Cathi's Reviews -- 5-29-07
Bell, Carey & Lurrie – “Gettin’ Up” – Live (Delmark) A-A compilation disc of two of Carey Bell’s last performances with guitarist-son-wizard Lurrie in Chicago clubs – added to a third “livingroom” session with just he and Carey putting down soulful acoustic tunes. It’s a tour de force and the livingroom cuts demonstrate how Lurrie’s guitar prowess and Carey’s harp and vocals form the central nervous system of any group. Carey is getting wobbly here both on vocals and harp, but the disc is of special significance for fans who will miss Carey and his rich legacy...and who love Lurrie (who lost his lady to cancer just this year as well as his dad-Carey).
Lockwood, Robert Jr. – “Steady Rollin’ Man” (Delmark) A-
This is a 1970 recording of Robert Jr. with the famous ACES (Dave and Louis Myers & Fred Below). It was also the first session with Lockwood as front man (prior to this he was a famous side-man). Guitarwork is really good. Backup is a little strange and unruly for the Aces (mix-wise), but Below lays down killer drums and it all comes out in the wash. Nice historical CD...some great tunes too.
Thackery, Jimmy – “Solid Ice” (Telarc) B+
Thackery decided to get off the endless road and do some writing and mustering up whatever muse remained. The result is this interesting album with five instrumentals. I claim them as best here because his voice is definitely getting creaky on the others, but that guitar just never gets old! #5 in particular is a mellow jazz that is a real change up in style. Some straight-up rock on this disc and shades of blue. Nice to hear Jimmy fool around. Guitar unsurpassed although a lot of rock.
Vinson, Eddie “Cleanhead” – “Kidney Stew is Fine” (Delmark) A
A swinging sax/vocal disc of the famous Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson—sax player for T-Bone Walker (who also plays here with famed pianist Jay McShann). A powerhouse of a collection. Recorded in March of 1969 it captures all three at their peak and every tune is classy. Ah—what happened to blues dynamics! Bonus—great saxophone and “shouter” vocals from Vinson throughout. Go for it.
Wright, Marva – “After the Levees Broke” (AIM) B
After losing everything but the clothes on her back when the levees broke in New Orleans’ Katrina flood, Marva Wright and several NO musicians got together to make a CD to bring attention to the continuing struggles there. She was emotional throughout and could not write anything (says the experience gave her a block), but bass player and others came up with one or two heartbreakers. Other tunes are interesting covers of old time country and pop tunes. Interesting combo from the “Queen of New Orleans Blues Singers.”
posted by Cathi N @ 2:02:00 PM
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