 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NEWSLETTER #129
Blues & Gospel
Dave Bartholomew
->
Lil Ed Williams
| DAVE BARTHOLOMEW | Classics 5055 | The Chronological Dave Bartholomew, 1950-1952 | ● CD $14.98 |
| The second volume of this fine artists work (the first is
5002) features 23 tracks recorded between 1950 and 1952. It includes a
previously unissued four track session from 1950 with some hot vocal and
instrumental works, a couple of tracks recorded for Decca including Tommy
Ridgely vocalizing on Tra-La La, a couple of sessions recorded in
Cincinnati with Todd Rhodes Band, two tracks recorded for Specialty as The
Royal Kings and more. DAVE BARTHOLOMEW: Bad Habit/ Basin Street Breakdown/ Bouncing The Boogie/ Country Gal/ High Flying Woman/ I'll Never Be The Same/ In The Alley/ Lawdy Lawdy Lord - Part 1/ Lawdy Lawdy Lord - Part 2/ Little Girl Sing Ding-a-ling/ Messy Bessy/ Mother Knows Best/ My Ding-a-ling/ Nickle Wine/ Pyramid/ Stormy Weather/ Sweet Home Blues/ Teachin' And Preachin'/ Teejim/ The Golden Rule/ Tra-la-la/ Twins/ Who Drank My Beer While I Was In The Rear |
|||
| ROBERT BELFOUR | Fat Possum 80369 | Pushin' My Luck | ● CD $15.98 |
| The second album from fine Mississippi country bluesman
Belfour, accompanied on some tracks by drummer Ted Gainey. Perhaps not as
strong as his first album since Belfour has a fairly limited repertoire and
most songs here have pretty much the same tune. Still it's nice to hear such
basic unpretentious music in these times. |
|||
| BLIND BLAKE | JSP 7714 | All The Published Sides | ● CD $28.98 |
| 5 CDs, 110 tracks, essential Since 1991, when Document issued a four volume series of Blind Blake recordings, a further 10 alternate takes have been released on another six Document CDs. This reissue brings all this material together in an attractive box set with notes by Drew Kent under the heading "The Vanished Bluesman". Certainly little is known about Blind Blake other than that he originated from Florida and may have died there shortly after his last recordings. What is beyond doubt is that he was one of the most accomplished of the pre-war guitarists, a talented composer and an amazingly consistent performer during his six years as a Paramount star. Blake did not have the most expressive of singing voices, but somehow his relaxed delivery leaves more room to appreciate his marvellous guitar. Capable of accurate fingerpicking at lightning speed, he had a creative genius to match his technical skills, often executing brilliant arrangements most blues guitarists couldn't even have attempted. The variety of musical settings here include Southern Rag and Police Dog Blues which provide a showcase for his fingerpicking and thumb bass work, a memorable session with clarinettist Johnny Dodds, superb accompaniments to female singers like Leola B. Wilson, minstrel/medicine show songs, piano/guitar duets of the highest quality and sombre, reflective blues. (If this were not enough, anybody who can come up with a song title like Rumblin' and Ramblin' Boa Constrictor Blues just has to be a bit special.) After their Patton and Jefferson sets JSP know all about the challenges posed by the notorious sound quality of Paramount 78s, and they have again worked their magic with this set. Most of the crackles, clicks and pops in the originals have been removed, and while some of the more worn discs are still pretty rough, sound quality generally shows a marked improvement over the Document reissues. This means that great performances which were quite noisy on Document such as Detroit Bound Blues with its lovely double time passages can now be fully enjoyed. The speed of the JSP transfers also appears to be more accurate on tracks like Ice Man Blues. My only quibble concerns Rope Stretchin' Blues a skillfully constructed two part blues about a condemned man contemplating his execution, which is dismissed as "maudlin stuff" in Mr.Kent's otherwise informative booklet notes. Certainly the sequencing of this song doesn't help its appreciation. While presenting tracks in strict chronological order as they are here is usually the best way to enjoy pre-war blues, the recording chronology means that we get Part Two, followed by Part One (alternate take) and finally the issued Part One. I wish JSP had been brave enough to sequence the issued takes in their proper order, but apart from this (and Mr. Kent's lapse of taste) this reissue is an absolute delight. (DPR) |
|||
| EUGENE "HIDEAWAY" BRIDGES | Armadillo 0015 | Jump The Joint | ● CD $13.98 |
| Fine new album by this talented singer, guitarist and
songwriter. Not quite as strong as his first there is still some fine
singing and playing. |
|||
| CHARLES BROWN | Stardust 881 | The Very Best Of Charles Brown | ● CD $15.98 |
