Don Nix - Hobos, Heroes And Street Corner Clowns (1973)

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"Hobos, Heroes And Street Corner Clowns" is an excellent third album by Don Nix. Laid back, soft, mellow Southern Rock? Call it what you will. Just remember in 1973 musicians weren't much occupied by the thought on what Southern Rock should sound like. The good thing about that, is that it results in a creative approach to the music we all love so much. Don had his roots in Blues and Soul, and that's pretty much what you get here, albeit it with a definite Southern touch. Also some pretty slick arrangements on some of the mellower songs. Good stuff. Very good rip too (not mine, thanks to whoever did this ;-)). Hear that Black Cat Moan...

The Alabama State Troupers - Road Show (1972)

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Excellent album, this one, by Don Nix and his all-star show, The Alabama State Troupers. Don might be best well known for the fact that he wrote the classic Blues track "Going Down", but he played quite a significant role in the early Soul and Southern Rock scene. At the time of this release, Don had already released two solo albums, the first of which was "In God We Trust". That album already featured some appearances by Blues legend Furry Lewis. On this album, a live double one at that (with a very big thank you to Pete, who sent me his copy. much obliged man!), Furry Lewis (78 years old) gets to play the whole of side one. He's a funny and very endearing man, very appreciative of his inclusion on this road show. The record, in spirit, might best be compared to Joe Cocker's "Mad Dogs & Englishmen", or a Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam avant la lettre. Put together a great bunch of talent from all kinds of musical background and take them on the road. Like the aforementioned Blues, there's Gospel, Country and Rock. The Gospel comes from The Mt. Zion Choir and The Mt. Zion Band (featuring Wayne Perkins on guitar), with some terrific vocal performances by Jeanie Greene. And then there's Don playing his Rock. This being 1972, it's Southern Rock still in its infancy and absolutely gorgeous. Just watch this video of Don playing "Amos Burke" (along with Leon Russell, not on this album but the music is pretty much what you get here as well)..



And some more great rockers, like "Asphalt Outlaw Hero" and the evergeen "Going Down". Jeanie Green, Marlin Greene along with Wayne Perkins also sing a nice version of Cowboy's "Living In The City". All in all, you can't go wrong with this celebration of life and music. Mighty time!

Don Nix - In God We Trust (1971)

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Happy Easter all. And this year's Easter bunny is Don Nix. And why not?
"In God We Trust" is Don Nix' first solo album. Before this he was already a bit of a legend in his own spare time. He played sax in The Mar-Keys, a famous studio band for the Stax label. He played with The Alabama State Troopers and has been involved with many interesting artists as a producer. And then he made a few albums on his own. Which is something he still does occasionally.
I'm a bit ashamed that, until now, I've almost always dismissed this album as being a lazy and lackluster affair. Cause it's not that at all. Sure, Don sounds lazy. But there's a lot of spirit in this album. Very down home it is too. He's being accompanied here by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (you can write me for their names...). It sometimes has a hippy vibe to it. But it also rocks in its own sweet time. I think you should just give him a try. I thought it was quite inspiring. Oh, it also features Furry Lewis on slide guitar and funny little raps. Just so as you know.