Lucky Peterson

50 – Just Warming Up!

Jazz Village

Lucky Peterson is the son of the late James Peterson, former owner of the Governor’s Inn, a blues club in Buffalo New York; with at least five albums of his own. Born Judge Kenneth Peterson, Lucky was a child prodigy, discovered by Willie Dixon, when he was three years old. Lucky learned keyboards from Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith, and guitar by listening to the three Kings. He released his 1969 debut recording “Our Future: 5-Year Old Lucky Peterson” on the Today Records label. Three years later he followed-up with “The Father, The Son, The Blues” recorded with his dad when he was only eight. From 1989 to 1991 Lucky recorded for Alligator Records and released his highly acclaimed “Triple Play” album. In 1996 he recorded a gospel album with Mavis Staples on the Verve Records label. Lucky recorded 2003’s “Black Midnight Sun”, often called his finest album, on the Dreyfus imprint. In 2010 he recorded “You Can Always Turn Around” and received a Blues Music Award nomination. Lucky’s last album was 2017’s “Tribute To Jimmy Smith” also on Jazz Village. This is Lucky’s 31^st recording.

This album commemorates Lucky’s fifty-year career with an eye on the future and the music that is still to come. Ten of the album’s fifteen tracks were written by him, including four co-written with Diane Tucker a friend and proprietor of “Tucker’s Blues”, a club in the greater Dallas area where Lucky makes his home.  From them are the autobiographical opener “50 Years”; “Dreamin’ About You” and “The Blues is Driving Me”; the latter featuring a ska beat with Lucky on organ. Tamara Tramell joins them for the writing and sings on “I Will Die 4 U”. Lucky is married to Tramell who also has two recordings of her own and appears on several of his albums as Tamara Peterson including 2012’s DVD “Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin” which resulted in another BMA nomination. Tamara co-wrote and sings again on “Don’t Want Nobody But You”.

My favorite track is the original Bill Doggett styled organ instrumental “Clickety Click”. Also from Lucky is “Going Where My Roots Come From”. Other guests include Daniela Cotton a Jersey based rock, blues and jazz singer who sings on “Let The Good Time Party Begin” co-written with guitarist Shawn Kellerman; also featuring Sugar Blue on harp. Also from Lucky and Kellerman is “Repossess Your Love”. The French rapper Aelpeacha guests on “Takin Care of Mine”; while hip hop artist Jakk Jo guests on “Kissin’ On My Lips”. Gospel singer Sharon Riley is featured on a medley of two inspirational songs “Amazing Grace/Precious Lord”; the latter reprised from that 1996 album recorded with Staples.

Selected covers include George Edward Chandler’s “Pack It Up” recorded by the band Gonzales in 1974; “Angel of Mercy” written by Homer Banks and Raymond Jackson which first appeared on Albert King’s 1972 album “I’ll Play the Blues For You”; and “Never Make Your Move Too Soon” from Will Jennings and Stix Hooper recorded by B.B. King in 1978. These are fabulous versions.

This newest recording from Lucky features him in a variety of styles and should further re-establish him. More than a triple threat he is a formidable organist, guitarist, singer and songwriter. This is one of the year’s best recordings.

Richard Ludmerer