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Tuesday, December 8

Cathi's CD Reviews 12-8-09

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Benoit, Paul – “Bluebird” (Indie) B

Seattle songwriter offers a collection of laid-back acoustic music after a trip to the slower paced El Salvado. Well, actually he recorded them in a little fishing village there, so what you get is a spare sound with minimal backup, yet songs offer a variety of mellow, reflective songs, laced with harmonies and lazy, melodic, fingerstyle, acoustic guitar. Nice afternoon porch music.

Davis, Debbie – “Holdin’ Court” (VizzTone) B

Wow…rough-tough sailor girl, Debbie Davis, 22-year veteran of playing blues guitar with the big boys, pulls a whole album of instrumentals out of her pocket. I always loved her playing best of her charms. Here she trots it out in a variety of styles, homages to some favorite players, while dishin’ up seven of her own compositions. Nice spare back up band featuring a kickin’ lady bass player (Cassandra Faulconer), drummer ( Don Catagno), and sometimes a little organ (Paul Opalach). Nice job. Some tunes are a bit uptempo for morning mix, but this is good listening stuff, and her playing is expressive.

Elliott, Grampa – “Sugar Sweet” (Timeless Media dba “Playin’ for Change”) A+

First made famous by world-wide acclaim of his singing of “Stand By Me” in a Youtube video, this older New Orleans/French Quarter, street musician is rolling like a sweet rain over the countryside with mellow, soulful tunes. It’s plain hard to resist the good feeling this guy and his music offers up. Nothin’ to prove; just lovin’ this new wrinkle on an already full life. A variety of great musicians come together to support him…calling themselves the “Playin’ for Change Band”—even Keb Mo gets in on the act. This is one COOL album. All mixes.

Rafael, Joel – “Songs of Woody Guthrie, Vol 1 & 2 (Inside Recordings) A

A long time student and lover of Woody Guthrie music, Joel Rafael spent years playing the same routes and areas Woody traveled, regularly performed in his native Oklahoma and California and is a regular at the annual Woody Guthrie festivals. So intense is his dedication to the spirit and interpretation of Woody’s “soul’ music, that Woody’s daughter sent him lyrics by Woody that were never set to music…now done so by Rafael, with assists by friends (Jackson Browne, the Burns Sisters, Arlo Guthrie, Jimmy LaFave, Jennifer Warnes, etc.) All in addition to Rafael’s quiet interpretations of many of Woody’s originals. This really is a special collection and a labor of love. Most songs are mid-tempo and sparcely delivered. Recommended for all mixes.

The Unwanted – “Music from the Atlantic Fringe” (Compass Records) A++

Three masters of the “lunatic fringe” of music – all real experts on their instruments and fools for Celtic and Appalacian music. Together they deliver the most wonderful “mountain-Celtic” sound…brilliant work. Mind blowing…what else can I say. EXCELLENT in just every respect…the best I’ve heard here. Instrumentalism is great and all vocals on the mark. What a nice surprise to the day.

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Tuesday, November 3

Cathi's Reviews -- 11/3/09

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Armstrong, Vanessa Bell – “Good News” (EMI Gospel) A

Smooth gospel – one promo cut CD from powerful vocalist Armstrong—tasty gospel choir backup. You can hear approval shouts from live crowd. She’s got the chops to cover a huge female choir. YES…been waiting for someone like this – heavily reminiscent of Aretha….can’t wait for the album.

Arnold, Mac & Plate Full of Blues – “Country Man” (VizzTone) B+

Old-timer Mac Arnold, former Muddy Waters bass player, cooks barbecue and takes in all comers down south on his South Carolina farm. But he also sings and plays a mean “gas can guitar” which eventually drew some blues-lovin’ players his way and last year they put out a very popular debut disc (produced by Bob Margolin who is back producing this one too). Rough vocals over songs he’s written about being a plain, tractor-drivin’ country man “way over 65.” But just when you think he’s fadin’ he comes back chargin’ with a rocker (#6). The band is good and they all CLEARLY love Mac and his barbecue. A good feelin’ disc.

