a couple of songs, including a boogie-woogie Terry Adams instrumental called "Hey Little Brother." (The other two covers are an odd pair: Piano Red's hoodoo jive "Coo Cha" and the Time's silly funk "Jungle Love," both of which Ferguson treats like they were his own.) Ferguson's originals are a sly mix of New Orleans swing, Memphis soul, and Nashville rockabilly, and his aptly named band brings enough funk and spirit to power even the couple of tracks that aren't top-drawer material. This is a soulful, rocking good time. ~ Stewart Mason, Rovi