The world is a strange place. You'd think you would find the blues in somewhere like Chicago and not in dear old Glasgow but here we have singer songwriter Craig Hughes and his EP "Broke, Lonely and Guilty" as evidence.
Obviously a blues stalwart, the first song "Everybody's Got to Cheat and Lie Sometimes" starts and finishes with pops and crackles just like an old 78. It's a pretty clear sign that Craig Hughes is going to be handling things with respect (and a not inconsiderable amount of impassioned slide guitar). There's always going to be tears before bedtime with this kind of music and "He Loved Her and Age Sent Him to Hell" demonstrates that point and may I tell you that makes a refreshing change from the self pity that normally characterises Glasgow singer songwriters. "Bale of Blood" mixes up redemption and rock to quite memorable effect as well.
The blues ain't nothing but a feeling, or so the saying goes. It's fair to say that Craig Hughes has that feeling and in this self obsessed, antiseptic world that we live in that is very welcome. Turn the lights down, turn the volume up and see if the Devil visits you too.
Available from his website.