Golub, Jeff – “Blues for You” (E-1 Music) A-

Tasty guitarist Golub is all over this disc. What a player. He’s got a combo that includes Shawn Pelton (former Bloomingtonian and Saturday Night live drummer) and other NY stalwarts, with a minimalist approach to instrumentation which allows the talents of everyone to shine. Guest vocalists Peter Wolf, Billy Squier, Marc Cohn and John Waite break things up with a variety of vocals, but Golub’s guitar clearly is the lead on this campaign…very nicely done. No needlessly over-the-top finger work and backed by great horn work that doesn’t overpower the guitar or vocals. Golub seems to always be there with support licks that actually support, and then slides into ear-pleasing solos that slip so easily into the groove and leave your ear with a smile that you can hardly tell how really GOOD this guy is. But when you check out those instrumentals, wow. Rare.

James, Samuel – “For Rosa, Maeve and Noreen” (Northern Blues) B

Acoustic guitarist James is a skillful piedmont-style guitar player, sadly overlooked by mainstream blues fans. However, he has an original style and a storytelling talent that keeps him slowly-but-surely carving his name into the best rosters of country blues. At ease as a resonator slide playing, banjo, harp and piano, James pulls you down off the fast track for some front porch storytellin’ and sweet guitar to back it up. Talk-sings the lyrics. A young cat, this is his second disc on Northern Blues and he seems fairly placed to be around and better as time passes. Good for all mixes.

Lovell Sisters – “Time to Grow” (2DefPig Publishing) A

Three Young Women who play mandolin, fiddle and dobro and sing like angels in harmony. What’s not to like? They lean toward country music, but they kick booty on everything. Bringing in fans like Viktor Krauss on bass doesn’t hurt either. Just a little more band like than acoustic, but sweet and sassy with harmonies that can only be found in the family. Super fine.

Maxwell, David & Louisiana Red – “You Got to Move” (BlueMax Records) A-

Piano wizard Dave Maxwell, veteran of a great many blues bands, has known Louisiana Red (Iverson Minter) for 30 years and one day when Red was in town, they went into a studio to see what they could come up with. This is the result – a great collection of real blues, supported in grand style by Maxwell’s bluesy backup…and how. Red, who lost his mom as a baby to pneumonia and his dad at age five – hung by the KKK – played for years on the road, perhaps most notably with John Lee Hooker. He “re-emerged” again when the blues craze hit these last 15 years. Both Red and Maxwell are among the rare breed who can keep a reeeeeeeal slow beat going with full feel. They kick off this disc just that way. Bob Margolin jumps in from time to time for fun. Very bluesy…very nice.

Murphy, Shaun – “Livin’ the Blues” (Vision Wall Records) B+

Backup singer for Eric Clapton and Bob Seger, not to mention a 15-year stint with Little Feat, Murphy steps out in front with her own band. Her original love of Etta James and Koko Taylor’s blues, melds with her rock backup history. She can belt ‘em as you might imagine she’d have to, to back up the big rock names, and with a crew of older/veteran musicians, Murphy rolls a big Etta-and-Janis combination voice out there with ease, (“It Takes a Lot to Laugh…”). It clearly reflects her backup rep, but I wonder if she needs to push so hard. Most tunes are medium tempo and lean on the rock side of things. Great vocals, in my view, are not just about the shoutin’ and hollarin’ (although they’re useful skills). When Murphy puts some of that great phrasing and inflection on the slow tunes, her true artistry breaks out (#9, 10).

Setzer, Brian (Orchestra) – “Songs from Lonely Avenue” (Surfdog) A+

Setzer has been digging a complete band/orchestra backup on a variety of genres…all mixed with his rockabilly sensibilities. All that horn and jazz-cat backup makes an interesting soup, salted with his wacky guitar leads and distinctive vocals. He’s clearly havin’ fun…accessing styles as dated as his suits, cruisin’ down film-noir lane in Sinatra shoes with Peter Gunn sensibilities. A huge collection of L.A. film-ready cuts. Musicians, of course, are superlative, with arrangements slick as a banister. What this guy must be doing in his spare time..scary!

Zito, Mike – “Pearl River” (Electro Groove) B

Electro Groove is pushing this guy as the next SRV – with blazing guitar gym and tattoos. Zito writes most of the tunes, and delivers to those hungry for fast licks and brangy power chords over shouted vocals. I am less enthralled as time goes on with this style– must be old age. Still, there are more and more of these power-chord, paid-by-the-note players out there these days and it takes a special something to be heard over the din. That something special appears more when he backs off his initial charge and offers songs like the N’awlin’s feel of “Eyesight to the Blind,” or the plaintive but gritty “39 days.” Songs here are a little less road warrior-oriented than usual.

