Comprised of twelve original compositions and two covers, Issaquena Getaway reflects Barath’s long-standing commitment to blues tradition while allowing room for personality and warmth. His harmonica playing moves fluidly between gritty, hard-edged blues and soulful, single-note lines rooted in classic styles, while his vocals serve the songs with an unforced, conversational ease. Throughout the record, storytelling remains central, with melodies and arrangements designed to support the narrative rather than distract fro
m it. Despite its deep ro ots in traditional blues forms, Issaquena Getaway is notably upbeat in spirit. With the exception of the sharp-edged “Brass Monkey,
” the album leans toward feelgood material - blues meant to lift the room and keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Su
btle surprises, including the Cuban-flavored instrumental “Cuban Getaway,” a departure from standard blues that adds color and motion while remaining firmly grounded in the album’s roots-based foundation.
Barath is backed by a pow erhouse blues band and joined by special guest Johnny Burgin on guitar, reinforcing that Issaquena Getaway is a complete band record and not a vanity project, with strong ensemble playing and rich, analog-friendly production.
“Waitin' For The Queen," is a story-driven blues track that captures a classic Delta feel through the lens of a card game. The narrative builds tension as the narrator describes the deal: "They dealt me a King then they gave me a Jack / I didn't like them other cards, so I threw them back.” The song concludes with a soulful resolution: "'Cause I knew my Queen had finally come around.”
The “sharp-edged" traditional blues track “Brass Monkey” explores the theme of a cold- hearted partner. Barath delivers a gritty warning with the lyrics: "Ah you're so cold baby brass monkey gonna stay home tonight.” He further illustrates the distance in the relationship, singing: "Well you're like the Arctic Circle when you can't even see the Sun / Usin' and abusin' that's how you have your fun.”
"The Best Thing You Can Do" is a track characterized by strong vocals and timeless songwriting and serves as a moral guide. It emphasizes integrity over material gain with the lines: "Ain't never right to do the wrong thing / Ain't never wrong to do the right / That won't make you rich and famous / But at least you can sleep at night.
“Charlie Barath is a friend of mine! He’s not only a really good guy but a fine harmonica
player. Charlie has recorded a heck of a good blues album right here in good ol’
Clarksdale, Mississippi! You won’t be disappointed!!” Charlie Musselwhite
BIOGRAPHY
Charlie Barath is a blues harmonica player whose work bridges blues, roots, and Americana. An Upper Ohio Valley native, Barath purchased his first Hohner Marine Band harmonica for six dollars in 1979 and has rarely been without one since. Over the following decades, he quietly developed a deep, authentic command of the instrument, eventually leading him across the country as a performer and educator devoted to the living tradition of blues harmonica.
Though Issaquena Getaway was recorded deep in the Mississippi Delta at Clarksdale Soundstage, Barath’s musical roots extend beyond the region, reflecting the way Delta blues traditions have long traveled and taken hold wherever they are approached with respect and devotion. Now an official Hohner Harmonica artist, Barath is recognized for his versatility across multiple traditional styles, from Chicago and rural country blues to honky-tonk, western swing, and folk-influenced forms.
His previous album, Just Me and My Friend(s), earned international airplay and critical praise, including high acclaim from harmonica authority Joe Filisko, who noted Barath’s rare ability to access multiple styles authentically while serving the song rather than the ego. A retired career carpenter, Barath now devotes his creative energy fully to music, approaching songwriting and recording with the same patience and diligence that defined his earlier profession.
GUITAR PARTS
1. Lead – Johnny Burgin (JB)
2. Lead – Andrew Sherer (AS)
3. Lead - JB
4.1st Lead - AS, 2nd Lead - JB
5. Rhythm - JB, Fills - AS
6. Lead - AS
7. Lead - JB
WEBLINKS
OS: www.charliebarathharmonica.com/
FB: www.facebook.com/charlie.barath
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