| 14 tracks, 42 mins, recommended The first 12 tracks on this CD reissues the album produced by Johnny Otis for his Blues Spectrum label in 1974. Charles is in fine form with his distinctive vocals and thoughtful piano work with Shuggie Otis providing some very tasty guitar licks as well as bass and Johnny on drums, vibes and occasional piano. The songs include a few of Charles's old standbys like Driftin' Blues and Black night along with songs by Ray Charles, Leonard Feather and some composed for the session by Otis & Brown. The last two "bonus" songs Let's Make Every Day A Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas are obviously from a different session though I would guess from around the same time. They both have pleasing vocals by Charles though the latter song is marred by some horrible electronic guitar sounds. (FS) |
|||
| JOE CALICOTT | Fat Possum 80360 | Ain't Gonna Lie To You | ● CD $15.98 |
| 12 tracks, 41 mins, highly recommended A most welcome compilation of 12 tracks of this superb Mississippi country bluesman recorded by George Mitchell in 1967. Most of these tracks have been out before on Arhoolie 401, a couple were on a long out of print LP on the English Revival label and one is previously unissued. Joe is an immensely appealing performer with a warm, slightly quavery voice and is a fine, if not virtuoso, guitar player. His style has elements of his former associates Frank Stokes and Garfield Akers but though simple there is a great deal of variety in his music. His songs draw on the wellspring of traditional verses - I particularly like toe tapping Fare Thee Well Blues an update of the song he first recorded in 1930 and the haunting gospel song Down To The River Jordan but it's all superb. This is the real thing - genuine Mississippi country blues little changed from the 20s and 30s. A couple of minor criticisms - why weren't all the recordings Callicott cut for Mitchell (16 of them) featured here and why weren't 35 year old notes updated? (FS) |
|||
| CLIFTON CHENIER | Arhoolie 474 | The Best Of Clifton Chenier | ● CD $12.98 |
| 18 tracks, 75 mins, highly recommended This is a perfect
introduction to the music of the King of Zydeco. |
|||
| THE DAVIS SISTERS | Heritage HTCD 47 | 1949-1952 | ● CD $16.98 |
| 22 tracks, highly recommended Tremendously exciting gospel group from Philadelphia featuring the ferocious contralto vocals of Ruth "Baby Sis" Davis with rousing support from sisters Thelma, Audrey and Alfreda plus Imogene Green . They were accompanied by pianist Curtis Dublin who also provides co-lead vocal on some tracks. 22 performances recorded for Gotham between 1949 and 1952 including In The Morning When I Rise/ Get Away Jordan/ Jesus Is Near/ I'm Tired/ When I Get Home/ When He Spoke/ Bye & Bye (Parts 1 & 2)/ Jesus Is A Waymaker and more. Includes notes by Opal Louis Nations. (FS) |
|||
| BIG JOE DUSKIN | Sanctuary 81263 | Don't Mess With The Boogie Man | ● CD $11.98 |
| 15 track, 57 mins, very good Cincinnati based singer/ piano player Big Joe Duskin is one of the vanishing breed of old style blues and boogie piano players. This set was recorded in England in 1988 for Special Delivery and finds him in good form - his playing is superb and though not a great singer he does a good job. He is accompanied by a fairly undistinguished group of British musicians led by guitarist/ photographer Dave Peabody. The material is mostly covers of blues and boogie titles from the repertoire of Roosevelt Sykes, Albert Ammons, Freddie Slack, Detroit Junior. Leroy Carr and others along with several originals. The best tracks are those where Duskin is alone with his piano or accompanied only by guitar like Big Joe's Boogie Woogie Prayer/ Cuban Sugar Mill/ Ida B, etc. (FS) |
|||
| THE FABULOUS THUNDERBIRDS | Benchmark 8004 | Butt Rockin' | ● CD $15.98 |
| 14 tracks, 44 min, recommended. Reissue of Chrysalis 21319
from '85. The 3rd release, with original members Jimmie Vaughn (g), Kim
Wilson (vcl) & Keith Ferguson (b) with the 1st of many personnel changes
with Roomful Of Blues drummer Fran Christina. Fran brought along a few of
his Room-mates, filling out the Tbird's stripped down sound with piano &
horns. A good mix of covers & Wilson originals, including the fine One's
Too Many (& A Hundred Ain't Enough) co-written with Nick Lowe who's own
version is on Nick The Knife. Covers include a solid version of
Cookie & The Cupcakes ethereal Mathilda & a surprising version of
Perez Prado's Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White. There's 3 bonus cuts
here including a nice version of Johnny "Guitar" Watson's I Got Eyes
(GM) |
|||
| CLARENCE GARLOW | La Cienega 701 | Clarence Garlow | ● CD $16.98 |
