Switzerland has brought out, by many almost unnoticed, yet another musician that represents international class when it comes to roots music. Fankhauser has already nine albums under his belt, some with the Checkerboard Blues Band, and also his newest effort reveals how groovy, fat and funky really good Memphis blues should sound.

Johnny Copeland recognized an excellent singer in Fankhauser, and invited him to the United States to tour with him before his untimely death. Thus the two Copeland tunes "Cut Off My Right Arm" and "Flyin' High" become a veritable tribute to the Texas Twister. The slight, yet audible, Texas touch lends Fankhauser's blues additional grit.

Although brillant as vocalist, above-average as guitar player, and excellent as song writer, it's the voluminous horn arrangement that gives "Talk To Me" it's finals shape. The brass section are Jim Spake, Andrew Love, Wayne Jackson and Scott Thompson, that, among others, can be heard with Al Green, the Rolling Stones, Ike Turner, Otis Rush and many Stax-Stars - shortly: everybody of distinction in the rhythm & blues field. That is audible - and inarguably good. This elite in the back makes Fankhauser become Funkhouser. Classy album!


Uwe Meier, Blues News

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