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Monday, September 28

Cathi's CD Reviews 9-27-09

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Carr, Barbara – “Savvy Woman” (CDS Records) C+

St Louis singer Carr has been around a long time – toiling hard in obscurity and even recording a few unremarked records for Chess. After many years, she adopted the brassy belter role a la KoKo Taylor and Denise LaSalle, which earned her some popularity – enough to quit her day job of 20 years. She has never quite struck the hot spot though. This disc hints of her vocal prowess and is bolstered by her producer’s attempt to set her in full R & B regalia. She starts to stretch a little when she does some shouting (#3) and nice female backups give some tunes soulful depth. Still, this is a disc that seems a shadow in the closet of missed opportunities.

Collins, Harry – “Taste This” (Independent) B-

Billing himself as a “southern soul, R & B artist” Collins jumps right in with a smooth love song and holds it right there in the Barry White groove…maybe not so funky. This is late night wine and seduction stuff. “I got that feeling—that you want it tonight” kinda thing. It’s a one-trick pony but with a couple glasses of wine…maybe.
Nice voice, not a lot of variety. Will fit with morning mixes though – if you don’t mind waking up to sexual innuendo.

Kalb, Danny – “I’m Gonna Live the Life I Sing About” (Sojourn Rec.) B-

A real old-timer – guitarist Kalb formed the “Blues Project” band back in the Butterfield days and clearly had a big attraction to the guitar rambles of current guitar gymnasts along with the feel of the urban blues. His playing Is adept although for my money he plays too many unnecessary notes just because he can. His singing is not great – and most of the album are his renditions of well worn covers. Not terribly recommended, although I give him respect for his obvious life-long guitar love of the blues.

Lost Country – “When We Danced” (Cool Groove Records) B-

Texas survivors of a popular country rock band and others from a blues jump combo formed a band of boomer + musicians to play music they both enjoyed. Texas two-step tunes, mingle with male/female vocal harmonies, slide guitars, accordion and a focus on dancin’ music give this disc a good country dance hall feel. It’s full of unstable vocals and a few tunes they might better have left alone (smile), but it’s got a good old-timer get-together feel.

posted by Cathi N @ 6:15:00 AM   0 comments

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Sunday, September 20

Cathi's CD Reviews 9-13-09

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Eberhardt, Cliff – “500 Miles” (Red House) B+

Soulful Americana songwriter offers us a thoughtful and melancholic collection of tunes here about love and love lost…a little bit of mellow and bittersweet reflection on getting older—further down the road. Most tunes are minimally backed by instrumentation, showcasing his voice and the tunes as the main point. This is the second disc since a long recovery from a car accident and I suspect that adventure brewed up many of these offerings. The songs have a lot of “furniture” but I hope he takes some vitamins and cheers up soon. Good for morning mixes.

Hill Country Review – “Make a Move” (Razor & Tie) C

This is a band trying to do ZZ Top and Allman Brothers all at once. It’s okay, but not really recommended.

Li’il Mo (Monica Passin)– “On the Moon” (Cow Island Music) B

Rockabilly-ish gal with a big clear cowgirl voice – straight from New York (!). Nancy Sinatra channels BOb Wills and sneaks out at night with a Cajun boyfriend and his country sidekick. Steve Riley (Mamou Playboys) jumps in for a fiddle assist here, but lest she get caught in any genre, she throws in country, soul, pop and R & B. Somehow it works…well, maybe except for that terrible abortion of a pop song (#7). Kudos for cajones.

Wailin’ Jennys, The – “Live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House” (Red House) A

Ah the power of vocals, beautiful and in stacks of harmonies – it’s hard to beat and the Wailin’ Jennys are experts. They add some interesting fiddle and mandolin work by friend Jeremy Penner that give the material an added weirdness that works (cut 1). This is a live show that features old favorites but also 8 new originals from this great Canadian group. The vocals, as always are breathtaking. Though the Jennys came together by accident, the magic was immediate and it remains despite two personnel changes. They’ve been careful to get talented vocalists who are masters of their range. We’re lucky – I’ll always want more! Good for all mixes.

