I’ve always dug Toronzo Cannon as a guitarist and singer, but over time I think his songwriting may be even stronger than his other talents, which already set the bar pretty high. It’s been a lot of fun to watch his development as an artist since his early days with Delmark, actually seeming pretty well advanced even then.

He continues to top himself with each release, and his latest effort from Alligator Records, Shut Up & Play!, keeps that momentum going upward.
One thing about Cannon’s songs is that everyone, whether they’re a blues fan or not, is able to relate to what he’s singing about.

We will nod our head in agreement to the lyrics of the opening track, “Can’t Fix The World,” which addresses the hypocrisy and chicanery going on worldwide, but we also nod our heads in time with the funky backdrop provided by Brian Quinn’s driving bass line, Cole DeGenova’s stellar keyboards, and Jason “Jroc” Edwards’ propulsive drumming, as well as Cannon’s searing fretwork.

“I Hate Love” is the first radio single, with most people having experienced the frustration of lost love in a variety of ways. Cannon expresses those same feelings in the biting lyrics and stinging guitar work.

On the mid-tempo “Him,” Cannon implores his current lover to get over her previous relationship in order for the current one to survive, and “Had To Go Through It To Get To It” is an autobiographical gospel-flavored tale of encouragement and perseverance that will bring you to your feet.

The rollicking “Something To Do Man” is an interestingly different take on the traditional “blues man braggadocio” theme. The moving “Message To My Daughter” is a divorced father telling his daughter that he’ll love her deeply and unconditionally no matter what happens, while on “Unlovable,” Cannon breaks out the slide and tells the tale of a woman who’s been through so many bad relationships that she’s afraid to embrace a good one,.The smoldering ballad “Guilty” reflects soberly on the human condition.

The tough blues rocker “Got Me By The Short Hairs” is a fine example of Cannon’s modern approach to blues storytelling, recounting a bad situation that eventually works out. “My Baby Loves Me Too Much” is a cool acoustic blues with guest Matthew Skoller on harmonica, and “If I’m Always Wrong” wryly looks at a relationship that teeters on the edge.

Cannon has never been afraid to express his views on social issues and has been told by some to just “shut up and play.” The title track concludes the disc on a defiant note as he proclaims that he has just as much right to speak up as anyone, and don’t expect him to steer away from that direction now or in the future. Cannon’s guitar playing is as spirited and determined as his vocals on this superb closer.

From the time he began recording, Toronzo Cannon has always been one of the most compelling of the modern blues artists, backing up his musical talents with one of the most distinctive songwriting styles in the genre. There’s really no one else out there who brings all those gifts to the table as well as he does.

For the best example of modern blues at its best, look no further than this disc. Shut Up & Play! is a monster!!

--- Graham Clarke