by Brian D. Holland.

The latest release from Chicago’s own Nick Moss and the Flip Tops is a dual CD set, entitled, Play It ‘Til Tomorrow. The title suits it admirably, because, especially for fans of this amplified delta sound, the title’s implied act is effortless. The 28 songs, over two hours of brilliant music, can be played repeatedly right into the next day. Take my word for it; I’ve done it.

Many of Chicago’s well-known players are getting up there in age, or have already left this world, making way for some of the younger players to obtain due praise. Recognized as a rising star by Buddy Guy, the late Jimmy Rogers as well, Nick is perceived by many to be one of the present torchbearers of the Chicago blues sound, as well as an exciting performer and an extremely inspired guitarist.

The songs within Play It ‘Til Tomorrow aren’t imitation by any means, or even just good takes on a genuine blues style. The music on these two CDs are the real deal. They’re driving, exciting, and electrifying tunes. Much of the album is groove oriented, a mesmerizing attribute powered by an energy that can only be described as magical, yet propelled by a dynamic rhythm section. Moss is quite conscious of the importance of both the bass and treble attribute of the guitar in his music. The fact he was once a bass player probably has a lot to do with that.

Listen to "Lyin' For Profit" and "Woman Don't Lie" from Play It 'Til Tomorrow

Play It ‘Til Tomorrow is a wonderful display of Chicago blues from the Nick Moss perspective, one that appears to cover all the bases. There are several rocked up pleasures, like the opener, "Late Night Saint"; rhythm guitar propelled struts like "You Make Me So Angry"; the mesmerizingly lethargic and beautifully driven "Mistakes From The Past," in which Eddie Taylor Jr. supplies rhythm guitar. It would satisfy me just fine if this song lasted forever. The Walter Williams penned "Bad Avenue", following its intro tempo change, possesses Buddy Guy-like muscle and energy, and "Lyin’ For Profit" drives along in an Otis Rush groove.

There’s a lot of tasteful music on this dual CD set. Nick Moss and the Flip Tops are an exciting band, one that blues lovers everywhere should be made aware of. As most electric Chicago blues, the music is all about the compelling rhythmical drive of delta music mixed with Chicago voltage muscle. Much of it can be considered rock ‘n’ roll in genre just as much as it’s considered blues. But either way one might perceive it, the sound of Nick Moss and the Flip Tops is genuine.

The first CD is primarily an electric set, yet the included acoustic material on the second CD is pleasingly spirited, and it places the listener right into the lyrical and aural picture each song depicts. Plugged or unplugged, each style is stimulating and uplifting, and much of it is danceable, and again, as I can't seem to stress this word enough here, it's very "rhythmic". The music of Nick Moss and the Flip Tops is some of the most exciting blues presently out there. "Play It ‘Til Tomorrow" displays all that and more. Check out their website for tour dates, and keep in mind that the band is a favorite at "Legends", Buddy Guy’s Chicago nightclub.

Play It ‘Til Tomorrow Track Listing

Disc: 1

1. Late Night Saint
2. You Make Me So Angry
3. Woman Don't Lie
4. Mistakes from the Past
5. Bad Avenue
6. Lyin' for Profit
7. Herman's Holler
8. Grease Fire
9. Rising Wind
10. Tend to Your Business
11. My Love Is Like a Fire
12. Peculiar Feeling
13. Too Many Miles
14. Rump Bump

Disc: 2

1. You've Got the Devil Inside
2. I'll Be Straight with You
3. Another Life Is Gone
4. Fill 'Er Up
5. It's Written in the Bible
6. Wild Imagination
7. You'll Remember My Name
8. Crazy Mixed Up Baby '07
9. Got My Mail Today
10. I Shall Not Be Moved
11. Slim's Lament
12. Married Woman Blues
13. I'll Be Straight with You [Alternate Take]
14. It's Written in the Bible [Alternate Take]

Blue Bella 2007

Nick Moss: vocals, lead and rhythm guitar, harp, Producer
Gerry Hundt: bass, guitar, mandolin, vocals
Eddie Taylor Jr.: guitar, vocals
Bob Carter: drums
Barrelhouse Chuck: piano

Links:
Play It 'Til Tomorrow on Amazon
Nick Moss
Review of Sadie Mae by Nick Moss & The Flip Tops