Willis, Chick – “Hit & Run Blues” (CDS Entertainment) B

Cousin to the blues ballad singer CHUCK Willis, and former limo driver for same, Chick carried on after Chuck’s death in ’58 and is best known for his raunchy send ups in the blues line. Here he fronts a big band with horns and lots of arrangement, and keeps the raunchy down to tolerable. This is a show-band thing with so much attention on the big band it kinda covers what might otherwise be interesting guitar parts, and a warbly vocal. No big cigar but tolerable.

posted by Cathi N @ 1:19:00 PM   0 comments

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Cathi's CD Reviews 9-20-09

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Cowsill, Barry – “US 1” (Artist Airply Advisors-Indie) C

Former child star (10 years old when formed duo with brother to sing Everly Bros tunes, then incorporated 6 other family members to form the “Cowsills”—the original inspiration for the TV show “The Partridge Family”), Cowsill experience teenybop fame in the last ‘60s. The whole family had moderate fame and then disbanded (musically) in the early ‘70s. Individual members had desultory careers elsewhere and Barry kept his solo thing going. But for the next decade or so not much happened. He was working on a new sound (still trying to shed his teenybop past) with a new ”Power-pop” sound when Katrina hit New Orleans. His siblings got out – he didn’t. His body was recovered several months later. Died at age 51. This disc is a posthumous release. This is a sad story, but I still can’t rate the music here very well. It’s definitely pop and not recommended pop.

Dakota, John – “It’s the Journey Not the Goal” (Lagunitas music)

Guitarist/Harp player with a shakey, often off-key vocal skill, playing acoustic guitar and painful harp. Original tunes and I tip the hat for effort, but eek…not recommended! (I think he’s a Shagg’s cousin, only he’s taking himself seriously.)

Hart, Nicole – “Treasure” (Blues Leaf Records) B

Sultry vocals and she puts some nice double backup vocals behind her lead voice. Her band is okay. The overall sound is kind of a lounge-y ballad and blues. Voice is the attraction here – well, blond and built doesn’t hurt either I guess – heh. She’s got a real clear and supple (alto) pop-blues voice. Overall the music doesn’t really stand out to me though.

Hunt, Kelley – “Mercy” (88 Records) B

A piano playin’ shouter, Hunt made her bones as a big time blues vocalist on the blues circuit…along the lines of Bonnie Bramlett. She appears to best advantage with Aretha-like vocal chops administered in the soul/gospel tunes (#3, #8), when she’s really wailin’. Interesting combination of styles – along the mainstream line with touches of soul and blues. Nice pipes, mixed review on her songwriting.

Knowles, Davy & Back Door Slam – “Comin’ Up For Air” (Blix St. Rec.) A-

Mega talented lead singer and guitar player for Back Door Slam moves to the forefront of the Slam and puts his name ahead of the band’s in this disc that sports tunes written by Knowles, often with guests like Peter Frampton (who produced this album) and Gary Nicholson. This kid is only 23 but has a streetwise sound, GREAT guitar, singing and songwriting chops. Look out. His innate sense of to put these things together, added to the old timers’ prowess in how to put together a great record really serve him well. This album just rocks and stands out in a bunch of different ways. Definitely more rock than blues, it still comfortably adds blues touches. Knowles’ abilities knock me out as did the first Back Door Slam CDs…he’s a talent to reckon with. (Opened on tour as an acoustic solo act for Jeff Beck.) Not good for morning mixes. A great rock effort.

May, Imelda – “Love Tattoo” (Verve) B+

Dublin gal with a nightclub, Billie Holliday-ish style that she can morph into a Beatles-y pop delivery. But everything is overlaid with rockabilly touches…and then back to lounge-y. Hard to classify. Really nice vocals and minimal (but stellar and adept) backup music. I vote yes.

