Yes, his name is Boo Boo, except on legal documents. But the technically James Davis never went to school (or so sayeth his press kit), so he can't read legal documents. So, he's better off with Boo Boo, and you are too. He wishes you a "Xmas Blues" and you should marvel at his organic melding of the blues, as an outlet for pain and that prolonged pain known as suffering; and the benediction of the holiday spirit.

Spirit, indeed, concerns many Boo Boo musings, though his animus punches straight through to animal. Urging the listener to his "Turkey Walk," he's got his own turkey walk down bowlegged, festooned with a "gobble gobble gobble gobble gobble" obligato.

John Gerritse picks up the trance-inducing Mississippi style of drumming, pounding 'til the sound takes you up and around. Boo Boo's boss, Jan Mittendorp, busts guitar and bass lines simultaneously on one six-string, a talent he isn't even especially proud of. Boo Boo, who got his musical initiation banging a lard can for the family, brings lard can lessons to his voice and harmonica. He wastes nothing. Each piece reinforces.

So "Xmas Blues" reinforces suffering against a plea to the almighty for the end of suffering, for best wishes to manifest themselves. Boo Boo finishes with an honest-to-God gospel song, except that he calls God "Dave." "Thank you, Dave!" he says at the end of many songs, thanking him. And, frankly, I hate (the idea of) God just a little less, being honest-to-Dave.

Album: Undercover Blues
Artist: Boo Boo Davis
Label: Black & Tan Records
Songs: (1) Undercover Blues (2) Alligator Blues (3) Turkey Walk (4) Don't Drink and Drive (5) Don't Worry Baby (6) Got the Feeling (7) Have a Good Time (8) Xmas Blues (9) Train My Baby Is On (10) Shoot the Dice (11) Number One (12) Thank You Dave