Blues CD Reviews 5-29-06
Daily, Terry – “I’ve Paid My Dues” (Musik Factory/Great Country Recordings) C+The best thing on this album is some great Resophonic guitar playing. Playing and singing solo (but for an assist by a friend on drums), the disc showcases Daily’s great guitar style, but his vocals, and songs are below average, in my opinion. Many of his tunes are religious in content.
Hollywood Blues Flames/Hollywood Fats Band – “Road to Rio”/ “Larger Than Life” (Delta Groove) A+
Hollywood Fats’ Band was a forerunner of the best in SW California Blues guitar players, a man far before his time. He had a killer band which fell apart at his death, but lately have picked up the baton again with Kirk Fletcher on guitar (fabulous young black player). So here we have a double disc, the second one recorded with great Hollywood Fats original band tunes, and the first with many former members of his band, now reborn under the name “Hollywood Blue Flames.” The music throughout is stellar. Al Blake (harp) does the vocals in a gritty fashion and sometimes haphazardly, but this record has got it going on. Try anything—they’re all good.
Jackson, Ken – “Lost in Signs” (Indie) D
Not recommended.
Keb Mo – “Remain Silent” – Sample of forthcoming Disc “Suitcase” (Epic) B+
Classic Keb Mo…should go over well on all mixes.
Orta, Paul & Lazy Lester – “Shuffle w/ Lester” (Musik Factory/Great Country Recordings) B+
Harmonica player Paul Orta teams with guitarist/harpist Lazy Lester on this disc of half-Orta originals. The music is good, Orta’s vocals don’t carry it. However, the compilation is good for the great, great music, and the fact that on several tunes, the two play harp doubles which showcase each person’s style. Lester’s is more laid back and primary colored, while Orta specializes in the note-flutter, which must give him a headache, he does it so much (smile). But it’s good. Worth listening. They also trade off on vocals (thank goodness).
Various Artists – “Classic African-American Ballads” (Smithsonian Folkways) A++++
What an incredible gem is this album. It’s a collection of the greatest acoustic blues players known. Original acoustic performances run the course of old time blues. Josh White, John Jackson, Lead Belly, etc. This disc can’t be rated highly enough. They even have recordings of unnamed convicts at two State Farms where work-blues songs kept convicts focused, and the music is natural and soulful. Wow…!!!
Smith, Willie “Big Eyes” – “Way Back” (HighTone) A
Former Muddy Waters drummer, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith has turned front-man/harp player (played harp before drums anyway). He’s gathered a great group of Chicago top-call players and put out another disc with friends. A killer rhythm section is often fronted with stellar guests – James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Billy Flynn, and etc…plus a great up and coming drummer, Willie’s son, Kenny. Can’t go wrong.
posted by Cathi N @ 10:19:00 AM
0 comments
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home