A groundbreaking recording artist since the 1960s, Musselwhite continues to create trailblazing music while remaining firmly rooted in the blues. His worldly-wise vocals, rich, melodic harmonica playing and deep country blues guitar work flawlessly accompany his often autobiographical and always memorable original songs
Musselwhite is the only musician who can boast knowing Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, befriending and playing with ever major bluesman including Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Williams (with whom Charlie lived for a spell), and Tom Waits (if you consider Waits a bluesman. We do). He's jammed with countless rock 'n' roll stars at The Fillmore West back in the day, and is among the most recognizable, original and iconic bluesmen working today.
The Well is the first album in Charlie's long career where he wrote every song on the the record. And each song is a story from the richly detailed life that Charlie continues to live. This is by far Charlie's most deeply personal release. “Dig The Pain" recalls his drinking days, while “The Well" tells of his recovery. In “Cook County Blues," he wryly remembers his short stint behind bars. The most poignant song on the album, “Sad And Beautiful World"--a duet with Charlie's close friend, legendary vocalist Mavis Staples--is his response to the tragic murder of his 93-year-old mother in her own home (and the house Charlie grew up in) during a burglary. In the liner notes to the CD he offers some very personal insights into the meaning behind the songs. Musselwhite's conversational vocals and masterful harmonica work are perfectly matched with the stories he tells and the near-telepathic musicianship behind him. Simply put, The Well is Charlie Musselwhite at his very best.
