Sometimes, it seems like two musicians are simply destined to come together and create a sound that works to the betterment of both.

You certainly get that feeling when you listen to Snooky Pryor and Mel Brown. Electro-fi Records gives the blues world a real treat here, capturing this sage duo together for the first time. After listening to Double Shot!, you wonder why it has taken so long to get this pair together in a recording studio.

The duo had not played together in years, until Brown guested on Pryor's Can't Stop Blowin' recording from Electro-fi in 1999. The pair had played on the same stage in the 1980s in Texas, and this guest spot was enough to rekindle the magic the pair can bring to a recording. Pryor can blow a harmonica with the best of them, while Brown is a mean guitar man. Together they seem to bring out the very best in each other.

The music is richly layered as the pair each add their own strengths to the music. They are complemented by John Lee's piano on five songs, while Michael Fonfara takes over the ivories on six more numbers. Al Richardson on bass and Jim Boudreau on drums are present throughout.

I think I might like the cut Snooky and Mel Boogie best on this recording, just because the title captures the feel of the entire CD. You have to love the harmonica work on this one too. Dirty Rat is another cut with a perfect title, featuring music you want to hear again and again.

Recorded in 2000, and with a dozen songs, this is a full-meal deal as far as the blues go. There is not a weak number on the entire CD. Pryor and Brown are anything but newcomers to the blues scene, and their experience shows.

This recording will stand the test of time and features two solo greats who come together without egos, and play off against each other in one of the best blues efforts I've heard in a while.

A definite must have!

Copyright 2003. Review by Calvin Daniels.