Cathi's CD reviews 8-24-08
Cocker, Joe – “Hymn for my Soul” (Adaven Productions) BThe vocal troubadour pulls some favorites out for interpretation—sometimes really hitting paydirt and sometimes just missing, but there’s always something to be found in his soulful approach to the tunes. Nods to George Harrison, Stevie Wonder, Dylan, and all the old-time back-up gals (Merry Clayton, etc.) add the cool revue feel for an”which Cocker is famous. Good for we old-timers, soul-pop vocalizers, and evening drink fans.
Coen, Davis – “Blues Lights for Yours & Mine” (Indie) C-
Not recommended.
Indigenous – “Broken Lands” (Vanguard) B+
Really fine Native American family (kids of an Indian musician turned tribe spokesman) write a basketful of new tunes, burnished by stinging lead guitar and nice backup vocals. Past CDs made it sound like they’d spent a lot of time woodsheddin’ in the Jimi Hendrix closet, but this group with all self-penned tunes is pullin’ out to formulate their own unique rock and blues sound. Great sound that reminds me of a combination of Jimi, (yes), Los Lonely, Boys (yes!), and Paul Thorn (YES!). Just getting’ better. Still a little heavy on Jimi, which limits the morning mix use, but I’ll wait!
Johnson, Whitey – “Gary Nicholson Presents WJ” (Palo Duro Rec) A
I’d listen to the phone book if wizard songwriter Gary Nicholson’s name is on it. At first glance this disc commanded attention with a support crew of Kim Wilson, Colin Linden, Delbert McClinton, etc. all lined up to back Johnson. Songwriting credits to Wilson, McClinton and Nicholson in various couplings didn’t hurt either. Then I realized that “Whitey Johnson” IS Gary Nicholson—a blues persona he changes into in the second half of his concerts. This guy has a lock on wordsmithing, but show here genre doesn’t limit him. The native Texan (playing and songwriting since he was 10—immensely successful at writing other artists’ hits, Nicholson here turns to the music he loves to do in the living room. This disc has some band material, but most of it is minimal – mostly acoustic here with piano, harp and guitar.
Lil Ed & Imperials – “Full Tilt” (Alligator) A-
One of Chicago’s premiere rockin’ party bands, Lil Ed (Williams) and the Imperials go at it full-tilt and no survivors. Ed brandishes his slide guitar like a laser through the rockin’ blues – hollarin’ the blues with a heavy, heavy rock beat. Impossible not to love in a club; sometimes a little much on record. Yet the world is chock full of “Ed Heads” and he always delivers. He’s a club dawg and knows how to change up on those beats when the time comes, but if you’re stuck on the job and need to jump up, throw on your high-heel sneakers and shake the booty till you’re dizzy – Ed’s your man. Moderation is not his middle name.
Los Lonely Boys – “Forgiven” (Epic Records ) A-
Southern California trio that hit big with their great dance grooves and tight harmonies strike again. Somebody’s been woodsheddin’ with Hendrix again, but mix that with great vocals and production by Steve Jordan and you’ve got a wicked good CD. Lots of rhythm and BIG SOUNDING bass with stinging guitar overlay. Great variety of urban beath (though predominantly midtempo) along with great male harmonies. Yikes. Not really suited for morning mix.
Salgado, Curtis – “Clean Getaway” (Shanachie) A-
A powerful singer who adds soul to anything he sings. A life-threatening health condition keeps every new CD Salgado puts out a gift. It’s great to hear his great phrasing and vocal expression, even though his moderate rock-soul tune choices sometimes leave me feeling less than charged up. Yet when he chooses material that lets that voice stretch out (like “Who’s Lovin’ You”) wow…you know what all the fuss is about.
Washington, Walter “Wolfman – (Zoho Music) B
Music from de club. Wolf Man is very taken with entertainment a la James Brown. Heavy on the horn arrangements and plenty of wah wah, stumble beat. Good for New Orleans clubs tuff. Shake your booty stuff perculating on medium. Not really my cuppa
posted by Cathi N @ 4:12:00 PM
1 comments
1 Comments:
Hey Cathi - just one clarification on your Los Lonely Boys piece. The Boys are from San Angelo Texas... not Southern California!
And, why not suited for morning mix?
:) A LLB fan
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