Howlin' Mercy (1993)

One quality that has been at a real premium among the newer blues performers is the old Delta menace, but Louisianan John Campbell sounds awfully convincing telling the grim reaper he ''better be packin' heat'' on the dead-raising ''Ain't Afraid of Midnight.'' His slashing slide-guitar playing on Howlin' Mercy is as frightening as his growl, and even when he's singing ballads, Campbell is still one tough mojo-handed hombre. B+