Hambone Riley - Gotta Believe Me, Darlin'

 Hambone Riley continues to show us his range in singin' the blues. With this, his fourth recording, he goes out on his own as a songwriter. His first three recordings were songs written by his pal and fellow gig partner Forgotten Bob. Bob seemed to know instinctively what would help Hambone, a introverted musician, get out of his hell a little. Before he met Bob, Hambone played mainly in other group's gigs in a few numbers, and always had a wild look on his face, probably an honest reaction to his performance stress.  Hambone's demeanor, according to those who've seen him in performance, seems to have calmed somewhat although he's still got an electric presence. 

What seemed to have helped Hambone's stress of performing is the presence of not just Bob, but a saxophone player that he met through Bob. The sax player's a mystery, like much associated with Forgotten Bob, and the only name he have for him is Slobberin' Blowhard, hardly a complimentary moniker, but that follows the pattern for the musicians associated with Bob. What also follows the pattern is his ability on his instrument. The guy is a real talent, and on this latest Hambone song Gotta Believe Me Darlin', he plays a breathy, earthy sax. Hambone's got a real liking for Slobberin', and the two make a good combo. 

Hambone shows a real talent for songwriting with this song, and his voice is more mellow to fit with the words and performance. What will be next for this surprising bluesman? Wecan't wait to see (and hear!)

Know ya overheard me talkin'
And it made you feel sad and blue
But ya gotta believe me darlin'
It twern't anything 'bout you

Remember my sweet honey
Never wanna see ya so blue
Ever got a problem at all
I'll hold you're hand and talk to you

I was givin' advice to my bro
Who for sure got bended out double
His woman went and stepped out on him
He's hurtin’, really in trouble

Remember my sweet darlin'
Never wanna see ya so blue
Ever got a problem at all
I'll hold you're hand and talk to you

Ya only heard part the phone call
Can see why ya took it all wrong
Advice I give weren't very pretty
That's why I'm a singin' this song

Remember my sweet baby
Never wanna see ya so blue
Ever got a problem at all
I'll hold you're hand and talk to you

Oh...you know that I will
Because for sure...I love you still!
Oh yeah! Never stop!