Cathi's Reviews - Blues Plus Some
Cummings, Albert – “Working Man” (Blind Pig) A-This slinger’s been on duty a long time and an unabashed protege of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He plays searing guitar and his vocals have steadily developed until now he can hold sustained power notes and still put a little “english” on ’em, with a dab of soul if you listen carefully. He’s got his own “voice” on guitar too, although it clearly owes a lot to his hero – SRV – can’t stay away from the power SRV delivery. Still...it’s good. Even does the wah-wah like SRV. What can I say? Bassist is really good.
Perry, Bill – “Don’t Know Nothin’ About Love” (Blind Pig) B
Stylistically Poppa Chubby was the best possible producer of this disc. Same kind of tube screamin’ rock-blues he plays. Pedestrian SRV and then some crunchin’ rock. Okay if you like that stuff.
Shipley, Dawn & Sharp Shooters – “Baby If I” (El Toro Records) C-
Not Recommended
Spencer, Jeremy – “Precious Little” (Bluestime Records) B+
Disappearing after starting the original Fleetwood Mac and burning out fast, Jeremy Spencer has only recently re-emerged and yet remained elusive about music. “Precious Little” is his first project – and with a Norwegian band! Yes, he explains how higher powers and similar tastes led him to it, but the result is this disc of beautifully crafted guitar work. He’s incredibly tasty on slide, resonator, and regular guitar, backed by pretty good musicians, though the harp player is a little lame. His vocals are still English boy-ish which I find slightly distracting, but I’m very thankful there is more to be heard of this really tasteful player.
Swamp Cabbage – “Honk” (Great Blues Recordings) C-
Not recommended.
Turner, “Uncle John” – “I-10 Hurricane Blues” (Great Blues Recordings) C-
Not Recommended.
Various – “Bluegrass Top 20 Gospel Songs of Century” (New Haven Records) A+
What a collection of country bluegrass stars – all doing wonderful harmonies and tight bluegrass pickin’. Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Bill Monroe, etc. etc. It’s good right on through.
Lots of Jesus and passion too.
Wailin’ Jennys – “Firecracker” (Red House) A+
This trio of crackerjack players and sublime vocalists complement each other on an array of warm and beautiful acoustic arrangements. Their first CD, “40 Days” was a knockout and brought them instant acclaim. They’re back with the low-alto voiced, Annabelle Chvostek replacing original member Cara Luft. Her voice provides compelling counterpoint to the other two clear voiced musicians. There is nothing bad on this disc. A triple wow.
Wilder, Webb – “About Time” (Landslide Records) A-
Webb Wilder’s groove is like Sgt. Friday singing spaghetti western rockabilly—with a sense of humor and a crack band. Music is rock solid, vocals too – though he sounds like as rogue school principal. He knows how to deliver straight out rockin’ grooves and croon. Can’t help smilin’. This is a 2005 release, but hey – who hid it?
posted by Cathi N @ 2:06:00 PM
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