Cathi's CD Reviews 3-16-08
Bibb, Eric – “Get On Board” (Flatbrim Rec.) A-Usual very smooth vocals, and what Bibb calls a more “spiritual” approach to tunes on this disc. More story songs, with life philosophy behind them. Easy mood and some very tasty beats, backed by great harpsmanship by Grant Dermody (Seattle player). Ruthie Foster and Bonnie Raitt give some very stellar assists on a couple of tunes as well. As usual, eminently listenable stuff from Bibb…one of the truly contemporary song writers today. Sometimes gets a little peace and lovey – but that sure ain’t no crime.
Clearwater, Eddie “The Chief” – “West Side Strut” (Alligator) B+
Old time west sider of Chicago struts his Chicago stuff. A disciple of the Luther Allison brand of showmanship, Eddie quickly decided blues was a lot better with showmanship, and he’s got that to the max. This disc has a lot of variety…his rockin’, funky, blues, even with a gospel number “Time for Peace” to finish off the sermon. “The Chief” is always a club favorite and one of the few who can translate this onto disc. Good disc. A partying, good feel approach produced by Ronnie Baker Brooks, and with active participation by the latter’s dad (old Chief-friend, Lonnie Baker Brooks). Good partying blues.
Duncan, Little Arthur – “Live at Rosa’s” (Delmark) B-
Nice backup band of Chicago stalwarts backing up on old-timer (Arthur) with none-too-polished vocals. Pretty nice club stuff, but showing the effects of endless club dates. Arthur’s an old-time harper/ vocalist who stuck right in there, giving rise to a lot of players…still doing the neighborhood thing. Illinois Slim (guitar) uses his vast knowledge of guitar chops and history to polish up this one, yet Arthur’s a bit worse for the wear
Fox, Jimmy – “Guit Town Git Down” (Sadawala Music) C-
Not much of anything to write home about – not recommended.
Mason, John-Alex – “Town & Country” (Naked Jaybird Music) B-
Steel playing young Colorado guitarist with a taste for old-time moanin’ blues and street buskin.’ He’s got the real feel of the blues and very strong resonator guitar skills. His young, nasal voice tends to show his extreme youth and lack of experience, but I expect that won’t stop him. It’s an interesting solo sound. All songs are of medium tempo and okay for morning mix. Songs are very similar and even tempo’d.
Speer, D. Charles & The Helix – “After Hours” (Indie) C-
1. “Fuck”
Well—terrible singer—oddmusic, but not in a good way. Eek.
Thom, Paul – A Long Way from Tupelo (Perpetual Obscurity Rec.) A-
Gritty singer with beautifully furnished songs, bristling with visual lyrics and mood-setting stories, usually falling into the rock beat category. Wow…what a songwriter…I’m jealous. Everything’s got good beat…musicianship great…songwriting---holy mama. No wonder Knopfler, Kristopherson and Prine consider him the best kept secret in the music business. I’m glad to be in on it.
Wonderland, Carolyn – “Miss Understood” (Bismeaux Productions) B+
Belter VERY reminiscent of Janis Joplin…smoother voice though. Killer slide (and trumpet) player and a songwriter now living in Austin and celebrated by many there—Bob Dylan’s latest favorite; toured with J. Winter and Buddy Guy. Supple voice and rock-tinged tunes. Easily hits the screamer vocal notes and moves back into smooth notes. Nice to hear some power vocals without strain.
Zucchero – “All the Best” (Universal Music ) B
This quirky Italian artist, a good friend of Pavarotti, brings to this disc some of the best tunes he’s put out on several albums, duets of note including a duet with John Lee Hooker (very cool); his duet with Pavarotti is truly a keeper as well. Working with Eric Clapton, Don Was…clearly he’s a respected musician who here combines the European beloved electronic beat with blues, popular, sometimes gospel, and now operatic. A Moby-type innovator. I always enjoy his new approaches, though he doesn’t always stay away from the syrupy. Good record.
posted by Cathi N @ 3:57:00 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Cathi:
Hello. Thanks for taking the time to review my CD, "Guit Town Git Down". I wonder if however I couldnt get you to try it again, as maybe I'm an aquirred taste for you. I am having alot of good response in other quarters and frankly I dont know anyone who could do much better on a 100% home produced recording.
I'm a fan of super old time artists such as Jimmie Rodgers, The Texas Playboys, and Roy Acuff, so maybe you were expecting something more "modern" sounding? I'm part of a movement to put the Country back in Country music you can check out more groups like the Poverty Line Old TIme Band at www.sadawala.com and see if this helps with some context. Thanks again for everything.
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