| 24 tracks, 67 mins, highly recommended A most welcome compilation featuring 24 tracks by this fine Louisiana bluesman recorded between 1949 and 1962. Clarence is best known for being the originator of the song Bon Ton Roulet which is featured here in several different variants. He was a fine vocalist with a dark expressive voice and a sensational guitarist whose playing ranged from a relaxed T-Bone Walker/ Pee Wee Crayton style to a a hard edged distorted style. Arrangements are varied ranging from a down home Excello feel with harmonica to hot little bands with horns. A Louisiana feel permeates almost everything here so it's a shame that they didn't include Clarence's zydeco single where he plays accordion! Still, there's enough good stuff out there to put another Garlow CD. It's all good with fine sound and brief discographical info but no notes. (FS) |
|||
| JOHN LEE HOOKER | Vestapol DVD 13054 | John Lee Hooker & Friends, 1984-1992 | ● CD $23.98 |
| Now on DVD. 58 minutes, 10 performances featuring Albert
Collins, Ry Cooder, Robert Cray, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie
Raitt and others. |
|||
| HOWLIN' WOLF | Classics 5056 | The Chronological Howlin' Wolf, 1951-1952 | ● CD $14.98 |
| With the Ace/ Fuel and Bear Family releases of Wolf's early
recordings available this is pretty redundant but the music is certainly
great. |
|||
| BULL MOOSE JACKSON | Classics 5054 | The Chronological Bull Moose Jackson | ● CD $14.98 |
| 22 tracks, 62 mins, highly recommended A most worthwhile subject for the "complete chronological" treatment this features the first 22 tracks issued under his own name by blues shouter and tenor sax wailer Benjamin Clarence "Bull Moose" Jackson. He had previously recorded as a member of Lucky Millinder's band and was still with Millinder when he made these sides. Accompanied by a sterling band of musicians including Sam "The Man" Taylor, Sir Charles Thompson, Panama Francis and others he perfomrs a mix of romping R&B with the occasional smooth ballad and jazzy instrumental. The recordings include the fine Bull Moose Jackson Blues, a fine cover of Joe Liggins' Honeydripper, his answer to Lucky Millinder with I Knew Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well, his number 1 ballad I Love You, Yes I Do, his warning to the ladies Bad Man Jackson, his tribute to the joys of Sneaky Pete and more. Generally excellent sound and informative notes by Dave Penny. (FS) BULL MOOSE JACKSON: I Know Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well/ BULL MOOSE JACKSON: Bad Man Jackson That's Me/ Buffalo Shuffle/ Bull Moose Jackson Blues/ Cleveland Ohio Blues/ Embraceable You/ Hold Him Joe/ Honeydripper/ Houston Texas Girl/ I Love You,yes I Do/ I Want A Bowlegged Woman/ Jammin' And Jumpin'/ Just In Case You Change Your Mind/ Keep Your Big Mouth Shut/ Memphis Gal/ Miss Lucy/ Moose On The Loose/ Oo-oo-ee-bob-a-lee-bob/ Shorty's Got To Go/ Sneaky Pete/ Three Bones/ We Ain't Got Nothin' |
|||
| HOMESICK JAMES & SNOOKY PRYOR | Castle CMDD 712 | The Big Bear Sessions | ● CD $18.98 |
| Two CD set featuring 39 tracks recorded for Big Bear Records
in England in the mid 70s by these two veteran bluesmen who frequently
worked together at the time. This set combines three LPs plus bonus tracks -
a solo album by Homesick, a solo album by Snooky, the album they recorded
together plus various tracks originally issued on compilation albums. The
first CD features all vocals by Homesick and the second features Snooky.
Arrangements are varied ranging from Homesick solo with acoustic guitar to
full a full electric Chicago blues band sound. |
|||
| LOUIS JORDAN | Purple Pyramid 962 | The Essential Louis Jordan | ● CD $9.98 |
| 10 tracks, very good Reissue of Louis's 1973 album recorded for Johnny Otis's Blues Spectrum label. Louis is accompanied by a solid band on a collection of mostly reworkings of his old favorites like Choo Choo Ch'Boogie/ Let The Good Times/ Saturday Night Fish Fry and others. There is also an powerful new blues I Got The Walkin' Blues written by Otis featuring some nice slide guitar from Shuggie. The album ends with a couple of songs that seem to be attempting to make Louis sound a bit more contemporary that don't really come off. But all in all a worthwhile set. (FS) |
|||
| ALBERT KING | Thirsty Ear 57129 | Talkin' Blues | ● CD $16.98 |
| 7 music tracks + 4 interview tracks, 56 mins, recommended
The great singer/ guitarist captured live in Chicago in 1978. His backing
group is unidentified but does a fine job as Albert works his way through
some of his most popular Stax sides. He's in good form with powerful,
expressive vocals and lots of his distinctive and influential soaring and
swooping guitar licks. Songs include Born Under A Bad Sign/ Rub My Back/
Blues At Sunrise/ Please Come Back To Me and others. There are three
brief interview segments scattered between the tracks and a longer 3 1/2
minute interview with Albert discussing the influence of Bill Graham on his
career. Excellent sound and nice digipack packaging. (FS) |
|||
| B.B. KING | Ace CDCHM 881 | My Kind Of Blues | ● CD $12.98 |
| First in a new series of mid priced CDs based around the 12
LPs issued on the budget priced Crown label between 1957 and 1963 by B.B.
