CD Reviews -- Cathi 8-26-07
Dykes, Omar/Jimmie Vaughan – “On The Jimmy Reed Highway” (Ruf) AOoowee, every once in awhile you get a real plum and this one is it. The Austin big-timers got together and did a love record – Jimmie Vaughan (Thunderbirds etc,), Kim Wilson (ditto), Omar Dykes (Omar & the Howlers), LuAnn Barton, Gary Primich Derek O’Brien, James Cotton, Delbert McClinton –yeow. It’s all a tribute to Jimmy Reed, most tunes sung by growly-voiced Omar, and some by LuAnn –kick your behind-Barton. Raunchy blues in the chunka-chunka line – like Jimmy probably played after a couple of martinis. YES YES YES
Ellis, Tinsley – “Moment of Truth” (Alligator) B+
This is the electric sizzle/rock of Tinsley’s repertoire with an occasional touch of really cool acoustic (as on Gary Nicholson’s “Shadow of a Doubt” #12). Excellent musicianship marked by excessive sustain and disortion. Great for rock-blues lovers. No many for morning mix.
Ford, Robben – “Truth” (Concord Music) B+
Master guitarist Robben Ford has turned in some serious blues and some serious pop. Here he seems to mix them as he has increasingly done on his discs, and the result is some interesting listening, even though I really favor the blues cuts. He’s a crossover artist for sure, but no one can doubt his incredibly virtuosity. All cuts are done with excellent musicianship.
Harris, Corey – “Zion Crossroads” (Telarc) A-
Corey Harris has been making a musical journey. His first introduction to a mass audience was his interesting take on the blues, but he has matured and moved from that basis into solid reggae on this disc. A collection of tunes with social consciousness, he really pulls off the whole in the Marley pocket…interesting tunes that say something and do it while skating on a beautiful collection of beat. A fine work.
Logan, John “Juke” – “The Chill” (Mocombo Records-reissue) A-
This is a re-issue (+ two more tracks) from Juke’s first disc issued in 1992. He has an arsenal of LA stars on this disc and the musicianship shows it. Players that have since become stars in their own right—David Hidalgo, Rick Holmstrom, Jr. Watson, Denny Freeman, Brenda Burns, Janiva Magness, etc. etc. Very hip urban blues with some jive-talking by Juke when he isn’t playing is harp or keys. (Harp player for “Roseanne” among many other things. Good fun.
Popa Chubby – “Electric Chubbyland” Volume 1 (Blind Pig) B
Popa Chubby has been locked up alone in his room too long. He’s on a Jimi Hendrix rush right now and pulling it off pretty well. The music demonstrates his guitar proficiency a la Hendrix, but the vocals sure don’t have the nuance and tone of Les Master Hendrix. Chubby clearly is getting his rocks off and the live audience agrees. Pretty cool – made me want to pull out my Hendrix records. Probably better live.
Popa Chubby – “Electric Chubbyland” Volume 2 (Blind Pig) B
Popa Chubby has been locked up alone in his room too long. He’s on a Jimi Hendrix rush right now and pulling it off pretty well. The music demonstrates his guitar proficiency a la Hendrix, but the vocals sure don’t have the nuance and tone of Les Master Hendrix. Chubby clearly is getting his rocks off and the live audience agrees. Pretty cool – made me want to pull out my Hendrix records. Probably better live.
Stuart, Alice & The Formerlys – “Freedom” (Country Con Fusion) B+
Stuart, Alice & The Formerly's -- "Freedom" (Country Con Fusion) B+
Northwestern Blues gal of note—good songwriter and plays a tele like a pro. Jim Gaines produced this disc and it has that professional feel she’s been attempting for a few years. Musicianship excellent, and I just love the change-up in tempo/styles she pulls off. Most are originals and they have a special feeling that is missed when she covers others (Dylan #13 for instance). Very good tunes for all mixes.
posted by Cathi N @ 5:30:00 PM
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