Blues CD Reviews 2-18-06
Brown, Charles - "Trouble Blues" (St. Clair Entertainment) ABlues pianist/songwriter/crooner, Charles Brown brought the "cool to urban blues. He's smooth and this is a terrific collection to demonstrate that. Most tunes are slow and soulful (his specialty) and his vocal phrasing is absolutely masterful...and sultry. All tunes but # 5 ("She screws like a spinning wheel") suitable for any mix...very cool. (Cathi Norton)
King, B.B. -- "The Thrill is Gone" (St. Clair Entertainment) B+
A collection of two B.B. eras--when he played with his gigantic big band with all the bells and whistles, and then some early cuts in a small combo. I'm a big fan of the combo years and B.B.'s young voice is compelling. The Big band stuff just isn't my thing, but of course, it's B.B.; it's live; and it's good. Some of the big band stuff highlights the band for three-quarters of the tune before B.B. comes in on vocals. (Cathi Norton)
Memphis Slim -- "Really Got the Blues" (St. Clair Entertainment) B
Blues piano-man John Peter Chatman (Memphis Slim) was a prolific recording star who lived in France after he became really popular there. His vocals are rough and this collection highlights the early blues -- then called sophisticated, no "authentic." Backed periodically by a horn section (neither they, nor Slim, were too particular about tuning) a la J.B. Lenoir, this is a collector's disc. Very interesting, but I'm not sure how accessible it will be--guitarist is cool. (Cathi Norton)
posted by Cathi N @ 8:51:00 PM
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