with bonus cuts not previously available on CD. This album from 1960
featured B.B. singing some of his favorite blues songs accompanied by a
small group with Lloyd Glenn on piano. The 8 bonus tracks features 5
previously unissued songs including a recording of the first song B.B.
performed on the radio Blues At Sunrise plus a previously unissued
alternate take of Hold That Train and two performances not on CD
before. Compiled and annotated by John Broven. B.B. KING: Blues At Sunrise/ Cat Fish Blues (fishin' After Me)/ Drifting Blues/ Driving Wheel/ Hold That Train/ Hold That Train/ Looking The World Over/ Mr Pawn Broker/ My Own Fault, Baby/ Please Set The Date/ Running Wild/ Somebody Done Changed The Lock On My Door/ Someday Baby/ Sunny Road/ Understand/ Walking Dr Bill/ Walking Dr Bill (overdubbed)/ You Done Lost Your Good Thing Now |
|||
| B.B. KING | Ace CDCHM 882 | B.B. King Wails | ● CD $13.98 |
| This was originally issued in 1959 and features B.B. with
big band accompaniment on songs like Sweet Thing/ Come By here/ the Woman
I Love/ Time To Say Goodbye, etc. The eight bonus cuts also feature big
band accompaniments and includes one unissued song, two alternate takes and
other rarities including tracks with backing by the Count Basie Orchestra
and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. B.B. KING: Every Day I Have The Blues (with Count Basie Orchestra)/ Come By Here/ I Love You So/ I Stay In The Mood/ I've Got Papers On You Baby/ My Silent Prayer/ Sweet Thing/ The Fool/ The Woman I Love/ Time To Say Goodbye/ Tomorrow Is Another Day/ Treat Me Right/ Trouble In Mind/ We Can't Make It/ Why I Sing The Blues/ Yes, Indeed! (with Tommy Dorsey Orchestra)/ Yesterday/ You've Been An Angel |
|||
| EARL KING | Okra Tone 4970 | Come On - The Complete Imperial Recordings | ● CD $15.98 |
| 17 tracks, 44 mins, essential A fabulous collection featuring all of Earl's great Imperial recordings made between 1960 and 1962. Not only do we get all of Earl's released material this set features two tracks that were unearthed for a long out of print CD and four tracks that have never appeared before in any form. On these sessions produced by Dave Bartholomew, Earl's expressive vocals and sinuous guitar work is accompanied by New Orleans' finest - Wardell Quezergue, James Rivers, Morris Bechamin, James Booker and others. Lots of great songs here including the frequently covered Come On (Parts 1 & 2) and Trick Bag, his only Imperial hit Always A First Time and others. The unissued tracks are every bit as good as the issued material including a remake of his Specialty hit My Mother's Love, the rockin' Nervous Breakdown and, possibly my favorite track here, the gorgeous soul ballad It's Wrong which is alone worth the price of this set. Superb sound, discographical dates and informative notes by Nawlins expert Jeff Hannusch round out an indispensable package of classic New Orleans blues. (FS) |
|||
| JULIA LEE | Indigo IGOCD 2514 | The Essential Julia Lee, Vol. 1 - Snatch & Grab It | ● CD $9.98 |
| 24 tracks, 68 mins, recommended Heavy set, effervescent, and raunchy in a knowledgeable, fun-loving way, Julia Lee is certainly best known for the double entendre numbers and many of those are featured here like JULIA LEE: Back Stret/ Come On Over To My House/ Decent Woman Blues/ Do You Want It/ Don't Come Too Soon/ Don't Save It Too Long/ Dream Lucky Blues/ Gotta Gimme What'cha Got/ I Didn't Like It The First Time/ I Was Wrong/ If It's Good/ Julia's Blues/ King Size Papa/ Lotus Blossom/ My Man Stands Out/ Show Me Missouri Blues/ Snatch And Grab It/ Take It Or Leave It/ Tell Me Daddy/ That's What I Like/ Tonight's The Night/ Trouble In Mind/ Ugly Papa/ Young Girl's Blues |
|||
| J.B. LENOIR, SUNNYLAND SLIM & FRIENDS | Fuel 61300 | Live In 1963 | ● CD $16.98 |
| 18 tracks, 63 mins, recommended A remarkable find - previously unreleased recordings made by Norman Dayron at Nina's Lounge in Chicago in 1963 featuring some outstanding Chicago bluesman. J.B. Lenoir and Sunnyland are predominantly featured - on their own and accompanying each other. There is also a guest spot featuring three songs by the infrequently recorded John Lee Granderson with Mike Bloomfield on second guitar. Both J.B. and Sunnyland are in good form though J.B.'s guitar is enough out of tune to detract from the enjoyment of his performances though his singing is superb. Sunnyland performs some of his old favorites like It's You Baby/ Brown Skin Woman/ For You My Love and others and J.B. does I Want To Know/ My Dear Old Mother/ Mojo Boogie and others including and instrumental with J.B. playing guitar and a harmonica in a harp-rack. On Lend Me Your Love Sunnyland is joined by St. Louis Jimmy Oden who provides some very nice harmonica accompaniment. There are also some interesting introductions from the artists that lend to the atmosphere. Sound quality is very good considering the circumstances of the recording and booklet has informative notes by the ever reliable Bill Dahl. (FS) |
|||
| LOUISIANA RED | Earwig 4947 | Driftin' | ● CD $15.98 |
| Recent album by this popular and prolific bluesman is half
solo and half with a small band featuring Allen Batts/ piano, Brian Bisesi/
guitars, Willie Kent/ bass and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith/ harmonica & drums.
