Blues CD Reviews 4-30-06
Benoit, Tab – “Brother to the Blues” (Telarc) B+Sort of a tribute to his influences, this disc features some great roots artists (W. Thibodeaux, Billy Joe Shaver, and Jim Lauderdale) with Benoit in a refreshing collection of country, soul, rock and blues. Interesting, not to mention well done. Sounds like everyone had a great time stepping out with their chops – recommended.
Bramlett, Bonnie, and Mr. Groove Band – “Roots, Blues & Jazz” (Zoho Rec.) B-
Bonnie was always great with the screamata and she can still wail, although the vocals are showing the effects of many years of hard drinkin’. She can still let it go with ferocity as she did with regularity when backing Clapton, et. al in the sixties. Her daughter Bekka (also making a name for herself as a vocalist these days) backs her up with others for a rich chorus backup (love that stuff) in some numbers and some have big horn backups, but mostly this is a Bramlett phraseology playground. Some tunes kinda schmaltzy for my taste, but a few inspiring parts.
Chapman, Marshall – “Mellowicious” (Tall Girl Records) B
Well the tall girl is back. She used to rock the Bluebird and I remember fronting those nights with affection. She moved away into country music for awhile, but basically kept her own style together. After 9 years she’s put out this new disc – a sort of female Rodney Crowell feel to it (he compliments her on the cover). Some tunes are quirky (“Call in the Lamas !”), but that’s Marshall. So’s her butt-kickin’ rocker (“Downhill Slide”) though she tucks in a “shit” and “hell” toward the final moments (sigh).
LaVere, Amy – “This World is Not My Home” (Archer Records) B+
This is an unusual artist. A stand-up bass player, LaVere sings with a breathy, vulnerable tone, and her unusual phrasing and melodic shifts give this disc a rare originality. She already has a distinctive voice, and is unafraid of rhythmic change-ups. From her first song—calypso style—through country and rolling accordion, there are surprises throughout. I liked it right off, and then it began to grow on me. I think we’ll see more from this young lady. All tunes morning mixworthy.
Rhoades, Bill & The Party Kings – “Voodoo Lovin’” (White Owl Rec.) B-
A working blues band from the Northwest with some good players – particularly John Lee Hooker’s ex guitarist) and produced by Terry Robb of Portland Blues Festival fame. Thought the playing was good, the vocals lukewarm.
Various artists – “The Best of the Great Blues Masters” (St. Clair) A
Hard to go wrong with the best examples of some great blues players. B.B. King struts his stuff with predictably good results; John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Ray Charles, etc. do too. Hard to complain, though the inclusion of Canned Heat’s “On the Road Again” is an odd thing.
posted by Cathi N @ 5:14:00 PM
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