Blues CD Reviews 5-15-06
Coleman, Michael & Delmark All-Stars – “Blues Brunch at the Mart” (Delmark) A-One of the very best things about the Chicago Blues Fest (and there are SO many) is the Sunday morning Blues Brunch at Bob Koester (Delmark Records) “Jazz Mart.” Koester offers free food and a room full of blues – calling in his Delmark artists to perform one after another for free. It used to be one of the greatest kept secrets, but now it’s well known and always wonderful. This disc is a recording of last year’s treats…some regulars like Bonnie Lee and Lurrie Bell, and the last time Willie Kent will ever play there (sigh). A very good feeling disc. Fine Chicago players down to the bone.
DeSanto, Sugarpie – “Refined Sugar” (Jasman Records) B
Etta James’ cousin…Sugar Pie DeSanto’s claim to fame is she is the only female blues singer who accompanied so many of the Masters on the famous American Folk Blues Festival of ’64. Gravel voiced like Etta, Sugar Pie puts out some good tunes…musicianship excellent…voice a little road-worn, but expressive.
Indigenous (Mato Nanji) – “Fool Me Again” (Vanguard) A
This one-tune disc features Mato Nanji who is some shucks as a guitar player. The young player is inspiring all sorts of comparisons – Jimi Hendrix, Santana, Eric Clapton, etc. etc. That’s a heavy load to carry…ask Bruce Springsteen. Watch that press boys. Still, this kid has the stuff, I have to admit. If his whole disc (“Chasing the Sun” – to be released soon) is this good…I’ll jump on the band-wagon.
Kerr, Mark – “One Drink Away From The Blues” (Indie) B
Stevie Ray Vaughan has a lot to answer for. Here’s another clone (which after all ain’t too shabby…I sure can’t play like that) with tube screaming and distortion guitar. Good for the rockin’ Stevie Ray fan. Vocals are mediocre…playing is pretty good, but obscured (for my money) by all those effects (lots of effects on vocals too). Not my cup of tea.
Lee, Albert – “Roadrunner” (Sugar Hill) A
You pretty much know what to expect when Albert puts his hand to guitar – incredible speed, precision and feel and a whole lot of country on top. The English native is always in hot demand as a session player and occasionally puts out his own CD. Initially sticking to instrumentals, he’s now stretched out and sings a lot as well. He just can’t be beat for beauty and speed in country riffs. Here he also runs through some great Crowell-like mid tempo stuff, and stretches out on piano (his original instrument and on which he does some beautiful work) with his daughter(?) singing Richard Thompson’s “Dimming of the Day.” A really nice album for country lovers, guitar players, and folks that just like good music.
Primich, Gary – “Ridin’ the Dark Horse” (Electro-Fi) A-
Our home-boy Gary has been working the blues scene hard since his move to Austin, and he’s a well-known blues harp guy now. This CD is his first in a while, after some unsettling things on the homefront, and he teams up with pal Mark Korpi and his regular posse to turn out a fine disk of great harp, excellent blues grooves, and some tongue-in-cheek singing. He puts his trademark-on-chromatic tune in there as usual…this time a nod to “Indiana” – where I think part of his heart lies. Great blues. (He’ll be coming through Blgtn. in June 2006.)
Siegal, Ian – “Meat & Potatoes” (Nugene Records) A-
Siegal got his start as a roadie for a European band. Got called up to sub on a vocal one night and tore the house down. Since then has fronted tours with the Stones, B.B. King, etc. Has a great Tom Waits-ish voice, but lots of soul. His playing is especially good on the steel resonator guitar…very tasty. His vocals are something special in a raw way. Think he’s a lot like Jimmy Vaughan.
Thielemans, Toots – “One More For The Road” (Verve) A+
Arguably one of the top three harmonica players in the world, Thielemans has a 50 year history of playing jazz with anyone you can name – Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, etc. etc. ETC. He’s great—was recently here in Bloomington – fantastic. Here he teams with young vocalists and a player or two to put out another masterpiece of support harp and sweet sailing over the top –never stepping on toes and full of fabulous tone and taste. EVERYTHING on this disc is excellent. It’s all good for all mixes.
Thomas, Irma – “After the Rain” (Rounder) B
Irma Thomas comes out of that same elder stateswoman, blues-mama bag as Etta James, with the same puzzling song choices Etta sometimes makes – pop to blues to soul. Irma leans heavily on soul with smooth vocals and when she nails it—she nails it good. I have little interest in the pop tunes, but the James Brownish funk tunes, and especially her melting and soulful vocals on the slow ones, get to me. She does a post-Katrina tribute on “Another Man Done Gone” that hits home, and hits that same mark on “Soul of a Man.” Irma is a national treasure.
posted by Cathi N @ 3:09:00 PM
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