In these times of the veneration of plastic princesses and princes, it’s easy to forget that music was once associated with the truth and that there is no greater truth than you will find in the blues. Charlie Sayles has been around a while, indeed a long while, but nothing stops him from telling it like it is.
His self-titled album isn’t going to redefine the blues but, as a genre, the blues has never actually needed redefinition. Charlie Sayles, his harmonica always near to hand, has the kind of voice seasoned by the passing of time and his performance is always relaxed making the songs on this album flow like a night spent in your neighbourhood bar. No attempts are made to rip up the carpet or indulge in stylistic fusion and that, in truth, is how it should be with “I Don’t Wanna Die” and “Jesus Christ” resonating just like they should for a man of his years.
Although the sleeve doesn’t list the ingredients in any detail, you are guaranteed that there are absolutely no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives to be found in these ten songs and that, in my less than humble opinion, makes Charlie Sayles good for you.
The album is available from Bandcamp.