It’s not entirely clear how much of the preparation of this posthumous release by Canadian blues guitarist Jeff Healey (who succumbed to cancer March 2 at age 41) was informed by the knowledge that this would be his final musical statement. But no one can claim that Healey used the opportunity for self-indulgence or to go gently into that good night. Mess Of Blues is a crowd-pleaser and at times a hell-raiser.
In recent years, Healey’s work has focused on his love for trad jazz (he also played trumpet and clarinet); he also hosted his own Canadian radio show and operated a Toronto bar. His last album is his first rocker in around eight years, and you can sense some pent-up energy as Healey bites down on his solos — performed with energy and finesse in his distinctive cross-lap style — on “I’m Tore Down”, the title track, and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World”. Four of the ten tracks were recorded live at shows in London and Toronto, with Healey receiving serviceable support from his club’s house band.
It’s gratifying to hear Healey play to his strengths for one last time. A retread of The Band’s “The Weight”, an unimaginative cover of Neil Young’s “Like A Hurricane” and a zydeco zip at Hank Williams’ “Jambalaya” (with vocals by bassist Alec Fraser) blunt the cumulative effect of what could have been, and some might argue should have been, Healey’s undiluted blues valediction.
