Most bluesmen have an interesting life and bring a number of influences to their music. Dave Riley is rather unique, even among his colorful peers. Playing in a Mississippi gospel band in his youth, The Bethlehem Travelers, Riley's day job after moving to Chicago was that of a prison guard at Joliet State Penitentiary. He was drafted in the army, stationed in Washington State and attended a show of Seattle-native Jimi Hendrix, who proved to be a major influence on Riley. "The dude kicked ass from the time he got up there…played mostly blues…'Hoochie Coochie Man'…". While in the army he led a band that opened for the likes of Bob Hope and James Brown in USO shows across Asia. How many bluesmen's music carries influences of the Dixie Hummingbirds, Jimmy Reed and Jimi Hendrix? Featuring blues legend the great Sam Carr on drums, Riley's first record under his own name is one hot session! The Hendrix influence can be strongly felt on Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightning" and the original tunes recorded here. A major discovery, Dave Riley's music is not to be missed.

Dave Riley- vocals/guitar; John Weston- hamronica; Dave Riley Jr.- bass; Sam Carr- drums.

Tracks: Call My Job; There She Comes; Whiskey, Money & Women; Tribute; Down South; Smokestack Lightning; Angel Of Mercy; I Want To Thank You Baby; My Baby's Gone; Casino Blues; Imagine.

 Call My Job

 Whiskey, Money & Women

 Imagine