Pickens, Slim & Doctor Baz – “Next Time” (Black Albert Rec) B+

Two half-centurian Australian cowboys playing accordion and steel guitar, with double vocals put together a garden of Texas-swing , and Cajun-influenced Americana music (who knew?). The vocals are mellow, songwriting full of humorous philosophy, country twists, even a little trombone, and an intersesting eclectic collection that’s good for all mixes.

Pittman, Shawn – “Meridian” (Indie) B-

No information on record and insert has only “thanks for listening” with artist’s address. The man is clearly a guitarist who likes the blues. He gives us some interesting blues beats and not-bad vocals but the production and mix are pretty uneven. Sounds like a great weekend garage-blues band. Serviceable but not a stand out. He’s lucky if the lyrics of his second tune (“don’t need fortune and fame”) are true. Record blues-playable, but no key to the city.

Texas Sheiks – “Geoff Muldaur &the TS” (Traditional & Modern GmbH) A

This disc is a labor of love by a gathering of old partners on the jug band and Texas landscape. Veteran performers Geoff Muldaur, Suzy Thompson, Cindy Cashdollar, Stephen Bruton, Johnny Nicholas and Bruce Hughes gathered to do some favorite Americana music. Geoff’s old partner Jim Kweskin couldn’t resist and stopped in to add his talents to this amazing collection of music. Sadly, Stephen Bruton died from Cancer (after an amazing career of playing guitar behind just about everyone in the top echelons of music –Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Dylan, etc.). The disc is dedicated to him. Steller at jug music Geoff does this genre proud. Good for all mixes.

posted by Cathi N @ 1:16:00 PM   0 comments

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Sunday, September 6

Cathi's Reviews -- 9/6/09

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Hamilton, Lisa – “Twilight & Blues” (Lisa Hamilton Music) C

A smooth (easy listening?) jazz disc put out by pianist Lisa Hamilton. No voice…lots of cocktail bar mood music…not recommended until you’re three martinis in.

Jones, Dennis – “Pleasure & Pain” (Leroy’s Boy Music) C

A Prince taildragger. I think he’s hung up on women’s undies and how “good” he is. Hmmm...Pleasure or pain…let me guess. (Not recommended.)

Knox, Marquise – “Man Child” (APO) B+

This is a kid who’s got something—hitting the national scene at age 16. This current disc finds him 18 years old, given the nod by BB King, Bob Margolin, Sam Lay and his special hero – Henry Townsend. I love the blues feel that he’s got right out the wrapper…having been playing the guitar since age 2 and listening to nothing but the “dangerous” Lightnin’ Hopkins before moving on to Muddy and then onward in his mentor sounds. Already he’s referred to (because of his husky voice and hefty frame) as “Big Daddy.” He sits in a lot these days with bluesman Michael Burks, but I think we’ll hear a lot more from this one. It’s nice to see some youngsters getting caught up in the blues. He plays several instruments, but guitar and voice are the main thing. This disc is the result of someone with his eye on the blues and the blues alone—that’s rare. He’s adept at a variety of blues styles. He also doesn’t plan to “chase it down” (a blues career) if it doesn’t happen. He’s gonna multi-task. I love it. No flies on this kid.

Landreth, Sonny – “Levee Town” (reissue) (Landfall Records) A-

Sonny Landreth is fascinated with his southern home in Louisiana, and now on his own label, reissues his acclaimed “Levee Town” album with five additional songs. I find reissues-with-added-tracks puzzling, wondering why they don’t just put out a new album, but apparently Landreth sees this album as part of a three-album triology tribute to his home…so he just sweetens it with five more songs. Original album still stands up great and the new tunes, liberally dosed with his excellent slide guitar touches over Cajun flavored tunes with colorful lyrics, seems to match it. Kickin’ in with a sizzling rocker, followed by a beautiful ballad with guest Jennifer Warnes, the bonus disc makes the original collection take on added excitement. The following songs move into a fluid picking and slidin’ number that showcases Landreth’s unmatched feel for slide, and wind up with a sweet Farewell. If there was any doubt, these last “bonus” songs make it clear that this disc was a labor of love.