Mostly original songs - most of them autobiographical. |
|||
| JIMMY MCCRACKLIN | Classics 5062 | The Chronological Jimmy McCracklin, 1945-1948 | ● CD $14.98 |
| 22 tracks, 64 mins, essential I'm really delighted to see that Classics are starting to reissue the recordings of Jimmy McCracklin. Jimmy, who was still active up until a couple of years ago, was a brilliantly talented performer - a superb singer with a warm engaging style, an excellent piano player, an exceptional songwriter and bandleader. He was one of those artists who had the knack of remaining contemporary while rarely straying very far from the blues. The recordings here from the beginning of his career find him strongly under the influence of one of his favorite bluesman, the great Walter Davis. The first half a dozen cuts from 1945 find him in the company of piano player J.D. Nicholson whose own playing was strongly influenced by Davis and the result are some truly sublime performances. A 1946 session finds him accompanied by the band of Shifty Henry on some more urban numbers including the great up tempo two parter Rock And Rye. In 1947 Jimmy relocated from Los Angeles to the Bay Area where he teamed up with superb guitarist Robert Kelton who appears on most of the sides from 1947 & '48. Music is consistently fine from beginning to end and sound quality is superb. (FS) |
|||
| JAY MCSHANN | Indigo IGOCD 2524 | Hot Biscuits | ● CD $9.98 |
| 25 tracks, highly recommended Great collection of sides recorded between 1941 and 1949 featuring this great pianist and bandleader. McShann's bands were some of the finest of the era and provided the launching pad for any number of great vocalists and instrumentalist. This collection focuses on blues side of McShann's music featuring both bluesy instrumentals as well as accompaniments to such fine blues vocalists as Walter Brown, Numa Lee Davis, Jimmy Witherspoon, "Crown Prince" Waterford and Maxine Reed. Arrangements vary from trio to small band and includes such sidemen as Charlie Parker, Gene Ramey, Paul Quinichette, Jesse Price, Tiny Webb and others. Generally excellent sound and informative notes by Neil Slaven. (FS) |
|||
| BLIND WILLIE MCTELL | JSP JSPCD 7711 | The Classic Years 1927-40 | ● CD $28.98 |
| 4 CDs, 84 tracks, essential The true king of the 12 string guitar, with one of the most distinctive voices in blues, Blind Willie's pre-war recordings were recently reissued as a 3 CD set from Catfish [The Definitive Blind Willie McTell, KATCD 229] . The Catfish set is attractively packaged and has generally excellent sound quality, but is not without faults. East St. Louis Blues plays five seconds of another track before reverting to the correct song, the introduction to You Was Born To Die is also rather odd, and Come On Around To My House Mama has a marked echo. The Catfish set is hardly definitive therefore, but does provide a reference point in considering this new JSP reissue. Compared to the Catfish box five tracks, Dirty Mistreater and alternate takes of Love-Makin' Mama, Death Room Blues, Broke Down Engine No.2 and Lord, Send Me An Angel are missing from this set: the loss of Dirty Mistreater is not significant because it is a Curley Weaver performance on which Willie's contribution is minimal, but the omission of the remaining four tracks is disappointing, especially as alternate takes are included for some other titles. The extra disc here is of Willie's 1940 Library of Congress session (otherwise available on Blues Documents BDCD 6001). The first disc contains some of McTell's best work, including the magnificent blues of the Victor sessions and virtuoso ragtime performances for Columbia. The next two CDs feature superbly executed duets with Ruby Glaze, tasty guitar interplay with Curley Weaver, earnest religious pieces and compelling blues, notably Savannah Mama and the wonderful 1933 version of Broke Down Engine. There are also remakes of earlier songs like Southern Can Mama as Willie switched companies to get recording dates during the Depression. While Drew Kent's booklet notes are a little superficial, the final disc, covering the Library of Congress session, provides a fuller picture of McTell the man. The monologues by