There are moments in a musician’s life where the stars align, the gear feels just right, and the rhythm section is nothing short of legendary. For me, one of those moments was the creation of Hamburger Midnight—the album I recorded with two of the most iconic figures in American rock and blues: Jimmy Carl Black and Roy Estrada.
Often referred to as the B.E.P. sessions (Black, Estrada, & Pini), this record was more than just a studio project; it was a reunion of sorts. Jimmy (the “Indian of the Group” from Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention) and Roy (founding member of both the Mothers and Little Feat) brought a raw, avant-garde energy that perfectly complemented my 1954 Strat.
Recorded in the heart of Germany, we set out to capture the grit of the road and the soul of the blues. Here’s a look back at the tracks that made this album a standout in my journey.
The Tracklist: A Journey Through the Blues
The album is a blend of hard-hitting covers that influenced us and original numbers that were born right there in the studio.
- Politician: We opened with this classic, leaning into a heavy, slow-burn groove. It set the tone for the political undertones that weave through the record.
- Hey Baby, I Feel So Good: This is where the chemistry really shows. Jimmy’s laid-back vocal style and Roy’s pulsing bass line gave me all the room I needed to let the guitar sing.
- Directly From My Heart To You: A nod to the Richard Penniman (Little Richard) track that Jimmy and Roy famously played with Zappa. We kept it soulful and deep.
- 44 Blues / How Many More Years: A tribute to the greats. We wanted to bridge the gap between the delta and the stage, and these Howlin’ Wolf-inspired medleys did exactly that.
- Hamburger Midnight Blues: The title track itself. Borrowing the name from the Little Feat classic Roy co-wrote with Lowell George, we transformed it into a sprawling blues jam that includes the “Short Stories” and a cheeky nod to “Don’t Bogart That Joint.”
- Evil: One of my favorite tracks to play live. It’s dark, it’s crunchy, and it lets the slide guitar really bite.
- Enron Blues: A bit of social commentary to close things out. We wrote this while the headlines were screaming about corporate greed, and unfortunately, the message still rings true today.
The Gear & The Vibe
For the gear-heads among you, this was a “no-nonsense” session. I relied heavily on my old ’54 Stratocaster, plugged straight in to get that pure, transparent tone. Working with Jimmy and Roy was a masterclass in “the pocket.” Jimmy’s drumming wasn’t just about keeping time; it was about the attitude. And Roy? His bass playing has a weight to it that you can feel in your chest.
“We weren’t just making a blues record; we were capturing a piece of history. Jimmy and Roy brought the spirit of the 60s Laurel Canyon scene, and I brought the British Blues fire. It was a hell of a ride.” — Mick Pini