His Acoustic Blues- Got ‘Em From the Bottom set is a Fervor Coulee favourite, and when teamed with Steve Dawson, it seems everyone get raised to the next level. No wonder then that Big Dave McLean’s latest, Pocket Full of Nothin’ quickly become a frequently played album in my house.

Writing nine of the songs, this set brings more McLean to the proceedings than usual and while we will never tire of his interpretations of blues classics, it is pleasing to hear McLean and his compatriots attack a set so rich in new material. 

“Backwards Fool” is a charming ditty about a fella who can’t get out of his own way, with “Manitoba Mud” containing a bit of Corb Lund’s sly writing approach. McLean provides a bit of a history lesson within “Songs of the Blues,” and it serves as a fine introduction to the music McLean shares over the next fifty minutes. “Baby” and “When I Was Young” are especially enjoyable.

McLean (various guitars and harmonica) is joined by Dawson (even more guitars and vocals) as well as names we are beginning to associated with Black Hen projects including Gary Craig (drums and percussion), Jeremy Holmes (bass), as well as Chris Gestrin (keys) and a horn section including Malcolm Aiken (trumpet), Jerry Cook (baritone saxophone), and Dominic Conway (tenor sax). 

For a bit of familiarity McLean visits the Allmans (“Midnight Rider”) and Willie Dixon/J. B. Lenoir (“Voodoo Music”) as well as an especially strong Muddy Waters (“Just To Be With You”) interpretation. As always, McLean instills songs that inspired him with his distinctive personality.

Another fine album from Black Hen, and another strong set from prairie bluesman Big Dave McLean. My kind of blues.

That’s my blues round-up for this month. Hope you found something of interest.