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Sunday, October 18

Cathi's CD Reviews 10-18-09

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Baez, Joan – “How Sweet the Sound” (Razor & Tie) B+

This is a retrospective of Baez songs from the late ‘50s to the current day, although most tunes are from the mid sixties and a few from 2008-9. Taken from a film of Baez’s life this is a real walk down memory lane for the folkies and a glance back to a time when a simple guitar and floating voice commanded the world and inspired singers everywhere. Her brief romance with and introduction of Dylan to the world were life changing events here and are portrayed in her bittersweet “Diamonds and Rust.” Pretty much all ballads that reflect her finger picking guitar style and throbbing vocals, not to mention her passionate world peace quest, it’s nice to hear this wide a spectrum of an artist more influential than many these days realize. Most okay for all mixes.

Costello, Sean – “Sean Costello-Memorial Retrospective” (Landslide Rec) B+

A Young guitarist that shot up with a rocket on great guitar and his innate sense of feel in the blues – bringing a modern feel to it, yet always including touches that honored the masters, it was a criminal shame he dabbled with the devil and lost at age 28 to drug sirens that have no mercy. This is a retrospective of his work which is incredible given his short years. His absence is painfully apparent and never more so when you hear all he had to offer. Nice compliation tinged with a bittersweet feeling. A collection of both acoustic blues and the more rock-tinged efforts – a melding of many styles.

Drive By Truckers – “The Fine Print” (New West) B

Country-Rock trio who have been greatly influenced by Tom Petty put together a group of tunes that somehow escaped several of their other items. Most of these were written for projects on definite subjects, so we benefit by having them in a collection here, demonstrating the DBT’s ability to sing and write expressively about such a variety of subjects, and make it live with great country rock beats.

Heat, Reverend Horton – “Laughin’ and Cryin’” (YepRoc Records)

A twisted humor songwriter, psychobilly artist Heat’s three-piece probably has an enormous vitamin supplement bill. Bristling with really fast songs and lyrics that reference Jerry Lewis, heavy metal wackos, gambling, and preferring a good Lucky Strike cigarette over most women kinda gives you a good view on his entertainment quotient. The Rev. is a reluctant participant in medium tempos with most of his tunes either stumbling drunkenly through a slow tempo or blasting along full speed. But whatever the tempo, you can be sure the lyrics will be topical and trashcan funny.

Magic Slim & The Teardrops – “Rough Dried Woman” (Wolf) A

As the holiday approaches, we’re seeing a lot of compilation releases…this is a collection of 14 of Slim’s best tunes, which of course are delightful blues – the stuff that makes his club dates so fine you forget what time it is until they’re packin’ up and you realize four hours have somehow slipped past. GREAT club blues from this Magic Sam fan…who told he was not as good as the original, dedicated his life to making his mark as special as Sams. I think he’s done it – with a different flavor, deep feel, and that’s what it’s all about. Still touring and always solid. Highly recommended.

Mayall, John – “Tough” (Eagle Rec) A-

Possibly Mayall’s greatest gift is as a talent scout and an ability to put good players together to make excellent rock blues. After last year’s guitar WIZARD Buddy Whittington, I didn’t think he could keep up the pace, but this year he’s got guitarist Rocky Athas who clearly commands the chair and seems more of a team player. Cool, funky, rocky and overlaid with blues when you’re not lookin’. Another excellent product…go old man go.

Muldaur, Maria – “Garden of Joy” (Stony Plain) A-

After years of doing every kind of music imaginable, songstress/fiddler Maria Muldaur reunites with her jug band pals – John Sebastian, David Grisman, Taj Mahal, Fritz Richmond, and a bundle of others to romp through old and new favorites. I really loved this era of her stuff, and of course all the musicians are 40 years better! Uplifting and cheery tunes put a jump in the step. Great for all mixes.

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Monday, September 28

Cathi's CD Reviews 9-27-09

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Carr, Barbara – “Savvy Woman” (CDS Records) C+

St Louis singer Carr has been around a long time – toiling hard in obscurity and even recording a few unremarked records for Chess. After many years, she adopted the brassy belter role a la KoKo Taylor and Denise LaSalle, which earned her some popularity – enough to quit her day job of 20 years. She has never quite struck the hot spot though. This disc hints of her vocal prowess and is bolstered by her producer’s attempt to set her in full R & B regalia. She starts to stretch a little when she does some shouting (#3) and nice female backups give some tunes soulful depth. Still, this is a disc that seems a shadow in the closet of missed opportunities.

