Topic: Prof.Scratchy- Hunkie Tunkie

[Norfolk Slim]

For the sake of transparency I should say that I have enjoyed Prof Scratchy's company and playing at several Euroweenie weekends.  I am going to try to write this review as if that were not the case but its right that I disclose my potential bias.

This is a fine CD by Prof Scratchy who's Youtube recordings (solo and with his playing partner) have previously garnered many fans.  Throughout the CD runs a rawness to the sound, both vocally and in terms of the guitar playing, which won't be to everyone's taste but is absolutely to mine.  Scratchy sings with a powerful nasal drawl which is utterly distinctive whilst being personal and sitting naturally in the country blues genre.

The album features a selection of guitars, every one of which seems to be something of a beast.  Tracks including the opener- Charlie Jordan's Hunkie Tunkie and a pair of classic Mctell tunes (Broke Down Engine and Send me an Angel) feature a big un-named 12-string affectionately known as Boris, and others feature a rasping old National.  These are big old instruments in the hands of someone prepared to let them off the leash to growl and rattle.  Scratchy's picking is solid, with the emphasis on feel and heavy time rather than being clean or clinical.

There are a number of standout tracks.  Country Fool (one of the tunes to feature a National) is an excellent take on Bo Carter's original and a great choice of unsual material.  Scratchy's hard vocal gives the tune a new edge.

Another great choice of unusual material is Ishman Bracey's Saturday Blues.  The prof. really captures the loping groove of the original whilst making it his own.  Of the 12 string numbers, I am probably most partial to Lord Send me an Angel with its strutting groove and another fine vocal.  My only complaint is that I wish it was longer.

This CD may not be to everyone's taste but should certainly suit most weenies (and others with good taste ). Its been on near-permanent rotation in my car during the month I've had it.  If you are looking for sparkly clean singer/songwriter guitar picking this isn't the thing you are looking for.  If, however, you like country blues with heavy grooves, big sounds and soul, then this is unlikely to disappoint.  Its low down and dirty, and I love the way it does.


http://cdbaby.com/cd/profscratchy  

[uncle bud]

Really looking forward to hearing this and it's a nice surprise (at least was a surprise to me). I am definitely a Scratchy fan, and he's got the true spirit of the music in his fingers and throat.

[Richard]

Very well put Slim, I couldn't agree more 

[Johnm]

Hi all,
I just received Prof. Scratchy's new CD yesterday and have thoroughly enjoyed it thus far.  One thing I particularly like about it is how "lived in" the music sounds.  Without knowing for sure, I'd hazard a guess that Prof. Scratchy has been playing at least some of the songs in the program for a couple of decades, and his deep familiarity with his material makes it all sound like it is coming from the same place--him, which is what I tend to look for in a player.  Prof. Scratchy has his own style, both as a singer and as a player, and that is a musical destination I think most of us would be happy to reach.  Well done!
All best,
Johnm

[Prof Scratchy]

I'd hazard a guess that Prof. Scratchy has been playing at least some of the songs in the program for a couple of decades

More than just a couple, I'm afraid -still hoping to get it right one day! Thanks, John, for the kind words!

[Pan]

After a couple of spins, I must simply say that this is really, really, really good!

It took me a few moments of awe, just to adjust myself to the strong personality of Allans' performances, but the more I listen, the more I like it. Outstanding work!

Cheers

Pan

[harvey]

I have been lucky enough to have the CD in my car since the Weenie weekend, and I agree with Pan it is a grower. I think after a blues weekend last thing I want to hear is more guitars, so I parked it for a week, but since then it has been in the CD player a lot, I am really enjoying the 12 string tracks at the moment.

[Prof Scratchy]

Thanks everybody for your supportive comments.

[Parlor Picker]

My review has gone off to the magazine and will only be released once it is published.  Can you cope with the excitement? 

[Prof Scratchy]

Whatever it says, thanks for doing it PP!

[Parlor Picker]

Even if I said it makes a good drinks coaster?? 

[Prof Scratchy]

People like good drinks, don't they?

[blueshome]

You do!

Great cd!

[Johnm]

Hi all,
Just a quick note to say that I've been re-listening to Prof. Scratchy's "Hunkie-Tunkie" CD today, and it continues to sound great!  Any of you who are open to the idea of country blues being performed by present-day musicians owe it to yourselves to pick it up, it's so well done.
All best,
Johnm

[Parlor Picker]

John's post reminds me I should have included my review, which appeared in "Blues in Britain" magazine a few months ago. So here it is:

"Prof. Scratchy ? Hunkie Tunkie
Cojo Records CD 00011

On this album, Edinburgh-based Prof. Scratchy, aka Allan Jones, takes us on a tour of some of his favourite country blues greats. The choice of material is exceptional, in that he tends to choose some of the more obscure songs recorded by his heroes. He is an outstanding guitarist and on this CD we hear both 6- and 12-string guitars, as well as a single-cone National.

   Proceedings kick off with the title track, originally recorded by St. Louis-based bluesman Charley Jordan on which it immediately becomes clear that the good Professor also has a powerful, expressive voice. ?Broke Down Engine? is one of a couple of pieces from the Blind Willie McTell songbook and features an unbranded monster of a 12-string that Allan has christened ?Boris?. I?ve experienced this instrument live a couple of times, and prefer to think of it as ?The Beast?, especially as he tunes it way below concert pitch to get a fabulous growl. It also comes into play on the self-penned instrumental ?Scatchy?s 12-String Messaround?. Other writers covered include Bo Carter, Fred McDowell, Johnny Shines and Ishmon Bracey, all of whom would be proud of the respectful treatment they get here. As a result, no tracks stand out ? all are excellent and this makes for a very enjoyable and varied listening experience.

   Available from cdbaby.com.

Rating: 9
Michael Prince"