Music Voices

In 2001, drummer and vocalist Big Joe Maher suffered a fall that almost ended his career. But as the disc's titular track says, “You Can’t Keep A Big Man Down,” here he returns to the Severn Records fold for a delightful outing that swings from beginning to end.
Backed by a crack band led by pianist and producer Kevin McKendree, Maher takes a relaxed approach to a dozen tunes, with the playlist divided evenly between covers and originals. Maher’s influences are relatively easy to spot, but while he’s not redefining the blues genre through innovation, he manages to cover an awful lot of territory without sounding the least derivative.
"Good Man," a defiant proclamation of indomitable will, is a straightforward Texas shuffle, while “Evangeline” has an unmistakable New Orleans feel and “Nothin’ But Trouble” sounds like a lost T-Bone Walker gem. Among the covers there’s the brassy kick (courtesy of Dennis Taylor’s multi-tracked sax) of B. B. King’s “Bad Case Of Love,” with a rollicking backbeat that leans toward flat out rock ‘n’ roll. Taylor also adds irresistible oomph on a fine version of Jimmy McCracklin’s “I’m To Blame,” while Jay McShann’s “Confessin’ The Blues” remains true to its Kansas City jump origins, with McKendree’s rolling piano providing propulsive urgency.


In short, it’s a supremely varied collection, anchored throughout by Maher’s irrepressible sense of swing on the skins and his laconic yet authoritative vocals. Never one to sound like he’s working hard enough to break a sweat, Maher’s wry vocal delivery is understated yet thoroughly convincing. (Check out his nod-and-a-wink work on “Property Line,” a funky tale about the importance of good fences that comes from personal experience). That’s definitely not to say there’s any shortage of exuberance – the aptly-named "Supercharger," a showcase for guitarist Rob McNelley’s fiery fretwork, sizzles from beginning to end – it’s just that, like elite athletes, Maher and company make it all seem both innate and easy.
Perfectly paced and performed with easy-going aplomb, You Can’t Keep A Big Man Down is easily Maher’s best outing yet. Recommended without reservation!