Collins, Harry – “Taste This” (Independent) B-

Billing himself as a “southern soul, R & B artist” Collins jumps right in with a smooth love song and holds it right there in the Barry White groove…maybe not so funky. This is late night wine and seduction stuff. “I got that feeling—that you want it tonight” kinda thing. It’s a one-trick pony but with a couple glasses of wine…maybe.
Nice voice, not a lot of variety. Will fit with morning mixes though – if you don’t mind waking up to sexual innuendo.

Kalb, Danny – “I’m Gonna Live the Life I Sing About” (Sojourn Rec.) B-

A real old-timer – guitarist Kalb formed the “Blues Project” band back in the Butterfield days and clearly had a big attraction to the guitar rambles of current guitar gymnasts along with the feel of the urban blues. His playing Is adept although for my money he plays too many unnecessary notes just because he can. His singing is not great – and most of the album are his renditions of well worn covers. Not terribly recommended, although I give him respect for his obvious life-long guitar love of the blues.

Lost Country – “When We Danced” (Cool Groove Records) B-

Texas survivors of a popular country rock band and others from a blues jump combo formed a band of boomer + musicians to play music they both enjoyed. Texas two-step tunes, mingle with male/female vocal harmonies, slide guitars, accordion and a focus on dancin’ music give this disc a good country dance hall feel. It’s full of unstable vocals and a few tunes they might better have left alone (smile), but it’s got a good old-timer get-together feel.

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Sunday, September 20

Cathi's CD Reviews 9-13-09

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Eberhardt, Cliff – “500 Miles” (Red House) B+

Soulful Americana songwriter offers us a thoughtful and melancholic collection of tunes here about love and love lost…a little bit of mellow and bittersweet reflection on getting older—further down the road. Most tunes are minimally backed by instrumentation, showcasing his voice and the tunes as the main point. This is the second disc since a long recovery from a car accident and I suspect that adventure brewed up many of these offerings. The songs have a lot of “furniture” but I hope he takes some vitamins and cheers up soon. Good for morning mixes.

Hill Country Review – “Make a Move” (Razor & Tie) C

This is a band trying to do ZZ Top and Allman Brothers all at once. It’s okay, but not really recommended.

Li’il Mo (Monica Passin)– “On the Moon” (Cow Island Music) B

Rockabilly-ish gal with a big clear cowgirl voice – straight from New York (!). Nancy Sinatra channels BOb Wills and sneaks out at night with a Cajun boyfriend and his country sidekick. Steve Riley (Mamou Playboys) jumps in for a fiddle assist here, but lest she get caught in any genre, she throws in country, soul, pop and R & B. Somehow it works…well, maybe except for that terrible abortion of a pop song (#7). Kudos for cajones.

Wailin’ Jennys, The – “Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House” (Red House) A

Ah the power of vocals, beautiful and in stacks of harmonies – it’s hard to beat and the Wailin’ Jennys are experts. They add some interesting fiddle and mandolin work by friend Jeremy Penner that give the material an added weirdness that works (cut 1). This is a live show that features old favorites but also 8 new originals from this great Canadian group. The vocals, as always are breathtaking. Though the Jennys came together by accident, the magic was immediate and it remains despite two personnel changes. They’ve been careful to get talented vocalists who are masters of their range. We’re lucky – I’ll always want more! Good for all mixes.

Willis, Chick – “Hit & Run Blues” (CDS Entertainment) B

Cousin to the blues ballad singer CHUCK Willis, and former limo driver for same, Chick carried on after Chuck’s death in ’58 and is best known for his raunchy send ups in the blues line. Here he fronts a big band with horns and lots of arrangement, and keeps the raunchy down to tolerable. This is a show-band thing with so much attention on the big band it kinda covers what might otherwise be interesting guitar parts, and a warbly vocal. No big cigar but tolerable.

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Cathi's CD Reviews 9-20-09

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Cowsill, Barry – “US 1” (Artist Airply Advisors-Indie) C

Former child star (10 years old when formed duo with brother to sing Everly Bros tunes, then incorporated 6 other family members to form the “Cowsills”—the original inspiration for the TV show “The Partridge Family”), Cowsill experience teenybop fame in the last ‘60s. The whole family had moderate fame and then disbanded (musically) in the early ‘70s. Individual members had desultory careers elsewhere and Barry kept his solo thing going. But for the next decade or so not much happened. He was working on a new sound (still trying to shed his teenybop past) with a new ”Power-pop” sound when Katrina hit New Orleans. His siblings got out – he didn’t. His body was recovered several months later. Died at age 51. This disc is a posthumous release. This is a sad story, but I still can’t rate the music here very well. It’s definitely pop and not recommended pop.

