Derrick Procell - Hey Mojo! 

Even though Derrick Procell made his first recording on a single almost fifty-five years ago at the age of sixteen (he was the lead singer of Mother’s Worry), Hello Mojo! is just his second solo album.  Having said that, it definitely doesn’t mean he was resting on his laurels.  In the ensuing years he was an in-demand vocalist and in the late seventies and early eighties was a member of the award-winning band Arroyo.  In the nineties he shifted to working in the studio and has done vocals and voiceovers for a multitude of ads, which have included McDonalds, Chevy, Ford, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s and numerous beer commercials.  He has been writing songs for over forty years and has had his songs recorded by the likes of The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Melissa Manchester, Big Llou Johnson, The Cashbox Kings and Grammy nominee and BMA Album of the Year winner Shemekia Copeland.  He has also had numerous songs that he has written, performed and produced in TV shows and movies including True Blood, Criminal Minds, The Office, This Is Us, King Of the Hill and the Oscar-nominated Lady Bird.  Produced by his Catfood label mate Zac Harmon, who also played guitar on three tracks, the album does an outstanding job of showcasing Procell’s warm and inviting vocals and songwriting.  It should also be noted that you can hear his enjoyment in what he’s doing come through in in his vocal performance throughout the disc.  He wrote or co-wrote all but one of the songs, including four co-written with Grammy winner Terry Abrahamson, who is known for his work with Muddy Waters, and three with Catfood Records owner Bob Trenchard).  Kicking the album off is “Skin In the Game”, an energetic, soulful blues tune with some killer guitar work and horns.  The title track is up next and is an upbeat, extremely catchy, blues tune with a bit of a funk groove, exploding with everything from organ (courtesy Procell) and horns to sax and trombone, all rounded out with some great call and response between him and the backup singers.  “The Contender” is a definite album highlight, a tight, ripping blues rocker that really sets itself apart from the rest of the album, and “Broken Promises” is an easygoing blues tune that really showcases Procell's harp playing.  Driven by some great funky Clavinet, “A Tall Glass Of You” has a catchy, laid-back blues groove, and is followed up by “I Can’t Say No”, a bluesy tune that maintains a hint of the funk with some more great horns and call and response vocals.  “Color Of An Angel” and “Baby I’m Lost” are a couple of laid-back, soulful ballads, the latter of which once again highlights his harp.  The lone cover track is his take on The Kinks’ “Who’ll Be The Next In Line”, which is turned into an infectious blues shuffle with a bit of a funky groove and some really great guitar work.  Closing the disc out is “Bittersweet Memory”, a soulful R&B ballad that wraps things up perfectly with horns, subtle keys and a nice guitar and sax solo.  Whether you are a fan of the blues or just good music in general, do yourself a favor and give this disc a listen.  

(Catfood Records)