Foghat -- Live at the Blues Warehouse
SOD INC
www.foghat.net

Rating: B+

Foghat live is the best way to listen to Foghat.  The band proved that over thirty years ago with the release of Foghat Live.  They proved it again a couple of years ago with the release of Foghat Live II and now they are driving it home with an 8-song CD recorded live in the studio titled Live at the Blues Warehouse. 

The band were guests of Mark Klien and his Long Island Blues Warehouse Radio Show.  The show features interviews and live performances.  The band pulled out some classic tunes for the performance section of the show.  Included are "Fool For the City," "Home in My Hand," "Drivin' Wheel," "My Babe," "I Just Want to Make Love to You" and, of course, "Slow Ride."  Rounding out the CD are "Mumbo Jumbo" and "Chateau Lafitte '59 Boogie."

The program was broadcast live and the thought of releasing an in-studio set on CD never crossed the band's mind...until they heard the play back and realized that unlike most radio recordings, which usually leave much to be desired sonically, this one was a gem. 

The CD sounds amazing and the band play loose, squeezing out every drop of energy in the room.  Roger Earl and Craig Macgregor hold down the rhythm while Charlie Huhn and Bryan Bassett deliver rock solid guitar pyrotechnics.  Bassett, the main lead player, is amazing on slide while Huhn holds his own on the axe and delivers huge on vocals.

Also included are interviews with every member of the band.  With Foghat, that means lots of history and lots of laughs.  Hats off to Earl who makes sure everyone understands that the band pays tribute to the fallen musical maestros of Lonesome Dave Peverett and guitarist Rod Price every time they take the stage.  Both players are missed, with Lonesome Dave proving nearly irreplaceable. It was Dave who recommended his best friend Bassett to keep the band going, and once they found Huhn, Fogat lived on.  For Foghat to carry on their legacy with such dedication, power, and pure musicality is a tribute to the amazing music they made in the past, are making now and will continue to make in the future.

-- Jeb Wright