Goldberg Revives White Blues

Nearly 30 years ago the likes of Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield built a rock-solid brand of blues that served not only as a bridge between blues purists and young rockers, but also as an essential step between the “real” blues of Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf and the later mutations of Cream, Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

Chicago-born organist Barry Goldberg, a key figure in the ‘60s white blues explosion, brought that missing link back to life in a three-day stint over the weekend at the Genghis Cantina. Saturday’s show was a virtual clinic in blues-rock basics.

The rhythms of bassist Mark Goldberg (no relation) and especially drummer Gary Mallaber swung mightily, while guitarist Matt Sherman and harmonica player and singer Stanley Behren, like their leader, displayed impressive instrumental skills without gratuitous flash. Guest turns from veteran English vocalist Terry Reid and American guitarist Harvey Mandel hinted at where this music ultimately led--Zeppelin-esque sweep and pyrotechnic fusion, respectively.

But it was the solid foundations of the band that stood out. Even after decades of stretching and innovation from Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, et al., the key elements of blues-rock remain exactly what Goldberg and crew offered in large supply: depth of knowledge, feeling and--most importantly--love of the music.