With his long-awaited studio album, “No Chingui Chingui”, Michael Dotson delivers a true masterpiece. Released by the prestigious Madrid-based label Solo Blues, the record strengthens and confirms this legendary Chicago guitarist’s status as one of the ultimate guardians of traditional electric blues. Magnificently joined on the track “King Bee” by “Big” Walker’s harmonica, Dotson develops a recording full of honesty, rhythmic muscle, catching sound as well as an enviable artistic maturity. Dotson is backed by Junior “Baby Boy” Flores on bass and Adrian Flores on drums.

The album’s defining feature is the absence of modern gimmicks, fully embracing the raw essence of the Windy City sound. Dotson’s guitar work shines high; far away from including technical pyrotechnics, he focuses on stinging phrasing and a clean tone that cuts straight to the bone. The chemistry with Big Walker and guest guitar player Ricardo Macca in the track “Drownin’ On Dry Land” present a spectacular organic texture, making every song feel alive, gritty and deeply vibrant. The hypnotic groove of all songs immediately commands to move, while the vocal lines show stories that are delivered with genuine authority that only decades spent working in the nightclub circuit can provide.

Released as a careful limited edition, “No Chingui Chingui” not only provides a delightful listening but also a highly prized cult item for all genre collectors. It is a magnificent journey straight to the roots, that reminds that real blues does not need to merge with rock or funk to sound contemporary and powerful.

A faultless album, oozing soul and groove, that preserves with revitalized energy and undeniable freshness, the valuable legacy of the great masters.