Cathi's CD Reviews 2-7-2010
Pittman, Shawn – “Undeniable” (Indie) BAdept Oklahoma-born, Texas-adopted (pianist) guitarist who moved in the footsteps of the Vaughans and the Dallas gtr scene…before (like so many others) moving to Austin and picking up with Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton (from SRV’s Double Trouble band). He’s put out several guitar discs that feature his songwriting and very Texas-sounding blues. Very good musicianship, vocals and presentation--nothing flashy. Nicely mixed by engineer maestro Stuart Sullivan. A good record but maybe not something that’ll knock you out.
(Robillard, Duke & Sunny Crownover-“Welcome to the Tiki Lounge” (Blue Duchess Rec.) A-
Duke has had some fun over the years, doing all styles of guitar records, leaning heavily on his favorite swing/jazz approach. Here he continues that adventure by teaming up with vocalist Sunny Crownover to do a Les Paul/Mary Ford tribute. He pulls off the Les Paul stuff with some eerily reminiscent quick stop licks and long string-stretches and Sunny’s smooth vocals are a nice complement. The Tiki Lounge approach allows for the Hawaiian torch song/lounge feel—so reminiscent of Les Paul’s and Mary Ford’s sound. Sunny’s voice usually mixed behind guitar, but overall, this is a nice tribute album. I don’t remember ever hearing a Les Paul/Mary Ford tribute quite so spot-on…a definite “era” piece. All good for all mixes.
Superchikan – “Chickadelic” (Bluestown Records) B+
Showman (James Louis Johnson) Superchikan loves to entertain and they LOVE him in Norway where backed by some blues lovin’ players there he recorded this disc. Musicianship is very cool and Superchikan’s fun is clear in the uptempo tunes – like his Bo-Diddley lift “Hey Superchikan.” And of course you can’t ignore his flattened-gas-can-guitars (“chiktars”). This disc is nominated for Best Traditional Blues Album of the Year, and “Fred’s Dollar Store” for best Song of Year. Nice collection of up-feelin’ blues.
Taildragger – “Rooster’s Lounge” (Delmark Records) B-
(James Yancy Jones) Taildragger’s picture is in the dictionary right next to relentless blues snake charmer. The only reason he’s not dead from alcohol is because so much of it passes through his bod so fast it has no time to kill him. The only reason his CDs are live is because he’s got so many mad girlfriends after him it’s dangerous to show up in the same place more than two days in a row. Yet this kinda scamp still knocks ‘em over every night with the raw blues. He’s a blues ride that requires two hands to hold on, (and if you’re a young woman, don’t su)it in the front row), but it’s hard to not to fall into the groove at Taildragger shows. He loves the blues and he SURE doesn’t shy away from entertainment; talks a lot and more as the show rolls on as this disc reveals (watch out for expletives); and his band remains loyal and road dawgs every one—who ain’t afraid to hold a reeeel slow beat strong and steady. It ain’t pretty, but it’s gritty, real, “lit up” blues – straight out of the Howlin’ Wolf bag. Makes me start reachin’ for the Jack Daniels.
Various – “Boogie Woogie Kings” (Delmark) A-
Boogie woogie blues legends are featured here from the late ‘30s – Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson, Clarence Lofton, Speckled Red, and Henry Brown. A cool array of traditional blues piano with the combo of varrelhouse boogie, swing and drive. Most are from ’39 Sherman Hotel recordings in Chicago and then classics from St. Louis Players in the 50’s-60’s (Henry Brown, Speckled Red). An era rife with great players…miss them. Good for all mixes.
posted by Cathi N @ 8:10:00 AM
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