Blues CD Reviews 3-12-06
Burnette, Billy – “Memphis in Manhattan” (Chesky Records) BBilly’s been a rockabilly king since he first broke out with/from under dad-Dorsey’s-wing. This disc reflects that though I don’t think it’s as strong as past ones like “Gimme You” etc. He kicks off with a great rockabilly tune, and adds touches of that to everything here. Nice cover of Elvis’s “Big Hunk of Love,” and his dad’s “Tear it Up” rocks. Best is the Dylan cover, “Everything is Broken.” Nice but only a skinny cigar.
Gogo, David – “Skeleton Key” (Cordova Bay Entertainment) B+
Professional at 14 years old, Gogo channels a variety of inspirational guitarists into his work. Heavy on guitar action a la ZZ Top, SRV, Johny Winter, and Albert Collins, Gogo seems to hit the mark on strings without thought and offers a satisfying variety of style change-ups. All, however, favor guitar prowess which he has in spades. He’s toured with B.B. King, the T-Birds, SRV, and won many Canadian blues awards. He leans hard on rock in his blues…not a lot of early mix tunes here.
King, Freddie – “Live at the Electric Ballroom 1974” (Shout Factory ) A-
You just can’t match the “Texas Cannonball”—Freddie King. Solid beat, expressive vocals and propulsive guitar grabs you instantly. This is CD treat—includes a couple of amazing acoustic numbers, snippets of radio interview in the early ‘70s. Then the disc goes to an early, live ‘70’s performance with crowd response. Recordings of live audiences make sound uneven, but who cares?
Tate, Howard – “Howard Tate Live” (Shout Factory) B
Famous in the 60’s, Tate’s tunes have been covered by Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Ry Cooder and B.B. King, and he remains a solid soul singer of the Otis Redding school, backed here by excellent musicians and a complete soul horn section. It’s interesting to hear original versions of tunes others made famous, like Joplin’s “Get It While You Can,” or Cooder’s “Look at Granny Run.” Some tunes nice; others mediocre. Musicianship is stellar, esp. guitarist. Tate shines on the above-mentioned two, but the whole sound works on tunes like “Sweet 16.” Nice vocal chops—rare these days.
posted by Cathi N @ 8:23:00 PM
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