Cathi's Reviews -- 9/6/09
Hamilton, Lisa – “Twilight & Blues” (Lisa Hamilton Music) CA 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
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