Amazon.com

Feeling is what Ray Charles is all about--straight from the gut, exposed and vulnerable, real. And because it's the feeling of his music that matters most to him, whether it's found in the words he's singing or the notes he's playing, he has never seen any reason to limit himself to any particular style. He's played blues and gospel, jazz and soul, pop and rock and country, and for a half century now he's scored hits and created masterpieces with just about all of it--very often all of it at once! But no matter how startlingly dynamic his arrangements, the focus is always the feeling in Charles's voice. It's such an expressive, soulful instrument that, regardless of what's swirling around it--strings? gospel choir? pedal-steel guitar? all of the above?--it still demands the center of attention. Charles's version of country music takes the listener to unexpected places, musically and emotionally. Hearing all of his interactions with C&W pulled together like this simply amazes. --David Cantwell ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Ray Of Pure Light
With the exception of cd no:4 (which sounds too eighties for me) this is simply marvellous. I wouldn't call it soul, jazz or country - it's none of that, and all of it at the same time. "Take Me Home Country Roads" is way better than John Denvers version, "Ring Of Fire" sounds better than when Johnny Cash plays it. And the list goes on and on. "You Are My Sunshine" is another classic that Ray Charles breathes new life into.
This cd-box is quite expensive, but it's worth it. Three discs or four...

Superlative box set -- probably the best in my collection
The soul and spirit in this collection is far beyond description. The feelin' starts on track 1 of disc 1 and continues on to track 22 of disc 4, and stays with you long after that. Sure, Ray Charles is a household name. But I don't think many people realize how deep of a soul singer and songwriter he is.

If you have any inkling as to who Ray Charles is and what he's about--and it appeals to you--then you will *LOVE* this entire collection (FORGET about "country"/"R&B" classifications--it is SOUL music). Some box sets are overkill with the content, making it hard to truly enjoy everything from beginning to end. This is a major exception. The songs range from the 1950s to the 1980s, and, to my wonderful surprise, the 1980s tracks don't have that fake, overproduced sound that most records from the 1980s have. And the tracks from the 1950s and 60s, of course, have that wonderful "live" sound that only recordings from that time could have. It's all good!

I was hesitant to buy this entire collection, and it makes me so happy to know that I took the chance because I wouldn't know what I was missing if I had simply gotten the "Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music" album.

Ray Charles RULES!

BROTHER RAY!
What can you say about Ray Charles? He is indeed a One of a Kind SUperstar&Legend.Styles Of Music are Just Labels.Music is Either Feeling or Not.Ray Charles Passed on all Levels.His Playing&VOice Shine Really Bright here.He is Truly a Special Artist.this is a Great COllection on this Amazing Genius.

Essential recordings
No collection is at all complete without this set. The remastering is top notch, sounding better than the original LP's for the most part. The music is indispensable. It collects Charles' dealings with the country & western genre. I beleive this represents his strongest work

An unusual view of Ray Charles
Few artists have had such a long and varied career that a collection of this sort could fill even a single disc, let alone 4. But Charles has proven himself time again to be more than just a pianist, more than just a soul singer, more than just a songwriter. He is an artist who fuses a variety of sources into something that is uniquely his own.

What's particularly interesting about this collection, drawn from a 28-year period, is the transition he makes. The early recordings take C&W songs and filter them through the jazz and soul stylings on which Charles made his name. The later recordings turn the formula inside-out, rearranging soul tunes with a C&W flair. Perhaps most impressive of all is that both work wonderfully. ... Read more

Amazon.com

New Orleans-bred folk-bluesman Smither has few peers. As a musician he's expanded the six-strings-and-foot-stomps delivery of John Lee Hooker into an elegant, original style that draws as much on the sweet jazz melodies of gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt as the spidery swing of country bluesman John Hurt. And his writing has a poet's eye for detail, as when he's pondering mortality on the disc's title track. There's also a gentle, sincere quality that comes through the dusty tones of his voice, until he drops it to a mean-eyed growl to capture the soul of characters like his "Crocodile Man"--loners condemned to live in the dark neglected corners of their own hearts. But for much of this album, Smither's coming from a happier place, where love and life are full of possibilities, and his blues are just another way of expressing joy and wisdom. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Smither fans, rejoice
This is a honey of a CD. From the opening notes of the eerily beautiful "Train Home" I was hooked. The covers of "Crocodile Man" and (oh boy) "Desolation Row" are masterful. The account of Chris's woefully unsuccessful attempt at Zen-like detachment as he deals with the theft of his car ("Let It Go") makes me laugh out loud every time I listen to it. "Outside In" is one I return to again and again in appreciation of its wonderful lyrics regarding the futility of worry. Can you tell I can't choose my favorite cut? This is a CD that's going to be in my player for a long, long time.

Incredible
I can listen to this CD everyday and I never seem to get tired of it. It's got a rare quality to it that's hard to define and near impossible to find. If nothing else buy this CD to hear his fantastic take of Dave Carter's song "Crocodile Man". It's worth buying the CD just to get that song.

carry me awhile...
This is the kind of music that makes you stop and listen. The lyrics are intriguing ("with heavy-handed cheerfulness and a calculated smile, it says 'carry me awhile'") and the delivery arrestingly simple. The title track is like a George MacDonald purgatory transported to New York City. And he goes from channeling Tom Waits in "Crocodile Man" to covering Bob Dylan in "Desolation Row." All without stepping out of his own magnetic style. It's storytelling as much as singing. Buy it. Love it. Tell all your friends about it.

One of his finest!
Roots-blues troubadour Chris Smither has been around so long that his '70s singer-songwriter status has shifted into that of an elder statesman of the alt.country scene. This is a remarkable album -- melliflous, calm and compelling, a very mature work. Some of his albums of the 1990s and early '00s have had their forced moments; here Smither seems entirely at ease, and seems to have nothing to prove. It's a very rich, rewarding album, well worth checking out.

Like a boat ride through fog in Mississippi
A outsatnding compilation of sometimes eerie, haunting and engaging melodies in a singing style that's a blend of Gordon Lightfoot and Arlo Gunthrie.

Muscially magnificent in the great American blues traditin. Own it! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

We love Trout Fishing!
We bought this CD about 4 or 5 years ago after we saw them perform "Teddy Bear Picnic" for an adult audience in Texas. We were smitten. The music has become part of our family history. My husband sings the sweet "Lullaby" to our children and I always get a lump in my throat when I hear it. I think it will be a classic lullaby one day. Our kids sing all the words to all the songs. The lyrics are right on their level and are very funny. The CD is still a favorite even though they've grown and changed for 4 years. (Our oldest child is now 13.) I've never tired of hearing the music, because if you took away the words, the guitar and base music would grab you anyway. Keith and Ezra are very talented musicians and there's a thread of the blues running through some of their songs. Sometimes, I find myself (a non-singer) belting out a chorus along with my kids..."Pico de Gallo...don't get it in your eye-o!" We've gone to two of their live performances for children, which are great! If you want the feel of a children's concert, get their video "Go Fish." It has many of these same songs performed live on stage. I once got stopped for going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone. The policeman took one look at the photograph on my license and said, "Anyone who gets their picture taken wearing a Trout Fishing in America shirt can't be all bad." He did not give me a ticket! My kids were absolutely gleeful! Hey, you might say Trout Fishing got me off the HOOK!

Twenty-two years later, a rediscovery.
In 1982, I lived in Austin, Texas. You know, that place. One night, dejected after my English girlfriend dumped me for an English guy (probably cousins), I aimlessly headed out for a few "I'm sorry for myself" beers. I went to a tavern I'd never set foot in before when I noticed a sign for a group called "Trout Fishing in America." I read the sign again, thinking to myself, "Trout Fishing in America?" I went in.

The first sign that the evening might develop into something memorable was when I bumped into a guy with long blond hair, heading for the stage holding a guitar. Nothing unusual there, except I was about eye level with his Adams apple, and I'm six feet four inches. Then another guy who appeared to be about two feet shorter than the blond guy headed for the stage. "Hm," I thought. I shoved my beer back to the bartender and ordered coffee. Something told me that I wanted to be wide awake for this one.

I could have skipped the coffee. What followed was a slowly developing evening of enchantment. The great musicianship and particularly involving harmonies of those two guys had the effect of grabbing me, shaking the hardness out of my heart, and not letting go until closing time. I left the establishment with nary a thought of my now-former girlfriend and her English cousin.

Over the years, I sometimes thought about those guys, but before the internet, thinking about them was about all it came to. Fast forward to this year. My wife comes home and announces that we've been invited to go with some friends and their kids to see "Trout Fishing in America" here in northern California.

I ended up wiping tears from my eyes at least a couple of times that evening: once when I realized those two guys still had the magic, and again when I saw that my three-year-old son was enjoying them just as much as me.

So now, my son no longer demands to hear the Crash Test Dummies when we travel in the car. No, "Big Trouble" is now number one on his request list. As for myself, I'm entirely happy to oblige.

