Perry has two recent studio releases on Virgin’s Pointblank record label. There’s "Love Scars" from 1996 and "Greycourt Lightning" from 1998. Back with Perry on this new recording is Papa John Mole on drums and Jeremy Baum on the keyboard. Dean Scala helps out on rhythm guitar while the legendary Johnny B. Gayden handles the bass. Perry’s contract with Pointblank has been fulfilled, so this independant live recording is a great idea while he shops for a new label.

Five of the ten tunes on the disc are Perry originals. He opens with an explosive song called "Lost In The Blues" from "Love Scars." Also covered from that record is "Boogie Blues" and "Fade To Blue." From "Greycourt Lightning" he plays "The Other Night" and "About Me (Why I Got The Blues)."

Perry does an incredible version of "All Along The Watchtower." Dylan may have written this song but it’s the Hendrix version that Perry’s been influenced by. He also covers the Hendrix song "Little Wing." More and more blues musicians are covering Hendrix material. Perry certainly has the guitar chops to do homage to Jimi, but he also sings a little bit like him too.

My favorite song on the disc is Perry’s take on "Johnny B. Goode." It reminded me of Perry’s rendition of "Blue Suede Shoes" recorded last year on "Greycourt Lightning." In both instances he completely tore the song apart and put it back together in his own unique style. Both songs have nothing to do at all with the originals. Both are brilliant.

P.S. Catch Bill Perry at the German club in Mystic on Saturday August 13th.