Willie on his life and recording career confirm him as an intelligent, sensitive and likeable individual. His songs were not his commercial repertoire, but included folk ballads and gospel performances with powerful slide work which echoed that of his friend Blind Willie Johnson. The highlight though is his final masterpiece, Dying Crapshooter's Blues. Presented in significantly better sound than the Blues Documents CD, this disc will be a major plus point for many collectors. To return to the comparison with the Catfish box, both sets are pretty much crackle and pop free, but on those tracks where differences in sound quality are apparent, particularly the early Victor sides, the Catfish transfers have a cleaner, fuller sound. On the other hand the three tracks with specific faults on the Catfish reissue are properly presented on the JSP set, and consequently sound much more natural. Overall a pretty good effort from JSP, if not quite up to the very high standard they have established with some of their previous releases. (DPR) |
|||
| MEMPHIS MINNIE | Proper Pairs 129 | Me & My Chauffeur | ● CD $12.98 |
| Two CD retrospective of the recordings of the greatest of
all country blueswomen. Two CDs with 50 songs covering the period 1929
through 1944 ranging from the lovely twin guitar sound on her recordings
with second husband Kansas Joe McCoy through to her recordings in Chicago
with small Chicago blues bands. Every track is a winner and if you don't
have much Minnie this is a good starting point - once you hear this you'll
probably want the Document series featuring all her early recordings
(5028->5031, 6008-> 6012 : $15.98 each). Sound is good (not great) and comes
with a 16 page booklet with notes, photos and discographical info. |
|||
| KING LOUIS H. NARCISSE | Gospel Treasures 2001 | It's So Nice To Be Nice | ● CD $14.98 |
| 22 tracks, 71 mins, recommended Exciting collection of gospel singing featuring 22 tracks recorded between 1949 and 1962 by flamboyant and powerful Oakland singer, preacher, entrepreneur and self professed faith healer. in keeping with his name he had a church "court" complete with princesses, bishops, princes and missionaries! He was a powerful vocalist and was usually accompanied by a small group (usually piano & organ with occasional guitar and percussion) plus occasional congregations. His material was mostly gospel standards along with a couple of originals including a musical rendering of his motto "It's So Nice To Be Nice". One track features a vocal by congregation member and future R&B singer Theola Kilgore. Sound quality is superb and 16 page booklet by Opal Louis Nations gives us a detailed account of Narcisse's fascinating life and music. (FS) |
|||
| JOHNNY OTIS | Purple Pyramid 963 | The Essential Recordings | ● CD $7.98 |
| 9 tracks, 33 mins, highly recommended Another reissue from Johnny's own Blue Spectrum label which he started in the mid 70s to record some of the great blues and R&B pioneers including, of course, himself. Although Johnny is the subject of this release the star is undoubtedly son Shuggie who turns in some truly magnificent guitar work - the vocal tracks leave him plenty of room for lengthy imaginative solos and three of the four instrumental tracks really give a chance to stretch out. His playing is consistently - dexterous but never flashy and always appropriate. The material is a mix of new compositions and old favorites like Harlem Nocturne/ Willie & The Hand Jive and Country. Several of the tracks feature the fine vocals of Delmar Evans and on the soulful blues Bad Luck Shadow, Shuggie shows his talent as a slide player. (FS) |
|||
| JOHNNY SHINES | Hightone 8153 | Skull & Crossbones Blues | ● CD $11.98 |
| Part of Hightone's "Heritage Of the Blues" this is a great
mid-priced collection drawn from previously issued CDs of Johnny on
Testament and Hightone. The full range of his considerable talents are
features including acoustic and electric solo performances and sessions with
Chicago blues bands and West Coast blues bands. Lots of his great slide
guitar is featured. Sidemen on these sessions include Big Walter Horton,
Otis Spann, Luther Allison, Phillip walker, David Ii, Nat Dove and others.