FABULOUS FUN!
My 18 month old twins get sooooo excited when they hear the very first dinosaur roar on track 1. They dance and clap and squeal and can't seem to get enough of Mommy stomping around and singing with the music....I know all the words -giggle!-. I even catch my hubby singing the songs to himself when the CD isn't even on! :0)Your kids will LOVE it!

Love these Fishermen!
I was first introduced to Trout Fishing in a bar when I was in college, and I LOVED them. I am so thrilled that they are still around and that they are still great. I love this CDs wry humor (I'm Gonna Be in Big Trouble) and the varied beats. These are two guys who totally remember what it was like to be a kid. My son (just 2) loves this CD and dances around the house with me when it's on. He really loves the gallumphing sound of When I Was a Dinosaur along with the dinosaur voices these guys have come up with. I love this CD and recommend it to anyone, but especially to anyone with kids.

I loved this album even before I had children!
A friend introduced me to the music of Trout Fishing when I was a single law school student. This album immediately became my favorite, and I love it even more now that I have two boys with whom to share it! My husband had no idea what was in our CD player, but he was hooked by the end of the first song. Everyone I have shared it with buys a copy. The music captures the essence of childhood and the every-day things children think and say. A friend with a child who hated her after-school day care was able to eliminate the tantrums by having her listen to "Day Care Blues." Most children's comments trigger a lyric for me. All the songs are great, but I especially love "I think I'll Need a Band-Aid" (it makes me laugh) and "Lullaby" (it makes me cry). Who cares if you don't have children; you'll love it anyway! ... Read more

Album Description

Whether you pay your respects to Bernard Allison as one of the high powered blues guitarists in the world or, like Bernard, pay your respects to that Higher Power that guides you through life, these are 13 songs Bernard sings that will speak to you. There are bluesy songs, soul, funk, R&B songs and a couple of rock things which show the overall musicianship of Bernard Allison. Ruf. 2004. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent! But then again, it always was
Most artists in their 60s would just have rested on their laurels, being admired and cited as a major influence by legions of younger musicians.
But not Muddy Waters. He recorded and toured right up until the end of his life, and this gritty 1977 album, the first of three studio albums produced by Texas guitarist Johnny Winter, recharged his career as well as winning Muddy a Grammy (in the "Traditional Folk" category!).

This 2004 reissue has been remastered, but not remixed (there was no need, says former Muddy guitarist Bob Margolin, who has written the excellent, warm and informative anecdotal liner notes). And one bonus track has been added to the original nine songs, a great rendition of the classic "Walking Through The Park" which was omitted from the original album release (probably because of the limited playing time of the LP).

If you already own "Hard Again" on CD you don't need to run out and secure a copy right away...the sound on the first CD reissue was good enough, and if you're a Muddy fan you probably have "Walking Through The Park" somewhere in your collection already. And this 1977 re-recoring is not particularly different from the original.
But if you don't have it, go get it right away. These recordings usually don't show up on the various Muddy Waters-compilations (they only chronicle his Chess years), and while some of the songs are "only" new versions of 50s and 60s numbers, the album as a whole remains one of the strongest Muddy Waters ever recorded. The band is magnificent...Waters himself only sings, according to Bob Margolin, so all the Muddy Waters-like slide guitar riffs are actually played by Johnny Winter.
But there's no mistaking the great James Cotton, Muddy's former harmonica player drafted to play on this album, or the supple, muscular groove laid down by the great Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, one of the best-ever blues drummers (alongside Fred Below, of course). He and bassist Charles Calmese form a top-notch rhythm section all the way through.

The album has a wonderful "live" feel, and literally everything is great, from the opening holler of the one-chord "Mannish Boy" over the magnificent acoustic slide guitar blues "I Can't Be Satisfied" (originally the flip side of Muddy's first single), to the seven-minute slow grind of "Little Girl".
"Hard Again" (the origin of the title is explained in lurid detail by Bob Margolin) should not be missing from any collection of electric Chicago blues. It is one of Muddy Waters' finest moments, alongside the Newport album and 1969's "Fathers And Songs".

ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL AND REQUIRED, PART 1
If you are a fan of the blues, and more importantly, Muddy Waters, this is the beginning of an essential triad that marked the grand finale of a long and storied career of the seminal blues figure of American music. For all the talk about Robert Johnson and Charlie Payton, the blues would never have evolved without Muddy Waters. There are any number of great CDs available from his career, but none as protean as the final three he did with Johnny Winter, plus the MUDDY MISSISIPPI WATERS LIVE CD and THE WOODSTOCK ALBUM guided by Levon Helm. These are the very last of his efforts and they are precious documents of the man who plugged the guitar in. Think about that just for a moment.
The remastered LIVE CD is an honest and uncompromising document of the Waters band in full flight, and while what was the official release suffers from Winters' presence, the second disc of the set is just so amazing that words fail to convey its power. While I am no fan of Johnny Winters, his work at the controls and in the studio with Waters through the course of these recordings is truly genius. This particular disc is as raw and as primal as the blues gets. It features Muddy's band, including Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Willie Smith, Calvin Jones Luther Johnson in a fired up, red hot, incendiary mood, and they simply burn through the catalog. This version of "Mannish Boy" is the most feral you'll ever hear. "Deep Down in Florida" steams like the Everglades in August. "The Blues had a Baby" rocks with a hip grinding intensity. "I can't Be Satisfied" threatens all sorts of promiscuity, and "Crosseyed Cat" is as quintessentially a part of African American humour (which is also a key element of the blues) as it gets. A bonus track is added from the sessions.
The remastering is incredible: this sounds as though it was done live, first take, and they all nailed it. Were he to have passed away right here, Muddy would have left us with an endearing ememory of his force. But the best was still to come.
Make no mistake, get this. This IS the blues. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This double-disc, 19-song concert recording, which serves as a fittingly funky retrospective of McClinton's 30-year career, is as close to the definitive Delbert as can be imagined. And, oddly enough, his third and best live album was an inadvertent one--a Norwegian radio broadcast captured a festival set too hot to confine to the airwaves. Here, the Texas honky-tonk blues hero dynamically delivers the core of the live McClinton experience, including an energetic rendition of his 1980 breakout hit "Givin' It up for Your Love," a testifying take on Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams to Remember," and a rambunctious (and extended) reading of his own "B Movie Boxcar Blues." But Live also fills in around the edges with surveys of McClinton's early influences: "Rebecca Rebecca," a slow-burning, stream-of-consciousness blues medley, features Kevin McKendree recycling some sparkling Otis Spann piano lines while the album closer, the vintage rockabilly romp "Fine and Healthy Thing," offers a great guitar getaway by Rob McNelley. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A rocking good time
Texas legend (and one of our favorite customers at Gumbo Shop), Delbert McClinton, turns it all loose in this hot two disk live set. As good as his last few studio recordings have been, this new release gives an accurate picture of what a great live performer Delbert is and what a hot band he has put together. This one just stays in the truck all the time and if it's possible to wear a cd out, this one will need to be replaced by New Year's

HE'S THE BEST !!
Delbert McClinton has long been considered the definitive Texas Roadhouse Boogie/R&B artist extant by those in the know (critics and a sizeable cult following). With this 2-disc live CD offering (his first live since 1989) he definitely lives up to his legend and might even goose it a bit higher!! The sound quality is excellent and in-your-face and you're not likely to get any closer to Delbert live unless you see him in concert. The musicianship and arrangements are superb, and D McC's voice has still got that ol' smokey grit and soul in spades!! The man has never sounded better!! With a mix of old favorites and his newer stuff, this is THE Delbert McClinton package to have, bar none!! If this one don't make you tap your feet, check your pulse !!

he's great, as usual, but . . .
. . . but releasing a second live version of songs that have not undergone any reinterpretation doesn't make a lot of sense to me. It might if the recording represented an entire concert -- but this one does not. So as much as I like "Maybe Someday Baby," "Back to Louisiana" and "Giving It Up For Your Love," none of them differ markedly from their rendition on Live from Austin. The other repeaters -- "I've Got Dreams To Remember" and "B Movie Boxcar Blues" especially -- are reworked effectively, and it's always a pleasure to hear how an artist has kept his older material fresh.

And it's always a pleasure to hear Mr. McClinton. Other reviewers have mentioned his ability to fuse rock & roll with the blues, R&B and country, so I won't go there. I will add that he is unique in his ability to pull that fusion off without sounding contrived or insincere or calculated or formulaic in any fashion whatsoever. Pure country music fans can listen to "When Rita Leaves" and they know somewhere in their gut that they are listening to one of their own. And when an R&B aficionado hears his take on Otis' "Dreams" -- nothing artificial there. A fan of electric blues can latch onto "Leap of Faith" (the studio version of which featured none other than B.B. King on guitar) with the same conviction. And all of it rocks, all night long.

Other performers will throw in a Motown thing now and then, or a countrified number to show off their presumed versatility, but I've never known anyone who could do so with utter credibility, and make the song completely his own the way Delbert does every single night, and on every single record.

