Boston Phoenix Editor's pick August 15, 2003

We've judged enough blues battles to wish we'd come across locals Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers a little earlier. On their new self-released Two Sides, they show an unimpeachable taste in covers -- Doc Pomus and Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack's "The Night Is a Hunter," Jerry Ragovoy's "Ain't Nobody Home," and a beautiful, slow arrangement of Louis Jordan's "Is You Is or Is You Ain't (My Baby)" that plays it straight. Bargar's vocals have a rough-grained authority, guitarist Michael Williams plays with detail and restraint, and New Orleans veteran Amadee Castenell (who's recorded with Dr. John, among others) provides the saxophone licks. Bargar, Castenell, and the gang hit Ryles, 212 Hampshire Street in Inman Square; call (617) 876-9330.

Copyright The Boston Phoenix 2003