Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Back in 2012, Resurrection Band frontman, beloved pastor and revered gospel blues artist Glenn Kaiser teamed up with harmonica maestro and fellow Chicagoan Joe Filisko to perform a short set at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois. Having worked together previously on Kaiser's 'Cardboard Box' album the partnership seems like a natural one and it's clear that both are having fun as they put across their own brand of rough and ready blues for the enthusiastic Cornerstone crowd to lap up. Kaiser kicks proceedings off on cigar box guitar with "Live Your Life For A Change" which not only showcases his vocal range but sets the scene for a collection of gospel-themed songs that are typically direct about matters of faith. After engaging the crowd in a rendition of the a cappella "Witness Cloud", Kaiser is joined by Filisko for a heartfelt rendition of the Kaiser/Mansfield favourite "Long Way From My Home" and a great down home version of Robert Johnson's "Sweet Home Chicago" before letting Filisko take the spotlight with an authentic tribute to harmonica legend Sonny Terry in a faithful mash up of "Twelve Gates To The City" and Terry's calling card "Whoopin' The Blues" as well as stunning all and sundry with a virtuoso train song version of "Amazing Grace". Kaiser and Filisko then reunite for a handful of Kaiser/Mansfield and 'Cardboard Box' numbers to round off this hugely enjoyable live release.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.