With the passing of Ray Charles, and a nod to the singer that Gregg Allman used to be, there is no performer who owns his material and puts it across with more authority than Delbert.

Live the blues...
The only other Delbert McClinton album is own is "Room to Breathe." A good CD, yes; this one, though, really got me hooked. This is the blues, with country, rock, and pop thrown in...a mixture of music that melts into one flawless sound, glued together by Kevin McKenree's keyboard, Rob McNelley's guitar licks, and McClinton's gravelling voice and harmonica.

From the opener "Old Weakness," you know you're in for a treat. Other classic bluesy rockers include "I'm With You," "Giving It Up For Your Love," and "Smooth Talk," while "I've Got Dreams to Remember" and "Don't Want to Love You" are moving ballads.

Delbert McClinton is a man who can sing. And "Live" showcases that singing--and his backup band--like nothing else can. If you do not own this album, I sincerely believe you should. I don't know if it's a good retrospective or not, but I DO know that as a two-disk album, it's damn good. It's the blues, baby...the blues and everything else.

Should buy, MUST see !
A couple of the reviewers made reference to the fact that this disc leaves something to be desired as far as sound quality on the recording. Okay, it isn't some cleaned up,over produced, studio concoction that 99.7% of todays albums are. That is exactly the point of the whole Delbert experience. It is the essence of his craft that makes him a "have to see at least once before you leave this world" type of showman. If you want a cold,antiseptic, feelingless Blues CD, buy Johnny Lang. If you want to hear someone that plays for the love of the game, buy this disc. Then go see him in person. As a matter of fact, come join me at the Col Ballroom in Davenport, Iowa on March 27th. Then, six months down the road when you have a serious Delbert "jones" working, pop this disc in and think about how close it sounds to being there! ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the more creative, successful tribute albums, A Vision Shared was originally released to coincide with a PBS program that premiered in 1988. Packing some serious heavyweights onto one CD, the record features covers of Guthrie and Leadbelly tunes by, among others, Little Richard, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Sweet Honey in the Rock, and U2. The 14 tracks consist of mostly well known tunes, and it's fascinating to hear what the artists have done to them. Particularly exciting is a supercharged version of Leadbelly's "Rock Island Line" by Little Richard with Fishbone and U2's take on Guthrie's "Jesus Christ." --Ian Landau ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A vision to the past! Wonderful
I can't think of many tribute albums that work great, but I thoroughly enjoy this tribute to Woody Gutherie and Leadbelly aka Huddie Ledbetter. If you aren't familiar with their music, just listen, you will feel the presence of these musical greats. They had powerful lyrical ballads. And what they had to say is clearly from different cultural backgrounds. Woody Gutherie's folk ballads told of the depression and the journeys traveling across the country heading west to escape the Dust Bowl, while Leadbelly's music reflected on the work songs of poor farmers and immigrants.

Musical superstars are featured here, recorded in 1988, and featured are some wonderful music and captivating stories like the a capella rendition of Leadbelly's "Sylvie" by the beautiful harmonies of Sweet Honey in the Rock. Dylan's "Pretty Boy Floyd"; John Mellencamp "Do Re Mi"; Bruce Springsteen sings "I Ain't Got No Home". Equally entertaining are Willie Nelson singing "Philadelphia Lawyers" and Arlo Guterie's "East Texas Red". Emmylou Harris with her perfect sweet voice is mesmerizing in "Hobo's Lullaby" ....can't you hear the steel rails humming?"

A booklet comes with this CD, and read about Bob Dylan's encounter with Woody Gutherie. Dylan passionately studied who Gutherie was and learned the songs. Dylan said when Gutherie's health was failing he met him and sang Gutherie's own songs to him. Dylan called himself a "Woody Gutherie jukebox."

This is a tribute album that is very entertaining with informative historic storytelling songs and music you can sing along with. I love it. MzRizz

A rare breed: the quality tribute album.
Can't stand tribute albums. Hate 'em! But this little beauty really shines. The secret is in the wide-open, folksy nature of Woody Guthrie's and Ledbelly's work--they wrote songs that are *made* to be sung by other folks, made to be reinterpreted and resung by new generations. The other secret is in the line-up here: great talents, from top to bottom.

When this lp came out in the late 1980s I bought it on a whim. I was in my late teens, and didn't know much about the music. I don't even know why I bought the album. But time and time again, I played it instead of my rock and punk albums. I really endured for a couple of years. I don't play it so often anymore, so I had to give it four stars.

Not much to criticize here: Little Richard//Fishbone's tune is out of place--it's kind of a sour moment in an otherwise sweet ensemble. Willie and Emmylou shine, as do U2. But the album's true gem is by Bruce: "Vigilante Man." It's one of the best recordings the Boss has ever set to vinyl.

Fans of folk, folk-rock, country-rock, southern-fried rock, and alt.country should line up for this one, but even a teen like me who was into punk rock can saddle this horse up for a good long ride.

You Must Buy This...
This is one of my all-time favorite recordings. Much of the music is truly timeless, and they're many wonderful performances. Highlights for me include Springsteen (I Ain't Got No Home), U2 (Hallelujah...not the Cohen/Buckley/Cale version either) and best of all, John Mellancamp (Do Re Mi). I could have done without Arlo Guthrie (heck, I can barely stand to listen to Woody either) and most especially the Brian Wilson cut. God is he awful.

Excellent Compilation
To my mind, the problem with many 'tribute' albums revolves around the selection of particular musicians to perform particular songs. They often do not match well. In this case, the selections were excellent. The result is a wonderful CD that brings out not only the best of Guthrie and Leadbelly but also of the artists covering their songs. Sweet Honey in the Rock open with a warm, evocative rendition of Sylvie. Bob Dylan's Pretty Boy Floyd is as good as Dylan has ever sounded. It is reminiscent in tone and content to his own Hurricane Carter. Little Richard's Rock Island Line was terrific as was U2's Jesus Christ. Springsteen, Taj Mahal, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and Arlo Guthrie round out the CD with other excellent tracks. It evokes the era in which the songs were written. The CD is well worth buying.

Had to have it...
I borrowed this album from my Father-in-Law for a Folk music show I was preparing. After raving about how much I enjoyed it I shouldn't have been surprised when my own copy showed up at Christmas.

This album pays tribute to two great pioneers who truly paved the way for Rock and R&B. The blending of Folk and Blues is easy to listen to and the stories are tremendously compelling.

If you have any interest in Folk or Blues, pick this up. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Jump blues legend, a cut or two above the greats
Big Joe Tuner was as hep as heck! This dude was singing back in the early 40's when the bozos he was competing with on the rock charts in the late 50's were born! Turner is a cut above(or 10 cuts above) the rock competitors, who were influenced by him anyway(most of them listened to Turner on the radio as kids). Turner was mature and knowing in his songs and rocks hard on tunes like Flip, Flop & Fly, and gives Haley a run for his money of Shake, Rattle & Roll. A blues shouther heavily influenced by r&b, who pioneered rock'n'roll. These are Turner's hits and best songs from the 50's like TV Mama and The Chicken & The Hawk. Every cut a gem and full of energy and pep. Turner was timeless, and I'm sure very happy to be so popular this late in his career, or should I say his second career as a rock'n'roller. A great cd of GREAT jump blues.

Fine introduction if a little skimpy
For years, Atlantic had a great CD simply called "Greatest Hits," now OOP but easy to find (and still listed on Amazon.com). Rhino has replaced that CD with this one, "The Very Best of Big Joe Turner." Here are the differences:

1. "Oke-She-Monke-She-Pop" on this CD is the original single/45 version, the first time it's ever been used for a CD. "Greatest Hits" uses an earlier, slower version (and makes the mistake of listing the session date and credits of the single/45 version).

2. "Boogie Woogie Country Girl" has an extra 20 seconds at the end (it basically fades out 20 seconds later than the version on the "Greatest Hits" CD). I'm not sure if this is how it's supposed to be, but it's a good thing to have.

3. A complete set of liner notes by Billy Vera. Well-written and informative, the "Greatest Hits" CD had none. Furthermore, songwriting credits have been corrected - real names replace pseudonyms and songs originally credited to Big Joe Turner's wife are now credited to him (he is the actual writer, but for various reasons gave credit to his wife).

4. "Honey Hush" is slower and has a lower pitch (not-quite-half-a-semitone lower) than the "Greatest Hits" CD. This may or may not be correct.

5. Though 9 great tracks from the "Greatest Hits" CD do not appear here in any form or version, you do get 4 very good tracks that don't appear on the "Greatest Hits" CD. Still, that only leaves 16 on this disc with over a half-an-hour to spare. They could have easily squeezed 25 to 28 classic tracks on one CD.

6. There's less tape hiss than the "Greatest Hits" CD possibly from better source tapes, but like many Atlantic R&B CD's mastered by Dan Hersch and Bill Inglot, the sound is even brighter and harder from a treble and upper midrange boost. These recordings were pretty bright to begin with, and now they sound really harsh. The sound is also more bottom heavy and a lot louder than the "Greatest Hits" CD.

