Mean Old World

Better Off with the Blues is an acoustic blues band based in Salt Lake City. Our members include: Lou Borgenicht (harmonica and vocals), Ken Critchfield (standup bass), Jim Poulton (guitar and vocals), and Paul Rasmussen (guitar, mandolin and vocals). Collectively our roots are eclectic - we've played in jazz, punk, Celtic, rock and roll, jug, bluegrass, old timey and folk bands, but we've always returned to the blues. Our blues influences are both traditional and contemporary. Our repertoire includes blues of John Lee Hooker, Lightnin' Hopkins, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi John Hurt, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Blind Blake, Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Terry, Brownie McGhee, Willie Dixon, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie McTell, Skip James, Muddy Waters, Delbert McClinton and Tom Waits. We also play original music by members of the band.