Album Review: Chris Cain – Raisin’ Cain (Alligator)

Blues man Chris Cain’s latest, Raisin’ Cain is a helluva knockout album.

Comprising 12 tracks – all his lyrics and produced by Alligator Record’s Kid Andersen at his Greaseland Studio, this is Chris Cain’s album in a career that spans over three decades. Bassist Steve Evans, keyboardist/organist Greg Rahn,  Drummer’s Sky Garcia and veteran D’mar Martin all worked on this album over a two-day period.

Born in late ’55, growing up on the rough streets of East San Jose, California his African American father and Greek mother were both passionate music lovers and had a large record collection. They took Chris to his first B.B. King concert when he was three and he saw all the musical giants who came through town.

Cain’s neighbourhood has been described as ‘melting pot of soul, rock, blues. Jazz and Latin’ which obviously had a huge influence along with his upbringing. Mr Cain Snr. allowed him to play his guitar a eight and  Chris taught himself by via the vast family albums and by the time he reached his teens he was playing with a local bandand studying jazz at San Jose City College where he began teaching jazz improvisation after he graduated.

In ’86 Cain formed his first band and soon after released his first album in ’87 – Late Night City Blues (Blue Rock’It). The rest is history. He’s been touring the world (including NZ), churning out albums and winning music awards ever since and at 65 shows no signs of slowing down yet.

The track’s titles themselves tell a story. 1. Hush Money is both hilarious and funky as is. Track 5,I Got Out Cheap-‘…her ‘n her lazy cousin – used to lay aroun’  all day – watchin’ Dr Phil – ‘n drink takeaway…

Born To Play is autobiographical, while I Don’t Know Exactly What’s Wrong With My Baby implies he actually kinda does.

The biggest surprise his final track Space Force. It begins bluesy, then synthesizers are layered on top, jazz, mean as riffs and sudden hooks. No lyrics. It’s magic…

Cain has shifted from writing personal stuff and writes about more universal themes in this album. His smooth whisky vocals are both powerful and gruff.

This is one cool dude, I can’t wait ‘til he rocks up back on our shores. Right now, I’m going to suggest the fullas take his relationship advice in Hush Money lol and I’m gonna boogie to this freaken’ great sound!

Megan Kemplay.

Click here to watch the 13th Floor MusicTalk interview with Chris Cain.