So not a bad introduction. If you're not a fan of Joe Turner or early r&b in general but want at least a little Joe Turner to round out your collection, this isn't a bad buy. Still, if you can find the old "Greatest Hits" CD, I'd pick that. It's not perfect, but in the long run, it will be more satisfying.

A fine single-disc overview
This certainly isn't everything you could want from blues shouter, jazz singer, Kansas City swing king Big Joe Turner, but as far as single-CD compilations go, this is a very fine one.

"The Very Best Of Big Joe Turner" takes the place of Atlantic Records' "Big Joe Turner's Greatest Hits", offering one of the great pioneering shouters of swinging, jazz-flavoured blues and hard-rockin' R&B at his wild and raving best.
At once loose and thoroughly committed, Big Joe Turner is at his very best on "Honey Hush", "TV Mama", "Corrine, Corrina", and the original version of "Shake, Rattle & Roll", written for Turner by Atlantic producer Jesse Stone.
Unfortunately, some of Turner's best slow songs are missing, including his magnificent take on "Honeydripper", but if you don't already have "Shake, Rattle & Roll" and "Honey Hush" in your collection, the handsomely packaged and excellently remastered "Very Best Of Big Joe Turner" is one disc you need to add to your library posthaste!
4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

A rock legend, but a cut below the greats
I have listened to this record a lot more than when I first reviewed it, and have upgraded it to four stars. I underestimated Turner's style and force as an R&B singer. He does rock hard and he sings with a lot of soul. While he still remains a cut below the greats like Chuck Berry and Hank Ballard, he is a lot of fun and good freeway blaster.

Big Joe Turner is best known for "Shake, Rattle, and Roll," his biggest hit. His style of singing was Kansas City r&b/rock. While it's a great old sound, I do not think of Turner as being in the category of "great." Also, he did not write most of the songs he sang (although I should mention his own, "Honey, Hush" was a minor hit and is a terrific song), unlike the other three mentioned above. In fact, this record is a showcase of Ahmet Ertegun's writing skills. Ertegun was the founder of Atlantic Records. Along with Charles Calhoun and Lieber and Stoller, Ertegun was a seminal figure in the rhythm and blues era of the early Fifties. Nonetheless, This has become a favorite disc of mine so I have edited my original, lukewarm review.

Shake, Rattle and Roll...
Pretty hard to categorize Big Joe..Rock and Roll, Big Band, Swing, Blues, Pop, Boogie-Woogie, R&B are all his style. Most of the time all these styles are displayed in 1 song. Listen to it and have fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Powered by producer Jim Dickinson's sons Luther and Cody, this trio brings the hard-driving Mississippi hill-country style of blues-boogie to the jam-band generation. What's amazing is how they are able to stay true to the spirit of the blues perfected by idols (and neighbors) such as Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside while advancing the style in fresh and thrilling ways. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (57)

The most exciting rock/blues band in years
The North Mississippi All Stars accomplish on this exquisite album what Elvis Presley did on his Sun Sessions; a perfect fusion of black and white music styles. The difference is that whereas Elvis merged the blues with 50's country and pop , the All Stars merge the blues with rock'n roll as it has evolved since Elvis "invented" it on those Sun sessions. One can hear traces of modern country, 60's rock and even hip hop rythms on the first cut, Mississippi Fred McDowell's "Shake'em down". The most amazing thing about this CD is that none of the songs are originals. They are all covers of great blues classics by Mississippi Fred McDowell, R.L. Burnside or Junior Kimbaugh and yet, they sound nothing like the originals. Another common trait with the King's Sun recordings. It is no accident that two of the band members are relatives (sons?) of one of the greatest southern American musician and producer, Jim Dickinson. These guys obviously know their roots.The guitar playing is stunning and mixes electric and accoustic in perfect harmony. This is music at its best. Raw, gritty, creative, fun, deep...superb.

Traditional blues from a brilliant new band
So many of today's new young blues artists, while obviously displaying plenty of chops, usually sound like something's missing, that feel, that edge that blues music is supposed to possess. Thankfully, the North Mississippi Allstars have arrived to deliver that true blues energy in spades on Shake Hands With Shorty.

You only have to hear the opening track, the stompin''Shake Em On Down', to notice that the North Mississippi Allstars are so mired in the Delta muck that you can smell the swamp stink on the opening slide guitar riff. The band, consisting of guitarist Luther Dickinson, drummer Cody Dickinson, and bassist Chris Chew brilliantly, raucously update the old Fred McDowell tune with samples, distorted guitar, and pounding drumming. The song is almost Beck-like in its genius.

The album's one slight disappointment is that the band doesn't consistently provide such an incredible combination of traditional sound and sonic innovation. Several songs come dangerously close to sounding like an overindulgent Phish jam , and their cover of the classic 'K.C. Jones' is basically a straightforward rehash of Furry Lewis' original 78 (which can be heard on Harry Smith's Anthology Of American Folk Music). Still, the few weaker moments are good, worthwhile listening.

Along with 'Shake Em On Down', the other high points on Shake Hands With Shorty are 'Goin' Down South', where the band's blues is at its roughest, and 'All Night Long', which develops into an extended, energetic jam that manages to keep the listener interested all the way through.

Overall, Shake Hands With Shorty is one fun album, great for driving or lazy summer nights, evoking the loose, relaxed atmosphere of an old juke joint.

Great Debut, Not Flawless
I should preface this review by saying that I am a fan of the traditional delta style of blues; thus I am predisposed towards liking this album.

With that said, this really is a terrific album, and I would highly recommend it, with a few qualifiers.

First of all, the album can seem rather repetitive given the nature of most of the songs (7/10 written by the same two ancient bluesmen), and at times this can grate on the listener. Given my interest in this kind of blues, I was not bothered by the repetition, because it is so well done. Those not fully converted to this school of music may find it tiresome after the first listen.

Secondly, (this is inherently related to the first qualification), the album is not diverse with regard to the material. There is only one real departure from the old blues music, "K.C. Jones" which presents an interesting story set against a relatively technically proficient blues-country background. The rest could be one extended blues medley; whether this is good or bad is contingent upon the listener.

To summarize, this is an awesome album within a specific, and very defined, discipline. If the listener is not committed to this type of music, most likely he or she will not really enjy this c.d. If the converse is true, get ready for a great debut!

keeping the blues alive for a new generation
I think it's great that these guys are getting some attention. They're awesome. They put on a great show (even if they're sound equipment is almost unbearably loud). Being a North Mississippi native, it sometimes seems a little unreal that these guys are as well-known as they are. But they're very talented musicians with a fresh (to my generation) sound. BUY THIS ALBUM!

Fun, gritty swamp rock/blues
Incredibly talented musicians play a great set mixing southern rock, blues and other influences. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you like Cajun and Zydeco, you're gonna love this.
As a fiddle player, I envy the capability of guys like Michael Doucet and the Ragin' Cajun,Doug Kershaw. Their music inspires and this CD has lots of their style! Great stuff. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Never mess with a good thing; Kenny Wayne Shepherd certainly hasn't. There's no appreciable stylistic difference between Live On and its predecessors, Trouble Is... and Ledbetter Heights, except that Shepherd's guitar work here sounds more assured. All of the other usual ingredients are present--a full, crunchy guitar sound, a tight rhythm section, mature-sounding vocals from Noah Hunt, and the usual assortment of uptempo rockers and slower, sweeter numbers. If Shepherd seems to be edging closer to the rock side of the blues-rock genre, it's hardly surprising given that's where he's had his greatest success. And if the result doesn't seem to quite transcend genre boundaries, it is, at least, a high-octane, energetic effort. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Holy shades of Hendrix, Batman!
Aaaaarrrrgggghhgh. I liked what I heard of Ledbetter Heights. I thought Trouble Is... was a worthy effort despite its being overly derivative. I still find Live On an enjoyable, high-energy slice of blues-tinged rock. However: I still hear Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix all over this disc, and I don't mean just the cover of "Them Changes." For a first record or two, it's understandable that a new artist will have some influences on his sleeve. But since this is Kenny's third album and (to my ears) he's still doggedly following in the footsteps of others, never taking a step in his own direction, I have to notch down an extra star. This is an album full of hot licks and fiery riffs, and I can't shake the feeling that I've heard them all before.

Am I being too harsh? Maybe. If you like hard rock with a touch (or more) of the blues, this is some fine stuff. Kenny's put together a smoking band and Noah's vocals have just the right blend of power and grit. A few nice breathers are thrown in amidst the thunder; "Electric Lullaby" is nicely muted and dreamy. "Was" starts out muted and swampy before thumping into a killer groove. Peter Green's "Oh Well" is kicked into space with hyper rocking force. The overall musicianship is a notch above Kenny's previous work as well (and it doesn't hurt that a few top-notch guests pop up, including Les Claypool and Double Trouble). I still wonder what the KWS band will sound like when/if Kenny lets his own voice as a writer & performer grow beyond his predecessors. In the meantime we've got these flawed little gems to enjoy.. but I for one prefer the original over an imitation.