Dakota, John – “It’s the Journey Not the Goal” (Lagunitas music)

Guitarist/Harp player with a shakey, often off-key vocal skill, playing acoustic guitar and painful harp. Original tunes and I tip the hat for effort, but eek…not recommended! (I think he’s a Shagg’s cousin, only he’s taking himself seriously.)

Hart, Nicole – “Treasure” (Blues Leaf Records) B

Sultry vocals and she puts some nice double backup vocals behind her lead voice. Her band is okay. The overall sound is kind of a lounge-y ballad and blues. Voice is the attraction here – well, blond and built doesn’t hurt either I guess – heh. She’s got a real clear and supple (alto) pop-blues voice. Overall the music doesn’t really stand out to me though.

Hunt, Kelley – “Mercy” (88 Records) B

A piano playin’ shouter, Hunt made her bones as a big time blues vocalist on the blues circuit…along the lines of Bonnie Bramlett. She appears to best advantage with Aretha-like vocal chops administered in the soul/gospel tunes (#3, #8), when she’s really wailin’. Interesting combination of styles – along the mainstream line with touches of soul and blues. Nice pipes, mixed review on her songwriting.

Knowles, Davy & Back Door Slam – “Comin’ Up For Air” (Blix St. Rec.) A-

Mega talented lead singer and guitar player for Back Door Slam moves to the forefront of the Slam and puts his name ahead of the band’s in this disc that sports tunes written by Knowles, often with guests like Peter Frampton (who produced this album) and Gary Nicholson. This kid is only 23 but has a streetwise sound, GREAT guitar, singing and songwriting chops. Look out. His innate sense of to put these things together, added to the old timers’ prowess in how to put together a great record really serve him well. This album just rocks and stands out in a bunch of different ways. Definitely more rock than blues, it still comfortably adds blues touches. Knowles’ abilities knock me out as did the first Back Door Slam CDs…he’s a talent to reckon with. (Opened on tour as an acoustic solo act for Jeff Beck.) Not good for morning mixes. A great rock effort.

May, Imelda – “Love Tattoo” (Verve) B+

Dublin gal with a nightclub, Billie Holliday-ish style that she can morph into a Beatles-y pop delivery. But everything is overlaid with rockabilly touches…and then back to lounge-y. Hard to classify. Really nice vocals and minimal (but stellar and adept) backup music. I vote yes.

Pickens, Slim & Doctor Baz – “Next Time” (Black Albert Rec) B+

Two half-centurian Australian cowboys playing accordion and steel guitar, with double vocals put together a garden of Texas-swing , and Cajun-influenced Americana music (who knew?). The vocals are mellow, songwriting full of humorous philosophy, country twists, even a little trombone, and an intersesting eclectic collection that’s good for all mixes.

Pittman, Shawn – “Meridian” (Indie) B-

No information on record and insert has only “thanks for listening” with artist’s address. The man is clearly a guitarist who likes the blues. He gives us some interesting blues beats and not-bad vocals but the production and mix are pretty uneven. Sounds like a great weekend garage-blues band. Serviceable but not a stand out. He’s lucky if the lyrics of his second tune (“don’t need fortune and fame”) are true. Record blues-playable, but no key to the city.

Texas Sheiks – “Geoff Muldaur &the TS” (Traditional & Modern GmbH) A

This disc is a labor of love by a gathering of old partners on the jug band and Texas landscape. Veteran performers Geoff Muldaur, Suzy Thompson, Cindy Cashdollar, Stephen Bruton, Johnny Nicholas and Bruce Hughes gathered to do some favorite Americana music. Geoff’s old partner Jim Kweskin couldn’t resist and stopped in to add his talents to this amazing collection of music. Sadly, Stephen Bruton died from Cancer (after an amazing career of playing guitar behind just about everyone in the top echelons of music –Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Dylan, etc.). The disc is dedicated to him. Steller at jug music Geoff does this genre proud. Good for all mixes.

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Sunday, September 6

Cathi's Reviews -- 9/6/09

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Hamilton, Lisa – “Twilight & Blues” (Lisa Hamilton Music) C

A smooth (easy listening?) jazz disc put out by pianist Lisa Hamilton. No voice…lots of cocktail bar mood music…not recommended until you’re three martinis in.

