Magic Slim, whose real name is Morris Holt, was an American blues singer and guitarist. He was born on August 7, 1937, in Grenada, Mississippi. Slim started playing the guitar at a young age, heavily influenced by Delta blues musicians like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf. Magic Slim's songs are deeply rooted in the blues tradition. His gritty vocals and electrifying guitar skills set him apart as a master of the genre. He had a knack for storytelling, often infusing his songs with themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life.
He had a knack for storytelling, often infusing his songs with themes of love, heartbreak, and the struggles of everyday life. One of Magic Slim's most well-known songs is "Mustang Sally." This blues classic showcases his unique guitar playing style and captivating vocals.
John Primer – Teardrops for Magic Slim | Album Review
Recorded live at Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago on November 26, 2022, this fantastic tribute to Morris Holt, better known as Magic Slim features Slims’ former band mate John Primer giving us twelve outstanding songs that Magic Slim made part of his performances. The album pays tribute to Slim ten years after his passing.
The Teardrops here in addition to John are Jon McDonald on 2nd guitar, Earl Howell and Lenny Media on drums, and Danny O’Connor on bass. Slims’ son Shawn Holt also makes a guest appearance on a pair of tunes. The band is tight do a great job throughout.
“Mama Talk To Your Daughter” leads off the album, a classic Slim tune. Primer nails the lead vocals and guitar and he and the band give a boisterous and reverent performance. “Luv Sumbody” follows and Primer gets a nice groove going that just makes you hearken back to Magic Slim. The guitar stings and it’s just a great cut. “Every Night, Every Day” is a pretty and slow blues done right. Soulful and just something that the belly-rubbing dancers must have been out there grinding to.
Next is “Ain’t Doing Too Bad,” a slick shuffle with some great guitar and more solid vocals. “Buddy Buddy Friend” gets that great Magic Slim groove going again, a tasteful and cool rendition. “Trouble Of My Own” is one Slim penned himself and it’s deep and cool slow blues. The long instrumental opening is pretty and then the vocals begin, delivered with feeling and emotion; very cool stuff. The guitar is cool and over the top as one would expect from Magic Slim; Primer does a superb job here.
Shawn Holt appears on the next two cuts. Slim’s son plays guitar and sings on “Let Me Love You Baby” and “It Hurts Me Too,” two classics from his Dad’s repertoire. He sings and plays with passion, leading the audience in call and response on the first cut and then slowing things down to a somber and beautiful sound on the latter piece. This is some wickedly cool music. Elmore James’ “Look Over Yonder” is next. The lead guitar rings brightly and Primer howls out the vocals as his former band mate did.
“The Things I Used To Do” is up next, another great slow and classic blues. Solid guitar work and vocals continue as Primer pys homage to Slim once again. “Before You Accuse Me” gets a jumping and fun cover as John wails on guitar. There are vocals, but this is a huge guitar cut with beautiful soloing. The album concludes with Little Milton’s “The Blues Is Alright.” This final tribute to the blues giants completes a great set of a dozen songs that Slim often performed for his adoring fans.
It’s been ten year since we lost Slim. His raucous and wonderful guitar and vocals were something I and so many blues fans enjoyed over his career. This recording in tribute to Slim done at Rosa’s Lounge last year is a wonderful remembrance. John Primer spent many years playing with the Teardrops and pays an exceptional tribute to his old mentor. I most highly recommend adding this album to your blues collection. It’s a superb tribute and just great performances from top to bottom that fans will savor over and over again!
See All
The song tells the tale of a woman named Sally and her wild ways, capturing the essence of the blues with its raw and powerful sound. Another notable song by Magic Slim is "Bad Boy," which showcases his fiery guitar solos and powerful voice. This song embodies the rebellious spirit of the blues, with lyrics about living life on the edge and not conforming to societal norms. Throughout his career, Magic Slim released numerous albums and played at many prestigious blues festivals. His music touched the hearts of many blues enthusiasts, earning him a dedicated fan base. Sadly, Magic Slim passed away on February 21, 2013, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, leaving behind a rich legacy of blues music. His songs continue to be cherished by fans around the world, keeping the spirit of the blues alive. In conclusion, Magic Slim was a highly influential blues artist known for his exceptional guitar skills and soulful vocals. His songs, such as "Mustang Sally" and "Bad Boy," showcase his mastery of the blues genre. Although he is no longer with us, his music continues to resonate with fans and is a testament to his immense talent..
Reviews for "The Wizardry of Magic Slim: Analyzing the Musical Techniques in His Songs"
- Jennifer - 2/5 - I found "Magic Slim Sonfs" to be quite disappointing. The songs lacked originality and were repetitive. The lyrics were generic and lacked depth. It felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the current music trends without bringing anything new to the table. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone looking for innovative and engaging music.
- Mark - 1/5 - "Magic Slim Sonfs" was a complete waste of my time and money. The production quality was horrendous, with poorly mixed and mastered tracks. The songs themselves were forgettable and felt rushed. It's obvious that no effort was put into the making of this album. I regret purchasing it and would not recommend it to anyone.
- Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Magic Slim Sonfs" but was left disappointed. The album lacked consistency and cohesiveness. The songs felt disjointed and didn't flow well together. The vocals were mediocre, and the instrumentation failed to impress. Overall, it felt like a half-hearted attempt at creating a memorable album. I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for a well-crafted musical experience.