The sound of some Rock & Roll masters "Live On"
On the band's 3rd album, Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to play some wicked electric guitar and prove he is a great songwriter too. Influenced by the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, Hendrix, and the Allman Bros, this kid's rock & roll blues are raw, loud and generally highly charged. He even throws a few very well written ballads in the mix here. This is my type of rock & roll. Lead vocalist Noah Hunt, who has a voice beyond his years, adds to the jam, and together these guys rock throughout the entire CD. Although the CD is energetic, it doesn't even come close to the energy these boys generate in concert. (I'll reserve their five star rating for their release of a live album). Buy the CD first, THEN see them live.

The released singles "In Too Deep" and "Last Goodbye" are good but I like the intensity of the lyrics and the jam on a song called "Was" which features Kenny on a steel guitar. I'm hoping this song is the next released single.

I consider the music these guys play a tribute to some of the great rock & roll masters and Kenny Wayne certainly has the creative energy to sustain this musical blend of rock & roll blues. More studio time, time on the road and years of experience will allow their own individual style to evolve, so they can take the music where some of their influences didn't live to take it.

HOLY MACKEREL!!!
This guy can jam!. Buy his CD's!! If you get the chance to see him and his band live GO!!! - a true talent. I am so thankful that he is making this music as there are not too many out there. I was devasted when we lost Stevie Ray Vaughn. Now look, so young Kenny Wayne Shepherd, so gifted and devoted to the guitar...just think of how awesome he could become. LIVE ON Kenny Wayne, you are totally fantastic!! I dance like a maniac to all of your CD's when no one is watching!!! ;)

Live On - Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band
This release, Kenny's third, finds him leaning towards the rock side of things. It seems as if Kenny is starting to become more mature on this record, playing more economically than on the first two cds, "Ledbetter Heights" and "Trouble Is...". Noah Hunt's vocals are very good on this record also. He makes the transition well from hard rockers like "In 2 Deep" to slower numbers like "Last Goodbye" to blues wailers like "Shotgun Blues". This whole record kicks from top to bottom; every song is great. People who say he still sounds like Stevie Ray Vaughan on this cd I don't agree with. Honestly, can anyone imagine Stevie doing a song like "In 2 Deep"? I think Kenny's songwriting and guitar playing drastically improved on this record. Maybe now he's finally ready to step out of Stevie Ray's shadow when his new album drops in the first week of September. Highlights are the hard rocking "In 2 Deep", the Skynyrd-meets-Robert Johnson "Was", the ballad "Last Goodbye" and the absolutely beautiful, Grammy-nominated "Electric Lullaby".

IDIOTS
ITS A RCOK ALBUM . PERIOD ! GOOD PRODUCTION , EVERYONE SOUNDS TIGHT VOCALS THRU THE DRUM TRACKS ! IF YOU INTELLECTUAL BISCUITS WANT TO ANALYZE GUITAR PLAYING LISTEN TO S HENDERSON , MIKE STERN ,TAL FARLOW , JOE PASS OR WES . THOSE GUYS PLAY ! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

One Man Band.....naw One Man Experience
I was walking down beale street when I came upon a smal crowd gathered in the street around where music was playing. As I aproached the crowd I could see that a man was sitting there on the sidewalk playign what looked like to be the harmonica, a guitar(cigar box with a pickup and broomsticks for a neck) and the bass drums barefoot. I thought no way is he really playing all that at once, and I tried to look behind him to see if there was just a cd playing in the background. Sure enough though I was wrong, totally wrong. I am a fan of rock music but I also enjoy my blues every once and a while. I went into the music store behind him and bought his cd. It was $20 but believe me it was well spent. I like that semi-blues artists such as jack johnson and the white stripes are begining to make it mainstream, but I think that Richard Johnston has more musical talent than either of them. I desperately want my local radio station to start playing some of his songs, just so others can enjoy his music. "Miss Maebelle" is a great jam song to listen to while driving, and the begining of "Work Me Baby" almost sounds like a stripped down AC/DC song. All In All Great CD,(+ you should see him live if possible).

For all people, not just blues fans
Richard is a strange bird indeed (that's a good thing). Here we have an artist who started playing out on the streets of Memphis (by way of Austin, TX and some years honing his craft in Japan!!) making it all the way into the pages rolling stone recently (not to mention winning the BB King guitar award and International Blues Artist of the year). Richard has helped to resurrect Mississippi Hill Country blues and presents it in its raw, powerfull and primal form. You can't help but tap your toes to most of the tunes included on this CD. As with other reviewers I was introduced to Richard via his live shows (which will mesmerize you) but I have had the CD for some time now to digest. Richard is the american dream, starting from humble beginnings to acclaim all through hard work, perserverance, and genuine love of the craft. This translates into his music. The CD was recorded in 48 hours but you would never know. There is energy and vibe captured here, not just notes strummed on a guitar. Richard's voice has a soulful edge but also an ease about it. The guitar sound is often "dirty" and gritty sounding, almost reminding you (in some way) of a washboard tone. This blends perfectly into the pace of most of the tunes. The stunners here are Miss Maebelle, Catfish Blues, Coal black Mattie and Work Me Baby. I dare anyone to listen to Coal black Mattie and NOT tap their foot... if you dont, better check for a pulse. I am aware of all the Junior Kimbrough references/history etc but as a somewhat 'non' blues fan it doesnt matter much to me. What matters is the feel and energy here, it isnt perfect throughout the whole album but this reaches far above anything you may have heard for some time. PS: Jessie May Hemphill adds some great flavor to this CD as well.

Wow. This guy rocks.
A friend who recently moved from my hometown of Boston to Rio Grand of Texas returned home on vacation with this CD is his discman. I played it in my car and within 24 hours bought it for myself. Fantastic blues! You can't help but want to tap your foot or nod your head to the raw power and pervasive energy that runs throughout the album. I know diddly about blues music or artists. But I know what I like and this album is now one of my favorites. Can't wait for more to be released.

Excellent Blues!
I first saw Richard Johnston at the 2002 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. He was awesome! Unbelievably, the CD is just as good. Buy it.

Richard Johnston knows how blues should sound!!!
Somewhere around the beginning of September, I was walking down Beale Street, and on one end there was a large crowd gathered. I checked it out, and what I found was a guy playing guitar, harmonica, drums, and singing all at the same time. There were people dancing in the street, and immediately, you could tell that Richard Johnston not only knows how to feel the blues, but plays them better than most. If you have the chance, see him live, but if not, get this CD! I bought it from him on the street, and I still listen to it on a daily basis. I'm ready for the next CD to come out, hopefully it will include a song called "201 Poplar" that he played live, but is not on his first CD. If you like country blues with power behind them, then this CD should be a part of your collection! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Houston-born blues showman Guitar Shorty, who once taught his young brother-in-law Jimi Hendrix a few stage tricks, has been on the scene since 1957, blasting out rocking blues with over-the-top enthusiasm. His recording career, highlighted by a trio of fine Black Top releases in the '90s, has been unfortunately limited, but Watch Your Back might finally put him in the spotlight. Much of the material, except for muscular reworkings of Van Morrison's "I've Been Working" and the recently discofied Elvis hit "A Little Less Conversation," comes from his producer and pianist Jesse Harms, and it effectively showcases Shorty's aggressive approach: a big sound short on subtlety but permeated with passionate vocals and searing guitar work. He simply overpowers the songs with his energy, and you can either go with the flow or get swept aside by its immediacy. The music is uniformly loud and in your face, just as you would expect from such an extroverted entertainer, and, more often than not, its sheer intensity overcomes any musical shortcomings. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Smokin' Blues!
Great stuff here. If you like your Blues on the rock side (without actually becoming rock) than you'll love this. A shame this guy is not huge.

Shorty Rocks The Blues
"This is the record I always wanted to do...the songs and arrangements are what's been inside my head my whole life" says Guitar Shorty in the liner notes. THis is his Alligator debut and he sounds fired up on this one. The arrangements are heavy bottom-heavy blues rock with Shorty's shoutin' vocals and intense guitar chops are full of energy. The thumping "What She Don't Know" & "I've Been Working" are intoxicating in the same way Buddy Guy's SWEET TEA disc was. Muscular, macho and in the groove. This is most likely his best disc and should win him a new legion of blues/rock fans. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Give this man his due...
I will never understand how this great Texas R & B master can languish in near obscurity while a certain balding mullet headed white "soul" singer of very modest abilities reaps the rewards of ripping off the blues. Oh well, Delbert sings about not worrying about things like that, so I guess I won't either. This CD is a booty beater right from lift off. The rockers here propelled by Bonnie Raitt's wicked slide guitar and Delberts superb singing and harp playing. Dig his version of Tyrone Davis' '60's soul hit "Can I Change My Mind?". Delbert's serving notice here on all the the imposters, "this is how to sing soul music, ya'll. Fans of Blues, Country, Soul, and rocknroll, this man can do it all with the grace and power available only to a few. Get as much Delbert as you can find because you havn't been rocked enough.

