Blues CD Reviews 11-11-05
Cooke, Sam -- "Live at the Harlem Square Club" (RCA/Legacy) BA live recording of one of Sam's shows...sound is uneven, but it is interesting to hear his stage demeanor/presentation--working the audience. Though there are a few unusual tunes here, most are re-workings of his standards, done before a live audience.
Cooke, Sam -- "The Hits--The Best of Sam Cooke" (Sony/BMG) A
What many would call the seminal collection of Sam Cooke tunes. A reissue of late '50s recordings that really display the popular soul/R&B flavors that made him famous. Pick any tune...they all work well.
Cooke, Sam -- "Night Beat" (RCA) A
Another reissue of music recorded when Sam was only 33 years old (right before his death). But MAN...this disc is truly a vocal wonder. At first listen, the uninitated might think it too smooth, or too tame, but the vocalization here is truly unmatched. As Ray Charles put it "He hit every note where it was supposed to be...with feeling." YOu can hear Rod Stewart (also quoted on the liners) scammin' just about every note Sam did. Very cool vocals--what can I say--smooth, night club fare...laid back and sultry.
Eaglin, Snooks -- "New Orleans Blues Singer" (Smithsonian Folkways) A+
Not always known as an acoustic blues musician (he was quite an R & B/New Orleans band musician), Snooks really had a handle on getting the most out of a song. His solo work demonstrates so much of his unique ability to express the core feeling of a tune. He didn't like solo work/rarely did it, but this disc is a pearl--there's just nothing bad on it. Good for any format.
Mannish Boys -- "Live and in Demand" (Delta Groove Records) A-
Record Exec, and harp player Randy Chortoff's new West Coast label has been putting out numerous "real deal" blues records these last few years and this band, "The Mannish Boys," is one he put together with legendary figures out there. Kid Ramos is excellent on guitar chops with occasional treble leanings to clean out your sinuses. Johnny Dyer and Finis Tasby are two of the best remaining West Coast blues singers; Richard Innes is legendary on drums; and Leon Blue, Tom Leavey and Frank Goldwasser (piano, bass, guitar) are not to be sneezed at. Nice musicianship and blues done right.
Pinetop Perkins -- "On Top" (95 North Records) A-
This label is putting out some nice reissues. This is a re-release of a 1992 Boston recording session with top-notch players backing the piano blues veteran. David Maxwell, Jerry Portnoy, Mudcat Ward, and Steve Ramsey are a rock solid blues group with other contributers putting a hand in as well. Pinetop is known for his economic, right-in-the-pocket piano style, and his voice though beginning to crack, still yields all the blues feelin' a good girl needs.
Pinetop Perkins -- "Live Top--The King of the 88's" (95 North Records) B
A live performance at a college in Maine, 1994. Though the recording quality is uneven, the band is dynamic and good; respectful of Pinetop's star talent. Some very nice tunes even though some vocals nearly disappear. Enthusiastic crowd.
Strehli, Angela -- "Live From Rancho Nicasio" (Independent) B+
One of the pivotal Texan singers of the '70s-80s, Strehli dropped out of the "life," married, and started a restaurant in northern California-Marin County. But just when she thought she was safe (!), she started performing there and now she's back. Here's a live recording from her cafe with the home boys. Nicely done. Not quite as moving as her recent "Blue Highway" disc, but certainly above the throng.
posted by Cathi N @ 5:53:00 PM
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