Cathi's Reviews-Blues + Some
Bratcher, Jimmie – “Red” (Ransom Music) B+Ah a reformed blues-rocker – took the the ministry for 20 years and came back a la Little Richard...well, not quite, because he plays blues and bluesy-lite-rock. I give him full marks for some extremely tasty guitar work and a surprisingly good voice. He’s a better singer on the shout tunes than the slow ones, but none too shabby either way. Famed producer Jim Gaines packs his punch with big arrangements on horns of variety, but set back in the mix to allow Jimmie’s vocals and expression to sit in the front seat of this musical vehicle. Very nice effort...Bratcher completely comfortable with his axe and his music.
Memphis Slim – “Memphis Blues Suite” (Maison de Blues) B+
This is a 1970 session release of Memphis Slim hard at the piano, singing gritty and soulful blues, backed by a legion of to-be-famous youngsters, like the masterful Peter Green (who started Fleetwood Mac) on guitar, John Paul Jones on Organ and a host of others. Big horn backup on some, beautiful and tasteful guitar and some interesting harp to fill this out. Especially good is the straight-attack blues of “Youth Wants to Know.”
Professor Longhair – “Rock & Roll Gumbo” (Maison de Blues) A
How can you diss the Professor? Originator of many sweaty dance parties, this disc is a gumbo of MANY of his famous hits. Most are uptempo, smokey-bar dance tunes on piano – with spirit. All good...and most suitable for morning mix if you keep in mind they make you want to dance. (It’s a Craig Brenner potpourri.)
Various Artists – “Blues Around The World (Putumay) A+
This is a great collection of several countries’ ideas of blues. They certainly all ring true, and give a rich perspective of human feeling. Some are in other native languages, but it doesn’t matter—it’s cool. Special treat is Taj Mahal’s new take on his old-time favorite “Catfish Blues.” It goes to show how many ways a good song can be interpreted/finessed. Bonnie Raitt checks in with Habib Koite, and Eric Bibb and the gals get their licks in too. Really like the juxtaposition of so many countries and how good every one of them is.
posted by Cathi N @ 9:13:00 AM
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