Have a little faith in Delbert...
I agree with an earlier user review - Delbert Mcclinton is a seriously overlooked and underappreciated talent.

I'd rate this CD very highly just for the great version of "Have a little faith in me," but the entire disc is just plain supurb.

Just the right mix of Blues, Rock and Country provides a disc that is worth every penny of the asking price.

"Everytime I roll the dice" is a rollicking blues tune, and starts this disc out right. "I used to worry" is a great tune, and just confirms that Delbert isn't worried 'about things like that.' "Miss you fever" is the typical 'sad you are gone (and I probably chased you away)' song, but from there you've got "Why Me" to pick up your spirits and start you rocking.

My personal favorite is "Have a little faith in me," a song that I think of when I hear "If I should fall behind" (performed very well by Springsteen and the E Street-ers and by the exquisite Faith Hill).

"Never been rocked enough" follows that and continues this great disc toward several more great tunes.

Well worth the asking price, and an excellent addition to any CD collection.

Not Enough Straight-Up Blues
This CD is a good CD, but, depending on the cut, a little (or a lot) too R&B, reggae, cross-over pop, or rock sounding for my taste. I was looking for a good, solid blues album by McClinton. After a couple of listens, I don't consider this to be it, despite other customer reviews by blues afficionados who apparently do (and whose reviews influenced my decision to give it a whirl). Of the 11 tracks, I count 3, or maybe 4, tops, that have a true blues sound, and, even then, 2 of them are really "blues light." Of the 3 or 4, "Blues as Blues Can Get" is really enjoyable -- with Paul Shaffer playing Wurlitzer. Again, it's a good CD, and McClinton's lyrics are often clever and playful, but if you're looking for what I was looking for, I'd skip this one.

Delbert McClinton Scores Another Winner
Delbert McClinton is a Texas singer-songwriter and harmonica player who has been making great music since the late 1950's. He made his first big public splash playing harmonica on Bruce Chanel's "Hey baby" and legend has it that he taught John Lennon some of the rudiments of Blues harmonica playing. His songs have been covered by dozens of other recording srtists and has had a career that has spanned decades and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

"Never Been Rocked Enough" is an absolutely solid album by an absolutely solid performer. Delbert's back-up musicians are as tight as you can expect. The songwriting is a s strong as always and Delbert's singing is absolutely a joy to listen to. As always, his harmonica playing shows the years he's spent perfecting his craft.

This is a very nice effort by a great artist. I definitely recommend it.

Rockin' Bluesman
Delbert McClinton's NEVER BEEN ROCKED ENOUGH was a 1992 release, but the album is one that keeps on giving. If the listener wants a quick pick-me-up jumping beat, the CD delivers that. And if the listener wants a soul-stirring wonder-of-life-and-love moment, Delbert delivers that as well. NEVER BEEN ROCKED ENOUGH is a great introduction to Delbert's music for a first time listener. Delbert is a bluesman with a foot in the past and an eye on the future. As a result, his brand of music is timeless.

Born in Lubbock, Texas, Delbert never has tried to stray far from his blues and Western swing roots. He cut his teeth working roadhouses in Texas along the Jacksboro Highway, quietly lining up work as a sideman on other artists' albums. His first CD, VICTIM OF LIFE'S CIRCUMSTANCES, set the tone for much of his music. Several CDs have followed, including ONE OF THE FORTUNATE FEW, LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL, HONKY TONK 'N BLUES, THE JEALOUS KIND, and 2001's Grammy Award-winning NOTHING PERSONAL.

In NEVER BEEN ROCKED ENOUGH, Delbert kicks off the CD with "Everytime I Roll The Dice", a slow grooving toe-tapper that became a Top Ten hit. "I Used To Worry" is a blues testimonial to the inevitability of the world delivered with a sarcastic wink. In "Miss You Fever", Delbert reaches into his vocals bag to hand out a tune in a hoarse and hurting voice echoing with the haunting feeling of sitting on a barstool far too long hurting the way everyone who has loved and lost hurts. Delbert wrote "Why Me?" and the background vocals are by Tom Petty, and the song kicks up the CD's overall tempo, hooking the listener solidly and reeling him or her in. "Have A Little Faith In Me" brings the listener back to earth, chaining him or her to the softer emotions, and Delbert's harmonica work underscores the hope the words offer. Then Delbert kicks the doors open and delivers "Never Been Rocked Enough", a tune that he wrote and that drives directly to the fun-loving rocker that co-exists with this bluesman extraordinaire. "Blues As Blues Can Get" is a soft and easy blues talker that speaks of pain and loneliness. Moving back into an up-tempo beat, Delbert delivers "Can I Change My Mind" but stays with the insecurity and pain of relationships. Sounding a bit like a gospel song, written by Delbert, "Cease and Desist" is a sexy and fun romp. "Stir It Up" is a cover of a Bob Marley song, and Delbert dishes a soulful sound that warms the heart and inspires hope. Singing with blues sensation Bonnie Raitt, Delbert blasts out "Good Man, Good Woman", which earned both singers a Grammy Award, and ends the CD with a solid blues feel and Delbert's haunting harmonica work.

NEVER BEEN ROCKED ENOUGH is a great addition to any Delbert McClinton sound library lacking this CD. For the blues enthusiast, the CD is also a definite keeper. Fans of Bonnie Raitt's work will definitely want to check out Delbert McClinton because they've both got the same long past deeply enmeshed in the blues scene and constant flirtation with the crossover pop crowd. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Koko Taylor's something of a deluxe edition herself. With a Cadillac of a voice that rumbles the earth and rattles the glassware, she reigns as the undisputed empress of the blues. Deluxe Edition, a retrospective of her 15 years with Alligator Records, may not include such classics as "I Got What It Takes" and the Willie Dixon-penned"Twenty-Nine Ways," but it does have "I'm a Woman," Taylor's answer to Muddy Waters, just to kick things off. Other highlights include "Born Under a Bad Sign"--a duet with Buddy Guy, of course. Much of Taylor's work in the 1970s included such duets, and here can also be found Carey Bell (on "Mother Nature"), Pinetop Perkins (on"Hey Bartender"), and B.B. King (on "Blues Hotel"). Everything on Deluxe Edition brims with Taylor's trademark attitude, the sass and toughness for which she's well known. Yet Taylor is capable of astonishing tenderness as well, as is borne out by "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Time Will Tell." Though this collection boasts only one obligatory previously unreleased track, it's a doozy: "Man Size Job," simply put, kicks ass. Looks like Taylor's reign is in no danger whatsoever.--Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Burnt My Fingers Putting On The Disc
This is one HOT album. There is a lot of stuff on this album, and it is smokin'. She has some guests you may have heard of like Buddy Guy, B. B. King, Carrey Bell, Pinetop Perkins, and Mighty Joe Young. I would recommend this album to anyone that doesn't have her previous albums (she's been with Alligator for over 26 years), or just wants a package with all her best in one healthy portion. For the price I paid, I definately got my money's worth. But with that voice, & those riffs, I'm surprised that Amazon got the package to me without catching fire. This is one HOT album.

Holy Cow!!!!!
Koko belts it! That's all there is to say. She is UN-BE-LEEEEE-VABLE. And this disk is no exception. I also have 3 others. If you have not heard Koko Taylor belt blues, and you are (as I am) a lover of blues, this is a must! This is the greatest thing since "canned Peanut butter."
Enough of the flattery. If you like blues, this is an essential CD to add to your collection. Simply, each and every cut on the disk is, in it's own right and in my estimation, a piece of blues history.......... Aquire it and see for yourself.

Great Collection of Koko's Best!
The choice of songs in this collection is outstanding, because it superbly showcases Koko's enormous talent at its very best. Backed by some of the best musicians in the business, she belts out her trademark tunes with power, attitude and conviction. This collection is a MUST for the die-hard blues fan, and it's also a great way to introduce new audiences to the "Queen of the Blues" and her music. Keep making the music, Koko . . . your fans love you!

Nice selection of Koko's work
Typcially nice Alliagtor Deluxe Edition that is a retrospective of the artist (sorta of a greatest hits). Few have had a longer tenure with the label that the "Queen" of the Blues Koko Taylor and this nicely samples her various albums. She belts out a number of tunes that are associated with her the most with some special guests on some tracks but the finest moments are Koko herself belting out her songs with so much feeling and authority. Hopefully if you are new to her, this will inspire you to check out more stuff by her ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A must have for all R & B fans everywhere.
Few people realize that Johnnie Taylor was a Sam Cooke protege. After Sam left the gospel group "The Soul Stirrers", he hand picked Taylor to take his place. It was a great choice. He not only filled some pretty big shoes, he went on from there to do a great job in the R & B field. I would recomend this album of hits in a heartbeat.

No Disco Lady - thank God
If the recent swell in Tito Puente sales is an indication, we should expect sales of Johnnie Taylor's catalog to take off with his passing this week.

While most news reports refered to Taylor as the artist behind Disco Lady, that #1 hit was not his best work.