Jones, Dennis – “Pleasure & Pain” (Leroy’s Boy Music) C

A Prince taildragger. I think he’s hung up on women’s undies and how “good” he is. Hmmm...Pleasure or pain…let me guess. (Not recommended.)

Knox, Marquise – “Man Child” (APO) B+

This is a kid who’s got something—hitting the national scene at age 16. This current disc finds him 18 years old, given the nod by BB King, Bob Margolin, Sam Lay and his special hero – Henry Townsend. I love the blues feel that he’s got right out the wrapper…having been playing the guitar since age 2 and listening to nothing but the “dangerous” Lightnin’ Hopkins before moving on to Muddy and then onward in his mentor sounds. Already he’s referred to (because of his husky voice and hefty frame) as “Big Daddy.” He sits in a lot these days with bluesman Michael Burks, but I think we’ll hear a lot more from this one. It’s nice to see some youngsters getting caught up in the blues. He plays several instruments, but guitar and voice are the main thing. This disc is the result of someone with his eye on the blues and the blues alone—that’s rare. He’s adept at a variety of blues styles. He also doesn’t plan to “chase it down” (a blues career) if it doesn’t happen. He’s gonna multi-task. I love it. No flies on this kid.

Landreth, Sonny – “Levee Town” (reissue) (Landfall Records) A-

Sonny Landreth is fascinated with his southern home in Louisiana, and now on his own label, reissues his acclaimed “Levee Town” album with five additional songs. I find reissues-with-added-tracks puzzling, wondering why they don’t just put out a new album, but apparently Landreth sees this album as part of a three-album triology tribute to his home…so he just sweetens it with five more songs. Original album still stands up great and the new tunes, liberally dosed with his excellent slide guitar touches over Cajun flavored tunes with colorful lyrics, seems to match it. Kickin’ in with a sizzling rocker, followed by a beautiful ballad with guest Jennifer Warnes, the bonus disc makes the original collection take on added excitement. The following songs move into a fluid picking and slidin’ number that showcases Landreth’s unmatched feel for slide, and wind up with a sweet Farewell. If there was any doubt, these last “bonus” songs make it clear that this disc was a labor of love.

Lloyd, Britt (Band) – “The Ink” (Smith Entertainment)

Texas guitarist who plays rock with distortion and a pop sensibility. Not terrible, but not memorable/recommended.

May,Willie – “Maze of Blues” (Booman Music) C

Minimalist blues record from Willie May playing solo guitar and singing very rough, gravelly vocals on his own songs—sometimes pulling in a band to give support to the tunes. Kudos for the minimalist approach, but not really that much here to write home about. No offense intended, but no recommendation.

Texas Slim – “Drivin’ Blues” (TopCat Records) C+

Robert “Robin” Sullivan, Texas Slim is a sustain-guitar slinger following the tricky steps of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was inspired at 8 years old by John Lee Hooker, but the Texas player SRV has clearly been his guidin’ light. He likes a lot of electric sound over fast licks of the blues rockers. Vocal passable--good guitar playing if you are fond of sizzlin’ electric stuff. The guitar screams too much to make this a morning mix collection…except if you’ve been up all night. Probably a great late bar band, but not really recommended.

Various – “Fishing Music II” (Snake River Music) B+

A follow-up acoustic disc to “Fishing Music” – this disc features a group of folksters doing tunes that have to do with fishing, rivers, etc, with profits to go to a preserving-rivers organizations. Basically the same acoustic band (Ben WInship w/ David Thompson and friends) back people like Tim and Mollie O’Brien etc. Nice musicianship, colorful tunes, but weird – a whole album about fish. Good for morning mix.

Various – “Motor City Women and the Detroit Express” (Fordco Music) B

Band from Detroit maximizes their impact by gathering six hot lady singers (all with their own bands apparently) to sing together. Each “Diva” takes the lead and the five others back ‘em in turn. Interestingly enough, though the women are named on the sleeve (Lady T, Elena Papillo, Aja Sardis, Stacia Petrie Ford, Valerie Barrymore and Cheryl Lescom) it doesn’t reveal who sings what (you can sort-of guess by songwriting credits). So you’ve got an okay band soakin’ in major vocals. All six got pipes…the tunes are pop-rock rather than blues, but this is an interesting collection, and if I’ve guessed right, my vote goes to Stacia Petrie Ford for best overall voice – she kicks the booty outta #3 and 14.