Lloyd, Britt (Band) – “The Ink” (Smith Entertainment)

Texas guitarist who plays rock with distortion and a pop sensibility. Not terrible, but not memorable/recommended.

May,Willie – “Maze of Blues” (Booman Music) C

Minimalist blues record from Willie May playing solo guitar and singing very rough, gravelly vocals on his own songs—sometimes pulling in a band to give support to the tunes. Kudos for the minimalist approach, but not really that much here to write home about. No offense intended, but no recommendation.

Texas Slim – “Drivin’ Blues” (TopCat Records) C+

Robert “Robin” Sullivan, Texas Slim is a sustain-guitar slinger following the tricky steps of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was inspired at 8 years old by John Lee Hooker, but the Texas player SRV has clearly been his guidin’ light. He likes a lot of electric sound over fast licks of the blues rockers. Vocal passable--good guitar playing if you are fond of sizzlin’ electric stuff. The guitar screams too much to make this a morning mix collection…except if you’ve been up all night. Probably a great late bar band, but not really recommended.

Various – “Fishing Music II” (Snake River Music) B+

A follow-up acoustic disc to “Fishing Music” – this disc features a group of folksters doing tunes that have to do with fishing, rivers, etc, with profits to go to a preserving-rivers organizations. Basically the same acoustic band (Ben WInship w/ David Thompson and friends) back people like Tim and Mollie O’Brien etc. Nice musicianship, colorful tunes, but weird – a whole album about fish. Good for morning mix.

Various – “Motor City Women and the Detroit Express” (Fordco Music) B

Band from Detroit maximizes their impact by gathering six hot lady singers (all with their own bands apparently) to sing together. Each “Diva” takes the lead and the five others back ‘em in turn. Interestingly enough, though the women are named on the sleeve (Lady T, Elena Papillo, Aja Sardis, Stacia Petrie Ford, Valerie Barrymore and Cheryl Lescom) it doesn’t reveal who sings what (you can sort-of guess by songwriting credits). So you’ve got an okay band soakin’ in major vocals. All six got pipes…the tunes are pop-rock rather than blues, but this is an interesting collection, and if I’ve guessed right, my vote goes to Stacia Petrie Ford for best overall voice – she kicks the booty outta #3 and 14.

Various – “Public Enemies” Movie Soundtrack (Decca) B

With original score by Eliot Goldenthal the music for Public Enemies is also punctuated with new- and old-time artists (Otis Taylor, Billie Holliday, Diana Krall, Blind Willie Johnson, etc.). Two billion orchestral pieces make sure this disc keeps up the heat, painting moods throughout in sad, thoughtful airs. But the non-orchestral tunes (Otis Taylor #1, 10; Billie Holliday-#4, 6, 14; Diana Krall-#8, Blind Willie Johnson - # 16, and the big gospel chorus-#12) stand out. This is a sad story told songtrack and the songs definitely reflect that.

Zito, Mike – “Pearl River” (Electrogroove) B

West Coast guitarist and screamin’ blues rocker, Zito seems to have the full and enthusiastic backing of that rock label and is making the most of it. Originally from Missiouri, he’s a disciple of Eddie Van Halen, Clapton and Hendrix, and then throws in his blues licks atop that. Mostly rock, though, Zito adds some interesting touches to this collection – the title song is cowritten by Cyril Neville—and he’s added some funky touches too. Disc has mostly originals, but he puts a New Orleans beat to a Sonnyboy standard. The disc is certainly servicable, but I’m not sure I back Elecrogroove’s claim that Zito is the best there is.

posted by Cathi N @ 7:00:00 AM   0 comments

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