This CD, featuring classier tracks like "Cheaper To Keep Her" and "Who's Making Love" ("to your old lady while you're out making love") is a truer representation of the man's soul and style.

If you're desparate for Disco Lady, the cheapest source for that track is the K-Tel Disco Fever collection.

Classic Johnnie Taylor
I HAVE 4 JOHNNIE TAYLOR CD'S THEY ARE ABSOULTY GREAT!!!!!.
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE 20 CHRONICLE GREATEST HITS. I RECOMMEND THAT YOU GET THIS CD. TO ME IT'NOT LIKE HIS OTHER CD'S THIS ONE HAVE SLOW SONGS AND MY FAVORITE SONG IS "I BELIEVE IN YOU (YOU BELIEVE IN ME)". I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED LISTENING TO THE BLUES BUT,UNTIL I DIDN'T KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE THE BLUES.THIS CD IS OFF THE CHAIN!!!!!!!!!PLEASE HURRY GO OUT AND BUY THIS CD.THIS IS CLASSIC J.T.

the greatest
this cd is great johnnie taylor is one hell of a soul singer.

Get an Attitude and Pack Your Bags
Of the three soulful Taylors (Johnnie, Johnny and Ted) Johnnie is, I guess, my favorite. There's not much to say about this except that it's completely unpretentious, cool music about screwing around. Don't do it is what Johnnie usually counsels, and in the ultimate Johnnie Taylor song, "Cheaper to Keep Her," he lets you know that "you're gonna pay some alimony, or do some time" if you get that divorce you want. Plus that other woman look good right now, but once wife-you-got-now get through with you, you won't have a damn thing so who's gonna want you anyway? Nothing gives me more pleasure than Johnnie Taylor singing "Cheaper to Keep Her"; it's good advice and good music, and that's an unbeatable combination. He recorded a zillion things for Malaco down in Jackson, and although I am not totally enamored of their concepts of modernizing soul with them drum machines and everything, his later stuff sounds good coming out of your car radio on I-55, and next time you're in Jackson stop in at Popeye's for some chicken and biscuits, hop over to the state capitol, and be sure to take some Johnnie Tayor with you. Works in Memphis and in Dallas, too. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The best blues album I have ever heard!!!
This is CD is awesome!!! Muddy Waters (the greatest blues singer of all time) is amazing, and the band rocks! Paul Butterfield plays the meanest harmonica you'll ever hear, Michael Bloomfield is a blues guitar MASTER, and Otis Spann is THE blues pianist. The songs are rerecordings of Muddy's earlier singles, but they are wonderful, even better than the originals. Any one who likes Muddy Waters or blues in general must own this album. It's possibly one of the finest blues albums ever recorded and the best collaboration between a blues singer and white rock musicians. Buy it!!

Excellent expanded re-issue
This is probably the best of the "senior musician meets and plays with eager young fan"-projects of the sixties and seventies blues revival.

Blues legend Muddy Waters and his piano player Otis Spann, with veteran Sam Lay behind the drum kit, teamed up with three young white musicians to record this 1969 album: Guitarist Michael Bloomfield, bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn (of Booker T & the Memphis Group), and harpist Paul Butterfield.
And the results are magnificent. 26-year old Paul Butterfield shows off some truly excellent harmonic playing, Dunn is rock-solid and funky, and the combined forces of Bloomfield and Muddy Waters himself produces some terrific guitar playing.

The sound is great, too, and Otis Spann (who is supposedly one of the "Fathers" of the album's title, even though he was only in his late 30s at the time) plays some of the best blues piano you'll ever hear.

Highlights include the tough, swinging "Blow Wind Blow" and "I'm Ready", the supremely groovy slow blues "Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had", the catchy "Forty Days And Forty Nights", Eddie Boyd's "Twenty-Four Hours", and the up-tempo rendition of "Sugar Sweet", which really shows off Otis Spann's masterful boogie piano playing.

Then comes four previously unreleased cuts, which aren't rejects by any means, although they didn't make the original double-LP, and six live tracks recorded on April 24th 1969 with the same band which had cut the studio tracks during the previous three days.
Muddy Waters' vocals on the slow slide-guitar workout "Long Distance Call" are sublime, and Butterfield's playing on the classic "Baby Please Don't Go" is pure Little Walter.
Out comes the bottleneck again for a grand rendition of "Honey Bee", followed by Willie Dixon's "The Same Thing" and an eight-minute take on "Got My Mojo Working", much to the delight of the crowd.

Not all attempts to "update" a blues artists sound were succesful, but this one is not only a succes, it is an excellent album which genuine adds to the legacy of Muddy Waters.

this album rates at least 6 stars
this is a real kick-ass, get-down, blues album. Stop reading the reviews.......go hear the album

If I could give it 6 stars...
I have about 100 CD's of the blues. Bands from A to Z. And this one right now is #1 on my list. Put this CD on in the car with a bunch of your boys liquored up and heading out, and you will have everyone tapping their feet and jamming. Everysong is 5 stars. If I had to pick one CD to listen to for a long car ride, like NYC to LA, and could take only one album for the ride, this would be it. Right now I don't even think my #2 CD is even in the same stratosphere with "Fathers and Sons". I hope this review encourages you to buy the CD, you will not regret it. I guarantee it.

not much i can add.....
the results are in....an almost unanimous ***** for this gigantic piece of work which has been in my collection [and in my brain] since 1970. you should buy it. but just for the record....it's not the paul butterfield band backing - it's mr. butterfield and mr. bloomfield only of that troupe doing inspired work each....i'm here to tell ya that the cd notes are quite an improvement on the original 2-lp liner notes, which were non-existent....other reviewers have given their favorites, none of which is "long distance call" which is mine [dig the finish]....and also dig the double harp work on "all aboard" [first track] - only work i know of mr. jeff carp, but a fine piece it is....did i mention that you should buy it? ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Ry Cooder may have been an in-demand session guitarist in the late '60s, but what set him apart in his early solo career was his extraordinary, if eccentric, taste in songs. Here he explores the repertoires of everyone from Johnny Cash to Bahaman folk master Joseph Spence to Leadbelly with enchanting results. While Cooder's vocal skills are no match for his slide guitar and mandolin talents (the latter showcased splendidly in "Hey Porter" and "Billy the Kid"), he's an amiable singer who resists the temptation to camp it up, even when essaying such antiquated oddities as "FDR in Trinidad" and "Taxes on the Farmer Feeds Us All." --Steve Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Return to the Purple Valley.
Ry Cooder has shown us a wide variety and diversification of musical influences since this 1972 release, but to me, this is his best effort. I love the broad range of musical influences that he has taken over the years, including the commercially successful Buena Vista Social Club, however, Into the Purple Valley is where he is at home. From beginning to end, this album carries such a magical feel, particularly the struggles of the poor and oppressed from a long ago era, however, seems to give us an indication that maybe our own "blues" maybe waiting around the corner for us all. ( You must remember that Nixon was in office when this was released...need I say more?). My personal favorites are "FDR in Trinidad", " How Can a Man Stand Such Times and Live", and the ever amazing rendition of "Vigilante Man". I love Mr. Cooder's travels into the realms of other cultures and rhythems. Through these venture, he has broadened our knowledge and appreciation for the sounds and rhythems of our world through the eyes and ears of those who we would have otherwise never known or heard. However, I feel that there is more for him to explore and interpret from The Heart of America and to give his own special stamp of originality. To those of you who have never heard "Into the Purple Valley" have no hesitation in going out immediately and purchasing. It will become one of your very favorites. And To Mr. Cooder, when you grow weary of world travels, come on back to the Purple Valley. We will all be waiting for you.

I wish I had this CD
I purchased this CD a year ago, right about the time when I was, coincidentally, doing a history project about the Dust Bowl. It provided the perfect backround music for it, and I have loved it ever since. In my mind there are no weak tracks, with the possible exception of Teardrops Will Fall, which I did not care for at first, but has grown on me. What amazed me the most about this album was the diversity within the particular style of music Cooder is dealing with. I normally group music like this under the term "down home," but on this disk that can range from folk to blues, or even a bit of calypso. I unfortunately lost this CD, along with Chickenskin Music, on a Continental Airlines flight this summer (and was rudely accomodated too), but I am sure that I will own it again in the near future.

The essential Ry Cooder
My brother brought this album home in the early 70's on vinyl. There was a production problem with this album and it seemed every copy we bought (must have been 3 or 4) skipped badly. You can tell we enjoyed the music.

The first 20 times we were forced to listen to it, the music and the words grated, it was a different sound. After that we found ourselves humming the tunes, whistling the music and looking for more work by the artist.

Nowadays, people ask me 'who was that?' instead of 'can we please listen to something else?'. While you might be better advised to start with 'Bob till you drop', 'Paradise and Lunch' or 'Chickenskin Music', Purple Valley remains a classic Ry Cooder Album.

Catchy tunes, wonderful guitar, lyrics which will roll you over and make you want to sing them yourself. 'I want money honey'.

Besides which, on CD it doesn't skip anymore.

