Texas Platters

Little Joe Washington

"Monophonic" in headline-sized type on the back of Houston Guitar Blues only partly explains the magic atmospherics of this 80-year-old Third Ward bluesman's 2009 release now issued on vinyl. The way the bass sucks in all the low tones then coats everything in ancient analog warmth defines classic swamp sounds of a half-century ago. Washington's wiry, clawing tenor on opener "I Feel Alright" echoes Van Morrison leading Them. That he's also a pianist accounts for these estuary blues, particularly the urban (guitar) sting and (keyboard) tickle of "Take My Hand." The pair of instrumentals closing the first side are as lean and motoring as a Thunderbird coupe. Side B picks up where the other half left off, waltzing plea "Someone Loves Me" doing its best R&B. When Washington stretches out, finally on closer "How Long," the guitar becomes a viscous ring that his Stax vocal edge squeegees. Back to mono.