CD Reviews -- Cathi 4/8/07
Burns, Jimmy – “Live at B.L.U.E.S.” (Delmark) B+Jimmy Burns is a new old-timer of the blues (!)…with a gritty singing voice, and a guitar style solidly perched in traditional style. Here he plays a live gig with comfortable prowess and Cadillac groove. Old friend Jesse Fortune guests on “Three O’clock” groove with a cracky voice, but big-time feel, and most of the tunes reflect a genuine Chicago bar night out. Not too many mix cuts here, but pretty good selection.
Taylor, Koko – “Old School” (Alligator) A
Old school indeed. Koko is that completely – an old school blues shouter from way back. There just aren’t many blues singers anymore who can shout and growl with authority. Koko always did, could and will. She plays here with three different collections of musicians, but my favorite group contains both Bob Margolin on guitar and slide guitar, and Billy Branch on harp. Throughout though there are just NO stinkers, and a whole banquet of lessons on what constitutes the blues. As usual, the slow ones make her shine. “Bad Avenue” is raw Koko. A fine disc.
Walker, T-Bone – “Good Feelin’” (Maison de Blues) A+
T-Bone Walker was the inspiration for untold guitar players, not the least of which is B.B. King. Though he was quite the master of disaster in his lifetime—very fine on both piano and guitar—he never really achieved the fame he garnered after his death. However, when soul took over in America, he found great success in Europe. That’s where he put this album together (Paris) near the end of his life, and it is rich with his talents. Even then, when it hit in America it brought him a great success than he’d ever had. This re-issue is fantastic. Brilliant guitar work so good that it even overshadows what is fine blues piano. He starts and stops the disc with a taste of acoustic piano and sings/plays his way through delicious blues/swing work throughout. I love the fact that the tunes are usually midtempo and never loud. Instruments seem to be “expected” to support and not overpower.
posted by Cathi N @ 3:29:00 PM
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