Cicero Blake - I’m Satisfied

11 Tracks

CDS Records

Cicero Blake was born in Jackson, Mississippi but raised in Chicago. He performed in various singing groups before going solo in 1962. He has recorded for a variety of labels throughout his career. Blake was one of the mentioned artists in the September, 2008 Living Blues Chicago Issue. He is one of many Chicago “soul blues” legends but just not as well known outside of Chicago as Tyrone Davis, Curtis Mayfield, and Jerry Butler.

Blake was away from the music scene after a series of tragedies, including a battle with cancer. He returned with a CD in 2008 but it suffered from poor production. This new CD features a few of Blake’s standards through the years that have been retooled and updated, such as “Into Something,” “Here Comes The Heartaches,” and “Dip My Dipper.” There are also a few new songs mostly written by Carl Marshall who is the producer of the CD. Marshall also provides the guitar, bass, organ, and background vocals! The first thought that came to mind in seeing the title of this CD, I’m Satisfied, was Muddy Waters’ Can’t Be Satisfied.

“I Can’t Go On Mrs. Jones,” is another play on a famous song, “Me and Mrs. Jones,” by Billy Paul. In this instance, however, Blake is letting go of his married Mrs. Jones. The title track, “I’m Satisfied,” is positioned to be a new Blake standard and is repeated in extended form later on the CD. The band, consisting of the aforementioned Carl Marshall, Andre Houston, Antoine Stewart, and Troy Anthony is smooth and tight. They particularly shine on “She Works The Night Shift,” and “It’s The Blues Uprising.” The music on these two tracks makes these my favorite cuts on the CD. “In The Vibe Room/Let Jesus Lead You” is the last track. On it he gives testimony to surviving and recovering from cancer and working to return to music.

The bottom line is I’m Satisfied is a good CD. Even though his voice isn"t what it used to be, he still sounds great and a whole lot better than many “so-called” singers.