Cathi's Reviews - Blues Plus Some
Burke, Solomon – Selections from “Nashville” (about to be released)(Shout Factory) A-
Verrrrrrry interesting...putting a soul singer on some country numbers, but the first track, a Buddy and Julie Miller original, comes together in an odd surprise. Buddy is known for morphing into a bunch of different styles, and adding on Burke gave it a weird (but good) twist. Can’t wait to hear the whole “Nashville” album. The second cut is a Patty Griffin original and I can’t say the country non-twang of Burke is quite as palatable, but it piques the interest for the coming disc.
Hooker, John Lee – “Specialty Profiles: John Lee Hooker” (Specialty) B
Honeyboy Edwards used to scoff of John Lee, claiming he only knew one chord. We all laughed, but nobody denied JL had it all over with those sexy, soul-filled vocals. He’s got rhythm too which comes out in many of these songs. Honey had a point with the guitar work, but hey...Hooker still puts it over nicely. Phrasing is to kill for...nice tunes, and a celebration to hear Highway 51...very Hooker.
Kashmir, Mitch – “Wake Up & Worry” (Delta Groove) A-
Kashmir is a roadworthy harmonica player who also happens to have a real good blues voice. If that ain’t enough, he fell in with the South-Western “posse” of top-of-the-line blues players and a label that has money to push ‘em with. Not bad. Scantily clad girls on the CD cover give me pause, but boys will be boys. And the boys on this disc are the blues-solid collection of guitar wizards Jr. Watson, Rusty Zinn; the legendary Richard Innes on drums (I’m in love); Rick Reed on bass, and Fred Kaplan on Piano. It would be hard to mess up “Mary Had a Little Lamb” with this bunch, but Kashmir has his own style too. I would venture to say his vocals are right up there at the top these days. Nice disc.
Lewis, Furry – “Fourth & Beale” (Maison de Blues) C+
I wish I could give this CD a higher rating, because Furry sure deserves the acclaim he sort of missed during his salad days. He was “re-discovered” really late in life and many of his recordings reflected the departure of his voice, memory and dexterity on the guitar. Nevertheless, he is an historical blues figure worth of respect. Just the same, this CD was recorded toward the end of his life and it sounds it. God bless him, but play with a grain of salt. Lots of verbal talking intros.
Mayfield, Percy – “Specialty Profiles: Percy Mayfield” (Specialty) – B
A singer and songwriter from Louisana, Mayfield recorded in L.A. and most songs (including almost all on this CD) are “sad” ones circa the early 1950s. He said he identified with sorrow because there was more truth in it. That idea makes for some soulful tunes on the disc, but they start to run together in spots. All are good for morning mix but # 10 which is a bit FCC suggestive.
Memphis Slim, Canned Heat & Memphis Horns – “Memphis Heat”
(Maison De Blues) A-
A collection of great Memphis slim vocals and piano over the boogie-ing groove of Canned Heat, backed by the big Tennessee sound of great horn arrangements. Henry Vestine does his screamin guitar (but not too much overpowering screamata) and the groove is infectious. Interesting arrangements on some – liberal doses of soul over the boogie. Recorded back in 1970 and 1973, which makes it even more cool.
Milton, Roy – “Specialty Profiles: Roy Milton” (Specialty) A
Specialty is putting out a great group of re-issues, and this ranks among the best. Milton was a singing drummer (!) who had tremendous hits from 1946-1953 with big-band backup. With his vocals gathering attention, Specialty hired him to record “after hours music” to a special market. He combined jazz and soul and ended up with R & B. This is a great album for all mixes...most work for morning too.
Price, Lloyd – “Specialty Profiles: Lloyd Price” (Specialty) B
A teenage New Orleans singer who wrote “Lawdy Miss Clawdy” for use in his Mom’s Fish-fry joint, Lloyd found more fame than he bargained for, before following up that up with a run of hits in 1952-1954 like “Personality” and “Send me Some Lovin’” (with his younger brother). Here is a collection of some of his great tunes that aptly demonstrate the massive influence of his hero – Fats Domino – on his style. He even had Fats guest on piano in cuts # 1, 6 and 8.
Various – “Specialty Profiles: Bonus Disc” (Specialty) A
All offerings on the re-issue wave emerging from Specialty Records have a bonus disc in the package. Cuts on it are best picks from all the reissues, and there are some doozies. I like this disc a lot because it DOES have great cuts to choose from. It will be in the back of all the Specialty re-releases (or so it seems), so pick from it freely.
Williams, Larry – “Specialty Profiles: Larry Williams” (Specialty) A-
If you ever wondered where John Lennon came up with many of his rockin’ covers, look no further. You’ll find several on this collection of Williams’ tunes from the mid-50s. He does them in a fresh (to we young-uns) way and he does ‘em great. On the heels of Specialty’s loss of Little Richard, Williams was a New Orleans teenager who came in to offer his piano/singing services, and had three # 1 hits in a year. They are a cool bunch of tunes, and he puts them over like a rocker should. There’s not a stinker on here.
posted by Cathi N @ 5:35:00 PM
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