Bringing History to Life
Leave it to guitar virtuoso Ry Cooder to tackle the Dust Bowl Era, the Great Depression, and the plight of sharecroppers in America. Into The Purple Valley is Cooder's musical take on John Steinbeck's The Grapes Of Wrath: impoverished farmers traveling to the Land Of Opportunity (I'm assuming that 'purple' means 'grape,' or the Napa Valley of California). Sounds pretty depressing? Not exactly. Into The Purple Valley is honest: musically and historically. The majority of the eleven songs are pre-fifties standards, but instead of updating the songs, Cooder captures the music (or perhaps the desperation) of the time. Outdated by contemporary standards (whether seventy-two or today), Into The Purple Valley is an inspired reworking of thirties and forties American music.

Desperation and misery are at the center of 'How Can You Keep Moving,' 'Hey Porter,' and 'Vigilante Man.' What picks these numbers out of the melancholy doldrums and lifts then into the blissful clouds is Cooder's mesmerizing guitar work: his technique is majestic. The bass-thumping R&B song, 'Money Honey,' reminds me of the "High Maintenance" ladies whom I have met, but couldn't afford. 'Teardrops Will Fall' shines with a heavenly angelic choir. Cooder makes the 'Denomination Blues' sparkle with (I don't believe it myself) a xylophone! His finger-sliding technique on "Vigilante Man' is breathtaking. Studying this period of history in school is often dry and boring. Into The Purple Valley brings history to life.

Better that the first...
Running a little longer than the first album and ditching some of the bugs that slightly marred it (the strings being one), "Into the Purple Valley" shows Ry Cooder coming into his own. While tackling most of the same issues and types of songs from his debut, "Into the Purple Valley" takes a more direct and stripped down approach to the music. He also takes on a few more musical styles with the gospel influenced Teardrops Will Fall and the calypso flavored FDR in Trinidad. While people claim that "Paradise and Lunch" was his greatest album, this one, his first true masterpiece, should not be ignored and was certainly a springboard for his more delicious mix of musical variations. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

The series of Stevie Ray Vaughan concert albums that began with Live Alive (1986) and continued after the guitarist's 1990 death is far from the catalog-bloating cash-in you'd expect from the record company of a platinum seller cut down at a career peak. Instead, each disc gives a distinctly different view of the Texas blues-rocker's stage strengths. Where Live Alive captured Vaughan and his band Double Trouble in full arena roar and In the Beginning recorded a looser early club gig, Live at Carnegie Hall finds the outfit broadening its range with guest shots from Dr. John and the Roomful of Blues horn section. Rather than overpowering Vaughan's signature tautness, the bigger band makes for an entertaining switch--in effect allowing a fresh look at his R&B roots. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Good If Not Overwhelming
Stevie Ray Vaughan is undoubtedly a legendary guitarist. On this live recording as on other recordings, Stevie adds so much color to his magnificent solos. Its a true joy to listen to the many ellaborate bends, use of feedback, and fast picking on the many blues numbers on this release. Some people may criticize Stevie's growl of a voice but truthfully I enjoy his stylings in that department.

Unfortunately, most if not all of the songs here are three chord blues. This can be a bit monotonous after a while. The use of the Room Full of Blues Horns on some of the tracks do help a little as a foil most especially on the slow blues tune Dirty Pool. Somehow I wish the horns and Dr John's organ were given a little more time in the spotlight on other tracks.

Overall, the effort is good but not quite over the top.

Vaughn & company at their best
Whether you're a hardcore Stevie fan, or just wanted to get a taste of his record you will be glad you bought it. Most blues musicians have respected Stevie Ray Vaughn as probably the best guitarist that ever lived. I think this live album captures Stevie's energy on stage, which I think makes it more interesting than some of his studio albums. This is the best live album I own. The mix between the instruments and the crowd are just perfect. The CD gives you the sense that you're at Carnagie Hall. It starts off with the most amazing blues song ever written...Scuttle Buttin'. It really shows his playing ability and how fast he could move his fingers over the frets. It certainly would have been a heavenly concert to attend. Among Stevie was his brother, Dr. John, Angela Strehler.(or something) With envigorating tunes like Cold Shot, Pride and Joy, Testifyn', and others make this CD one of SRV's best. A perfect gift for any Stevie fan. Although it probably won't appeal to your 15 year old daughter, who would probably prefer another copy of "No Strings Attatched." If you're really into the mainstream blues guitar scene, you'll enjoy this CD.

Live At Carnegie Hall, Oct. 4, 1984
I always wanted this CD live at the carnegie hall. I just bought it today for a great deal. This CD features many other musicians like Jimmie Vaughan, Dr.John, Roomful Of Blues Horns, and Angela Strehli. The crowd is very loud its almost like being at the concert. This includes most of all his hits like Love Struck Baby, Cold Shot, and Pride And Joy. This CD has everything a music fan could want great music, and great musicians. 5 stars know go add this to your CD collection!

A rare treat
Once in a while a live album really adds to an artist's legacy, producing something different and exciting, rather than just reproducing his studio sound with added crowd noise.

"Live At Carnegie Hall" is such an album. Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble, recorded the day after Vaughan's 30th birthday with the on-stage assistance of Stevie's brother Jimmie Lee Vaughan on second guitar, Dr John on his customary piano, and the Roomful of Blues horn section popping up on several tracks.

The sound is not quite as crystal clear as on the magnificent recording of Stevie Ray Vaughan's 1982 Montreux appearence, but it is more than good enough, and the band tears through some of their best songs, including the irresitable "Pride And Joy", a horn-augumented version of the slow blues "Dirty Pool", a superb, tough rendition of "Honey Bee" with some truly muscular guitar playing from the Vaughan brothers, and an equally great "Cold Shot".

Vaughan relies quite a lot on instrumentals (they make up five of the thirteen numbers), and it would perhaps have been nice to have a couple more vocal performances, especially since Stevie Ray was actually a really fine rock n' roll singer.
But that's a matter of taste, of course, and his instrumentals are catchy and a real showcase for his sublime talents on the guitar.

"Live At Carnegie Hall" also includes a few rare performances, particularly Eddie "Guitar Slim" Jones' "Letter To My Girlfriend", the instrumental "Iced Over" and Leo Gooden's "C.O.D." (originally recorded by Albert King) which Vaughan never recorded anywhere else.
On "C.O.D." Vaughan is joined by Texas blues singer Angela Strehli (check out her album "Soul Shake").

All in all, "Live At Carnegie Hall" is a very welcome addition to Stevie Ray Vaughan's too short catalogue. And to those who are weary of Vaughan working with a horn section - don't worry, he remains front and center, and his playing and singing is nowhere near overwhelmed by the presence of additional musicians.

Excellent!

Simply excellent!!!
Simply magic, you get the feeling you are in the concert!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Classic melodic, poppy blues
They say timing is everything, and in Freddie King's case, that certainly was true. His early hits, especially the classic instrumentals, "Hide Away" and "San-Ho-Zay," came out in 1960 and '61, at precisely the right moment for his career to intersect with the SoCal surf scene (which also centered on instrumental numbers) and the nascent British blues revival, which was ever eager to find American bluesmen to latch onto and laud. Here, white kids on both sides of the Atlantic had a guy who bridged the gap between raw authenticity and pop polish, setting the standard for the zilllion-and-one future Fendermen who sought to sharpen their guitar chops. Fittingly, King cracked into the US Top 40 while also picking up flocks of converts (such as Eric Clapton) who worshipped his fluid, pop-tinged electric guitar leads. King's style was a perfect distillation of the smooth yet soulful postwar blues style, rootsy yet accessible and perfectly pitched for the ears of adoring white blues fans. His career had its ups and downs, but by the time he passed away in 1976, he had packed them in on the pop and blues circuits... This disc covers the breadth of his career, matching the ace oldies up with a good selection of his often overly-bombastic later material.

Freddie King is a blues master
I don't have this actual CD, but I have most of the songs that are on it from other collections and they are all great. This is a great collection of Freddie King's work from his earliest recordings (1960's "Have You Ever Loved A Woman") to his later Shelter records material (1969's "Palace of the King" and "Going Down"). If you like blues guitar, then at least one Freddie King CD should be in your collection. He influenced countless guitarists, particularly Eric Clapton. This is a good place to start if you're new to this blues guitar master.

"if you like rock mixed with blues then this is the place"
Freddie King is a one-of-kind-artist ~ his talent is tremendous ~ check out the style you've come to love from this down-home-finger-picking icon.

Of course there are stand outs ~ "HAVE YOU EVER LOVED A WOMAN", "HIDE AWAY" and "AIN'T NOBODY'S BUSINESS" are just but a few that grab you, but then the whole album pulls you in ~ hook, line and sinker.

The influence of this great artist can still be heard through recordings of the musicians of today ~ the short time this legend was here on this planet will be missed, but they'll never be another to pass this way again ~ FREDDIE KING!

Total Time: 59:43 on 18 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 314 520 909 2 ~ (2001) ... Read more