At the intimate Circus Hakim, he honored his father Muddy Waters with classics and works, resulting in an energetic, unforgettable blues party.
Take a drizzly Sunday afternoon, a cozy and welcoming little theater like Circus Hakim, a top blues band, and a singer who not only sings the blues but lives it—and you have all the ingredients for a memorable afternoon. Add to that the fact that the singer is the eldest son of blues legend Muddy Waters, and it becomes clear why expectations were so high.
Mud Morganfield thrilled the Haarlem Blues Club on February 21st and 22nd. He sang his way through the repertoire with apparent ease, interspersed with warm anecdotes about his father and playful interactions with his band. It never felt contrived—this was blues as it was meant to be.
The backing band, led by harmonica virtuoso Steve “West” Weston, served up Chicago blues at its finest. Over a steaming groove created by drummer Brendan O’Neill and bassist Peter Pritchard, pianist Eric Ranzoni and Weston were given ample space to solo. Guitarist Paul Gardner initially remained modestly in the background, but when he stepped forward, he was on fire.
The band has been working with Morganfield for a year now, and it was both audible and visible. There was mutual respect in every note, in every look on stage.
There was no backing band here, but a close-knit musical unit. Morganfield clearly felt at home in Circus Hakim. The audience welcomed him with open arms and loudly expressed their enjoyment after every song.
The venue was packed; extra chairs were added here and there to accommodate everyone during this special blues afternoon.
The performance was divided into two sets, filled with classics from his father’s repertoire and work from his recent albums Deep Mud and The Seventh Son.
Whether it was the haunting slow blues “I Want to Be Loved,” the inevitable “Hoochie Coochie Man,” or the powerful “Strange Woman”—Morganfield sang with conviction, in tune, and with a voice that resonates with warmth and authenticity.
At 71, he looked energetic and stylishly sharp in a suit. His personality carried the afternoon, his voice made him credible. Songs like “She’s Nineteen Years Old,” “Blues in My Shoes,” “Midnight Lover,” “Call Me Mud,” “Can’t Get No Grindin’,” and “48 Days” followed one another in a set full of swinging uptempo boogies, compelling grooves, and captivating harmonica and piano interludes.
It was a feast of recognition and experience.
An absolute highlight followed when organizer Thomas Toussaint was called onto the stage. Along with Weston, he brought the party to life during Got My Mojo Working.
The inevitable closing act, Mannish Boy, provided a wild finale. The intimate venue, the enthusiastic audience, a top-notch band, and a singer who truly lives and breathes the blues—it all combined to create a true blues party at the Haarlem Blues Club.
A fantastic initiative with many more great things planned.
I was there and we enjoyed the afternoon. I just thought the band was better than Mud. We weren’t as enthusiastic about Mud as the author was. He sometimes got off track and tended to get off-key.
I think he lives up to his father’s name because he doesn’t have any of his musical talent. But the band was great, and Steve Weston was especially outstanding on harmonica. I won’t go to Mud again, but I will go to this band.
It’s a shame you’re so negative about this show… It was an absolutely wonderful afternoon. We enjoyed some really good Mud and a great band. This kind of traditional blues isn’t played very often anymore. The proof is in the two sold-out shows with really enthusiastic audiences who, fortunately, had different opinions. A fine blues club in Harlem.
