Sonny Moorman

Live acoustic blues is one of God's great gifts to us, particularly when it is placed in the capable hands of Sonny Moorman. His live performance is captured on this 13-song CD that showcases some original songs alongside classic blues from Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Willie McTell and others.
From the double Robert Johnson opening of "Kind Hearted Woman Blues" and "32-20 Blues," Moorman grabs the audience and has them in his pocket for the rest of this incredible night of music. Sonny's voice conveys the spirit of the blues perfectly, as do his finger-picking and slide guitar styles. There are two original songs "Bad Woman Blues" and "Cincinnati Shuffle," named for Sonny's hometown -- that illustrate how he has learned from those who prececed him down the path.
The traditional "Amazing Grace" is presented on slide guitar as an instrumental, and Sonny's playing is exquisite as it segues into "As the Crow Flies." The familiar strains of "You Got to Move," "Statesboro Blues" and "Rollin' and Tumblin'" get the listener jumping as Moorman takes on these historical numbers and makes them his own.
Going back to Robert Johnson, Sonny leaves us with "Crossroads Blues" and perhaps one of Johnson's greatest songs, "Love In Vain." The pain in his voice is poignant and moving, and it is a wonderful way to wind up "Live at the Cincy Blues Fest." Sonny Moorman's award-winning blues is something you need to hear. - Hittin' the Note Magazine -- by Bill Ector

Sonny Moorman: Live at the Cincy Blues Fest! (Atlas 0008; 49:38) ***
(three stars)

Solo performer Moorman, singing and fingerpicking his acoustic guitars to an appreciative hometown audience, has his own sense of rhythm - robust, not relective - that allows him to get away with inhabiting hallowed old songs owned by greats like Robert Johnson ("32-20 Blues", three more) and Mississippi Fred McDowell ("You Got to Move"). Alert and assured, the torchbearer keeps every recieved complaint and observation interesting. Only two originals: the perfectly decent "Bad Woman Blues" and "Cincinnati Shuffle". - DOWNBEAT Magazine June 2007

By Rick Bird
Post staff reporter

For almost 15 years now, Sonny Moorman has been known as the area's premier electric blues rocker. Now he can lay claim to one of the finest local acoustic blues artists around with a new solo set, "Sonny Moorman: Live at the Cincy Blues Fest."

Moorman has always done the occasional solo acoustic gigs but is more known for his classic electric guitar power trio with Marc Hoffmann (bass) and Dave Fair (drums). Moorman said he recorded his solo set at the July blues fest intending to use a couple pieces in a planned live double CD featuring the trio."It came out so good it got to be its own record," said Moorman, who indicated he still plans a double CD/DVD release with his full group next year.

Moorman is at his angsty best on classic blues tunes such as "Kind Hearted Woman Blues," "Crossroad Blues" and "Statesboro Blues," and he reworks a great version of his autobiographical "Cincinnati Shuffle."On the CD, he's much more experimental, using four different styles of guitars, including some great twangy, intricate work on a lap guitar for "Statesboro Blues."Moorman's such a sizzling guitar player we often forget what a solid vocalist he is. His slightly raspy, soulful vocals stand out as much as his guitar work."Doing the solo acoustic stuff has probably made me a better singer, because I've learned not to sing as hard," he said. "I have a little better control, a little nicer vocal timbre. Now, when I do the band stuff, I don't shout as much. I'm singing more and shouting less."

Moorman's behind-the-scenes co-star on the recording is Erwin Musper, the Dutch-born producer-engineer with world-class rock credentials (Van Halen, Scorpions), who settled in Northern Kentucky, building a home studio two years ago. Musper's engineering of Moorman's set is an incredibly warm and rich recording, not often captured on live projects.Moorman's CD is released on noted Macon, Ga.-based blues label Atlas, and Moorman has a management deal with Willie Perkins, the former Allman Brothers manager.

Moorman plays tonight through Saturday at Burbank's, Sharonville. Indeed, as one of the hardest working musicians around, Moorman often gigs seven nights a week at area clubs and roadhouse bars."I will be playing until I'm rich," Moorman said with a laugh.
- Cincinnati Post November 16, 2006