For as long as anybody can remember Brian Calway aka Hash Brown has been a ubiquitous and positive presence on the Dallas blues scene. As a function of age and geography I happen to remember Hash Brown’s early tenure as host of the Sunday Blues Jam in the late 80’s at Schooners in the newly revitalized Deep Ellum historical district. That struggling African-American enclave on the east end of downtown Dallas, was desperately trying to preserve its history, culture and legacy. Hash Brown did the same for blues men, helping them with their careers. His positive associations with Henry Qualls, Zuzu Bolin and Sam Myers, for instance, had a great impact on their legacies.

Now after 17 years between albums bearing his name, Hash Brown is back with a terrific 2022 release.  Stop! Your Evil Ways on Jeff Berg’s fledgling Massachusetts based Feffrey Records label is drenched with Texas grit, more than a hint of uptown cool and a splash of cocktail blues, all stirred with the same straw that mixed the drinks of T-Bone Walker.

Calway returned to New England to record this album where the blues man first plugged into the blues. With artists like Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Johnny Nicholas, Roomful of Blues and Duke Robillard helping to pave the way for the young guitarist, vocalist and harmonica player. It turned out to be the perfect training ground for a life on the Texas blues scene.

Stop! Your Evil Ways was produced and engineered by Jeff Berg. He also plays bass throughout this 12-song offering. The disc features drummer Mark Teixeira and Bruce Bears plays organ and piano. They are joined by Doug James who handles all the saxophone duties. These three veteran musicians are all long-time members of Duke Robillard’s studio and road band.

This ensemble provides confident, solid support for Calway, who seems to know exactly what to play in each song. As important, his instincts tell him what not to play. His interaction with James’ sax passages is nothing short of sublime and harkens back to the halcyon days, when blues, rhythm & blues and, to only a slightly lesser extent, jazz got all mixed up in a mesmerizing soundscape that is simply intoxicating.

Hash Brown’s vocals might be an acquired taste. If that is the case, I acquired that taste a long time ago. Like most great musicians he treats his singing like any other instrument, in that he gives each song the sensitivity it deserves.

A mix of covers by Big Bill Broonzy, B.B. King, Sonny Boy Willamson 2, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown and others sits very comfortably with songs written by Calway. These songs reflect the maturity and intelligence that resides in the heart and soul of the man known as Hash Brown.

It is great to hear from Hash Brown again. Stop! Your Evil Ways receives my highest recommendation and needless to say has made into my 2022 Top Ten List.

-  David Mac