Cathi's Reviews 6-20-07
Big Daddy-O – “Deranged Covers” (Rabadash Rec.) BVery nice acoustic disc fitting into no particular category, just easy listening. Moderate voice, excellent guitar work and a great many nice covers. All good for morning mix but maybe #9 – which is also FCC noted “ass.”
Cotton, James, Muddy Water & Johnny Winter – “Breakin’ it UP; Breakin’
it DOWN” (Epic) A
Killer blues by the masters. Even though the “live” recording brings with it its own problems in sound, you get the excitement of the live feel of James Cotton on harp, Muddy on slide and vocals, and Johnny Winter on most of the vocals and the blistering guitar licks. A cast of fabulous sidemen doesn’t hurt a bit either. Pinetop Perkins on Pieano, Bob Margolin on vocals and guitar, Willis “Big Eyes” Smith on drums and Charles Calmee on bass. This gives the listener a taste of what it was like when the giants got together and just had some fun!!! Nice to hear James Cotton sing too – before he lost his voice.
Ellis, Tinsley – “Moment of Truth” (Alligator) B
Southern Blues Rocker strikes again. Expert at rock blues guitar and some serious slide, Tinsley trots out all the tricks in his usual adept rockin’ way. Not much difference from his usual bag, except he steps out with an interesting acoustic cover of the Gary Nicholson song “Shadow of a Doubt” on slide guitar. Very nice. Should try some various stuff like this more often.
Holeman, John Dee and the Waifs – “same” (Music Maker) A-
Extremely adept Waifs back old time Piedmont/Texas acoustic guitar player doing old-time favorites. An interesting combination of young Australian players tastefully backing an elderly southern player. They go together unexpectedly well, but I expect that of the Waifs, who know how to make the music back the song. Holeman a little shaky, but the feel is great and the players do him justice. Some tunes are long, but most all are good for morning mix. Enjoy.
Hughes, Eric (Band) – “Two in the Morning” (Indie) B+
A Memphis road band that brings a party sound to the blues. Lady bass player; eclectic songwriting.;mix of electric and acoustic playing. Hard to categorize as they try a bit of everything. They try different arrangements (e.g., # 11 which starts off slow and moves into an uptempo train beat). Story songwriting is a standout portion of this disc. Playing tasteful and adept. Great bar band.
Moore, Gary, “Close as You Get” (Eagle Records) B
Relentlessly driving that distorted electric guitar, Gary Moore continues blazing his blues rock trail, tempered with more slow soulful turns than usual—reminding us how bluesy he can get – bleeds like Roy Buchanan and screams like well, Gary Moore.
Muldaur, Maria – “Naughty, Bawdy & Blue” (Stony Plain) B
This another Maria Muldaur “style” album – this time she does tunes from old-time blues singers like Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, etc. The whole disc has a “Preservation Blues Band” sound – Dixieland treatments to old time tunes. This style of blues is not so easily accessible to today’s blues fans, but it has genuine old-time authenticity. Bonnie Raitt joins in on a Sippie Wallace tune (#3) to good effect. Otherwise the disc, though authentic, is not that compelling. All tunes suitable for morning mix.
Popovic, Ana – “Still Making History” (Electro Groove) B
Just about the time you think Yugoslavian guitarist-discovery Ana Popovic is a Jimi-Hendrix/SRV clone, she throws out an unexpected reggae or jazz number that really outlines her fluid ability not only on electric guitar, but vocals. She favors the screamers but does an impressive array of styles. Unusually adept electric player familiar with wah wah, amplifiers on “11” but able to tone it down when she wants to.
Twisters, The – “After the Storm” (Northern Blues) A-
Survivor band. Going strong in 2002 in Canada...hit the road, had a horrific car accident; bass player killed; others injured. Demoralized; tendonitis and dissolution of the band but got themselves back together with this CD as first result two years later. I’m glad. These are some smooth vocaled/great players with that rare commodity – taste! Great time and rhythm. They play as a team and doing some great change ups with all but one tune original. A find! And many are good for morning mix. Nice surprise.
Walker, Amanda – “Self Titled” (Rabadash Rec.) C-
Pianist/singer Walker offers up a disc of self-reflective ballads that seem to blur together into one big mush of pretty piano notes, flavorless lyrics, and not particularly melodic lines. Not the blues for sure. Not recommended.
posted by Cathi N @ 3:39:00 PM
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