From hearing the atmosphere provided on "King Hokum," it sounds like Mr. Stoneking, just like his obvious hero Robert Johnson, recorded this alone in a room with only his guitar and a whole lotta blues. Terms like "old school" and "retro" does not even come close to describing this release. If these were lost recordings from some unknown blues master given some miraculous digital restoration, it would not be surprising.

Not only are these original compositions so authentic-sounding, ol' C.W. nails it from a performance standpoint as well. His voice evokes many blues architects, from the aforementioned Johnson to the distinctive growls of crooners like Louie Armstrong. His pipes are full of authenticity and the hard-won soul of the heroes of that bygone era. Not bad for a white dude. This guy must certainly hail from the southern delta, right? Wrong. This guy is Australian! Go figure.

The first track "Way Out in the World," wastes no time in establishing Stoneking's unaccompanied statement. It isn't until halfway through track two, "Don't Go Dancin Down the Darktown Strutter's Ball," he is joined when the sounds of horns, clarinet and snare drumming are faded in carefully. This ensemble is used sparingly throughout, leaving most of the album to fall on Stoneking's very able shoulders. When the band does kick in, however, it's always at the right time. Check out the great clarinet solo in "Rich Man's Blues" and the tasteful piano work in "Goin The Country" and hear for yourself. Speaking of nice fourashes, C.W. trades vocals with the woman (singer Kristy Fraser) who done him wrong in "On A Christmas Day," and later gets bossed around by her in "You Took My Thing and Put it in Your Place."

"King Hokum" rings with a passion that belies its creator's race, geography, and youthful appearance. It brings to mind the adage that Blind Dog Willie bequeathed to Ralph Macchio: "It ain't the years, it's the miles!"

- Broadbent

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/cwstoneking

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Bad Luck Everywhere You Go

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