Various – “Public Enemies” Movie Soundtrack (Decca) B

With original score by Eliot Goldenthal the music for Public Enemies is also punctuated with new- and old-time artists (Otis Taylor, Billie Holliday, Diana Krall, Blind Willie Johnson, etc.). Two billion orchestral pieces make sure this disc keeps up the heat, painting moods throughout in sad, thoughtful airs. But the non-orchestral tunes (Otis Taylor #1, 10; Billie Holliday-#4, 6, 14; Diana Krall-#8, Blind Willie Johnson - # 16, and the big gospel chorus-#12) stand out. This is a sad story told songtrack and the songs definitely reflect that.

Zito, Mike – “Pearl River” (Electrogroove) B

West Coast guitarist and screamin’ blues rocker, Zito seems to have the full and enthusiastic backing of that rock label and is making the most of it. Originally from Missiouri, he’s a disciple of Eddie Van Halen, Clapton and Hendrix, and then throws in his blues licks atop that. Mostly rock, though, Zito adds some interesting touches to this collection – the title song is cowritten by Cyril Neville—and he’s added some funky touches too. Disc has mostly originals, but he puts a New Orleans beat to a Sonnyboy standard. The disc is certainly servicable, but I’m not sure I back Elecrogroove’s claim that Zito is the best there is.

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Sunday, August 30

Cathi's CD Reviews 8-30-09

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Castro, Tommy – “Hard Believer” (Alligator) B+

Blues Rocker Tommy Castro has been after it for years – a hard workin’ road man and prolific guitarist. This is another good album of blues rock with some real gems…some not so much. He seems to be writing more about the hard knocks that road and relationships have dealt him – esp. the ones he got from learning about himself the hard way. A mature look through songwriting at the tough way to go. But the music is great and he boosts the blues with rock when it needs it. A decent disc. Not much for morning mix. Dedicates the album to Stephen Bruton – a good pal.

Ford, Robben- “Soul on Ten” (Concord Music Group) B+

Guitar ace Ford is always in the interesting zone, and I agree with his philosophy that his shows pack a powerful punch (that’s why he likes to record live). He plays long riffs and solos over his always-in-the-pocket band, yet sometimes it gets a little fusion-y for me. Once again this is definitely a guitar slinger’s disc his sustain is now accented with lots of wah wah pedal), but when he tackles the blues head on, it’s dazzling (Spoonful/Set a date). But overall the song choices seem odd…for some that might just be “original.” Playing great.

Langdon, David – “This Time” (Whip Records) A-

After producing records for untold musicians at his studio and playing with his own band in California, Langdon started producing his own records. This is not his first, though the first I’ve heard. He is a really tasty guitarist, a good singer, and has the taste rarely seen in putting his band together Lots of backup vocals are a rarity and he’s got not only that, but masterful players backing him up. These guys are old enough to know better, but they can’t help themselves, and I’m glad. They do a little arranging of originals (a la Robben Ford) that might not appeal to the traditional blues lovers, but wow…they’re good, and oh my…that guitar sense…and completely smooth at the styles! (Slow ones are beautiful but kind of long.)

Riley, Dave & Bob Corritore – “Lucky to be Livin” (Blue Witch Rec) A-

Mississippi-bred guitarist Riley started out in Gospel and hit Chicago where he played awhile before stepping away from music. After a stint in the service he teamed up with harper Bob Corritore – best known as manager/owner of the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ (a real stop on the blues road these days). Corritore, also a popular SWestern DJ, produced several albums (Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Janiva Magness, etc.), guesting on many of them. Recently he’s stepping more into the playing limelight, winning kudos for the excellent disc featuring Chris James and Patrick Rynn (who step in to support a few of these tunes). Here he does an acoustic based duo..paying tribute to Sam Carr, Frank Frost and other heroes. This is one of the last discs on which Henry Gray plays piano. Nice porch blues feel.

Twisters – “Come Out Swingin’” (Northern Blues ) A

This is the Canadian artists second disc since a band mate’s death kept them off the road for about 10 years. The first one was an amazing blues record. Just about the time you think they’ve moved entirely into a swing thing, they pop up with rockabilly, reggae and even a gospel tune. I love these guys. They really are good at everything they seem to do. I vote yes. Try some out!

posted by Cathi N @ 3:40:00 PM   0 comments

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