Blues & Misc Reviews -- Cathi Norton
Guitar Shorty – “The Long and Short of It: Best of Guitar Shorty” (Shout Factory) A-The Chicago guitar-slinger, by way of Seattle, is probably most famous for his somersaults and headstands, all while playing what could be described as “slashing” guitar licks. He’s an up-tempo/energy guy from whom Jimi Hendrix is said to have garnered a few licks. He’s always entertaining and this offers many of his best tunes, with gravelly vocal accompaniment and blistering guitar throughout. He’s an old timer, distilled and genuine. I wish I had some of his vitamins. Not a lot here for morning mix, but it’s the real deal all the way.
Bonamassa, Joe – “You & Me” (Premier Records) A-
Bonamassa is the guitar wonderkid. Another someone Stevie Ray Vaughan has to answer for, he signed with Epic Records at age 22 after opening for B.B. King at age 12 and playing gigs in New York long before he was able to drink. His guitar work is fiery and skilled, approaching an almost heavy-metal blues. Sometimes loud, sometimes not, it always has structure and frames the song in a way that holds it together while seeming to barely contain itself. Interesting player, and certainly someone bound to be very popular in the blues-rock genre.
Earl, Ronnie – “Heart & Soul: The Best of Ronnie Earl” (Shout Factory) A
Wow. I love Ronnie Earl, and my usual (secret) disappointment is made up for here in this collection of great hits, with Sugar Ray Norcia, Kim Wilson, Darrell Nulisch, and Mighty Sam McCain on the mic. Duke Robillard and David “Fathead” Newman guest...Dave Maxwell. This is a treat of a disc with great nuggets from the fantastic guitarist. He plays it all and well. Lots for everyone.
Ferreira, Johnny – “Rock & Roll Saxophonist” (Pair-a-Dice Rec.) C (pond)
This is a disc of flamboyant saxophone licks over flat-out rock and roll. Best part of the disc is the double chick-vocals that lace throughout. The songwriting is not that exciting and the vocalist sings like a young kid. Could be a sound worth developing with some maturity, but for now, it’s more garage-sounding.
Funderburgh, Anson & Rockets – “Blast Off: The Best of Anson Funderburgh
and the Rockets (Shout Factory) A
Dallas guitar wizard, Anson Funderburgh must be a cyborg. I don’t think he CAN play a wrong note. He learned straight off old blues records before he was ten and hooked up with Sam Myers (harp and vocals) in ’82. He’s a stellar blues guitarist, never steps on the vocals or harp and is rock solid whether playing support, or tasty lead over the always in-the-pocket, Rockets. Texas jump and Delta Blues are this man’s meat and he chews up the scenery every time. Great collection of good tunes here. Everyone is top call.
ShaNaNa – “One More Saturday Night” (Gold Label) C – (Pond)
I used to be quite a fan of this group, when they leaned more heavily on the vocal arrangements that were interesting. This disc, however, leans more on the ’50’s style pompadour grease for old fashioned arrangements and none too slick at that. Not really recommended except for niche lovers.
posted by Cathi N @ 11:16:00 AM
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