|
|||
| BESSIE SMITH | Frog DGF 44 | The Complete Recordings - Volume 5 | ● CD $16.98 |
| 23 tracks, 71 minutes, essential If you don't own any Bessie Smith discs, start here. This is the fifth release in Frog's acclaimed, eight-volume restoration of the great blues diva's Columbia output. With these March 1926 to March 1927 sessions, Columbia's New York engineers had fully mastered the intricacies of electrical recording. British sound restoration specialist John R.T. Davies supervised new digital transfers from pristine laminated 78s, resulting in the best-sounding CD in Frog's Smith series to date. As with the previous volumes, most sides feature musicians from Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, usually clarinetist Buster Bailey, cornetist Joe Smith and Henderson on piano. Coleman Hawkins makes a rare appearance on clarinet on one date, and Jimmie Harrison and Charlie Green split trombone chores on two March 1927 sessions. This set features many bona-fide Smith standards, including What's the Matter Now (with composer Clarence Williams on piano), Jazzbo Brown from Memphis Town/ The Gin House Blues/ Send Me to 'Lectric Chair and Trombone Cholly. Smith penned six songs, including Young Woman Blues and two classics backed by stride piano master James P. Johnson: Preachin' the Blues and the topical Backwater Blues. The March 2, 1927, date features four pop tunes, possibly Columbia's attempt to duplicate Ethel Waters' crossover success. Smith clearly relishes chestnuts like Alexander's Ragtime Band/ There'll Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight/ After You've Gone and the more contemporary Muddy Water. Columbia issued two takes of the latter, and both appear here. If you already have Columbia's Bessie Smith boxes, hang on to them for the graphics and Chris Albertson's notes. But once you hear the Frogs, you'll never play those Columbia discs again. (DS) |
|||
| VICTORIA SPIVEY/ SWEET PEASE SPIVEY | Blues Collection 160 362 | Queen Victoria, 1927-1937 | ● CD $11.98 |
| 22 tracks, 71 mins, essential Victoria Spivey was a truly superb performer. She was an earthy singer with an intense nasal moaning style - she sounds very much like a country blues singer though she recorded in an urban environment. Her lyrics were often more imaginative than her contemporaries dealing in an interesting and witty way with themes of sex, drugs, violence and illness. This is a cross section of her recordings made between 1927 and 1937 and finds her in the company of stellar musicians like Lonnie Johnson, King Oliver, Eddie Lang (dig his spellbinding use of guitar harmonics on Organ Grinder Blues), Louis Armstrong, Henry "Red" Allen, Georgia Tom Dorsey, Tampa Red and others who perfectly complement Victoria's gorgeous singing. Songs include Arkansas Road Blues/ Christmas Morning Blues/ New Black Snake Blues (an incredible two part song done as a duet with Lonnie Johnson)/How Do You Do I That Way/ Moaning The Blues/ Showered With The Blues/ T.B.'s Got Me and others. This set also includes three tracks by Victoria's younger sister Addie "Sweet Pease" Spivey who is fine though her performances pale in comparison to those of her sister. Sound is excellent and there are notes and discographical information. After you've heard this you might want to investigate the four CDs of all of Victoria's early work on Document (5316 -> 5219 - $15.98 each). (FS) SWEET PEASE SPIVEY: Grievin' Me/ I Got A Man In The 'bama Mines/ Leaving You Baby/ VICTORIA SPIVEY: Arkansas Road Blues/ Christmas Morning Blues/ Detroit Moan/ Dirty T.b Blues/ Don't Trust Nobody Blues/ Down Hill Pull/ Funny Feathers/ Give It To Him/ Hollywood Stomp/ How Do You Do It That Way?/ I Can't Last Long/ Moaning The Blues/ New Black Snake Blues Pt. 1/ New Black Snake Blues Pt. 2/ Organ Grinder Blues/ Showered With The Blues/ Sweet Pease/ T.b.'s Got Me/ Telephoning The Blues/ The Alligator Pond Went Dry |
|||
| THE STARS OF BETHLEHEM/ STARS OF BETHEL | Gospel Treasures 2000 | BETHEL : Above My Heard | ● CD $14.98 |
| 12 tracks from 1960 by the Stars Of Bethlehem and two from
1954 by The Stars Of Bethel - two fine Los Angeles gospel groups who shared
some of the same members. The latter group featured the first recordings of
Johnny Lamar Young who later became better known as Little Johnny Taylor. |
|||
| BABE STOVALL | Arcola 1005 | The Old Ace - Mississippi Blues & Religious Songs | ● CD $14.98 |
| 15 tracks, 50 mins, essential A most welcome release - the first ever CD release of fine New Orleans singer/ guitarist Babe Stovall. Babe was originally from Mississippi where he was born in 1907 and started playing music when 8 years old. He performed with his eight older brothers - all of whom played music. In his 20s he met legendary Mississippi bluesman Tommy Johnson and learned from him. He never become a full time musician though by the time he moved to New Orleans in the early 60s it became his primary source of income. Babe was more of a songster than a straight bluesman and played a wide variety of material drawing on both black and white musical traditions. He was a powerful singer with gruff voice and played some fine guitar usually on a steel bodied National. The recordings here were made by Bob West in 1968 and find Babe in fine form on a collection of mostly traditional blues and gospel songs including Good Morning Blues/ Going To Wear You Off My Mind/ Baby let Me Follow You Down/ Will The Circle Be Unbroken?/ Dirty Mistreater/ God's Word Shall Never Pass Away and others including a particularly nice version of Tommy Johnson's Big Road Blues which he neatly segues into a superb version of Careless Love. The disc ends with a couple of spoken word tracks where Babe talks about his family and playing music in New Orleans. Babe was recorded quite often between the late 50s and late 60s and it would sure be nice if some of those recordings were also to find their way on to CD. Includes 12 page booklet wqith some great photos and informative notes by David Evans who knew Babe well. An exemplarary and important release. (FS) |
|||
| SONNY TERRY & BROWNIE MCGHEE | Proper Pairs 125 | Sportin' Life Blues | ● CD $12.98 |
| Nice two CD introduction to the extensive recorded legacy of
this popular and prolific duo featuring 51 tracks recorded between 1940 and
1952. Includes tracks on their own and together and includes recordings made
for a white folk audience as well as for an African-American audience.
Musicians on these sessions includes Blind Boy Fuller, Jordan Webb, Woody
Guthrie, Pops Foster, Baby Dodds, Hal Singer, Wilbert "Big Chief" Ellis, Bob
Gaddy and others. Includes 16 page booklet with notes, photos and
discographical info. BROWNIE MCGHEE: Born For Bad Luck/ Dealing With The Devil/ Gin Headed Woman/ Go On Blues/ Goodbye Now/ Million Lonesome Women/ My Fault/ Pawnshop Blues/ Poor Boy Blues/ The Way I Feel/ SONNY TERRY: Airplane Blues/ All Alone Blues/ Beer Garden Blues/ Blowin' The Blues/ Chain Gang Special/ Crow Jane Blues/ Custard Pie Blues/ Dirty Mistreater Don't You Know/ Early Morning Blues/ Glory/ Harmonica And Washboard Breakdown/ Harmonica Blues/ Harmonica Rag/ Harmonica Stomp/ Hot-headed Woman/ Leavin' Blues/ Lonesome Train/ Pick A Bale Of Cotton/ Red River/ Riff And Harmonica Jump/ Rock Me Momma/ Screamin' And Cryin' Blues/ Telephone Blues/ Whoopin' The Blues/ Worried Man Blues/ SONNY TERRY & BROWNIE mCGHEE: Bad Blood/ Big Legged Woman/ Brownie's Guitar Boogie/ Daisy/ Don't Dog Your Woman/ Fox Chase/ Goin' Down Slow/ Lovin' With A Feeling/ Mean Ole Frisco/ Run Away Woman (hootin' The Blues)/ Shake Down/ Sportin' Life Blues/ Sweet Woman/ The Red Cross Store/ Watch Out (that's The Stuff)/ Worried Life Blues |
|||
| JOE LOUIS WALKER | JSP 2157 | She's My Money Maker | ● CD $16.98 |
| Joe's fourth new album in less than a year is a collection
of 10 songs - mostly new originals by Joe accompanied by a small group and
featuring lots of his much in demand slide guitar playing. |
|||
| PHILLIP WALKER | Hightone 8157 | Heritage Of The Blues - Best Of Phillip Walker | ● CD $11.98 |
| Another fine release in Hightone's budget priced "Heritage
Of The Blues Series" - this one featuring superb California singer/
guitarist Phillip Walker. Drawn from various sessions covering a span of 20
years it features some great songs like I'm Tough/ Hello My Darling/
Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark/ If We Can Find It/ Go Ahead And Take Her/
Someday You'll Have These Blues and more. |
|||
| LIL ED WILLIAMS & WILLIE KENT | Earwig 4941 | Who's Been Talking | ● CD $15.98 |
| 12 tracks, 53 min, recommended When Li'l Ed & the Blues
Imperials 1st came out in '86 & I saw them do a tremendous set at Larry
Blake's in Berkely, I predicted stardom for these guys. Ed, who learned
slide from his uncle J.B. Hutto is a hell of a guitarist & showman. For a
little while he took a break from the Imperials & during that time recorded
this gem, with famed bassist Kent & famed Chicago (& former ex-patriot)
guitarist Eddie C. Campbell for Earwig. There's a bunch of fine Ed & Kent
originals (I Wanna Get Married/ Going Shopping) as well as covers by
suspects usual (Howlin' Wolf's title track, a couple Elmore James tunes
including a blistering Bobby's Rock, Uncle J.B.'s Newspaper Blues)
as well as unusual - Donny Hathaway's The Ghetto, & Monk Higgin's
Bird Nest On The Ground. (GM) |
|||
Roots & Rhythm
P.O. Box 837
El Cerrito, CA 94530 USA
Toll Free Order Line : 888-ROOTS-66, Fax : 510-526-9001
© 2008 Roots & Rhythm. No part of this site may be reproduced without written permission