Reviews (11)

A fine, somewhat overlooked live album
Considering the late, great Michael Bloomfield's rather sparse and sometimes erratic output, the high quality of this excellent live album came as a pleasant surprise to me.

Recorded at San Francisco's Old Waldorf in 1976 and 1977, and produced by Norman Dayron of Maxwell Street fame, it features Bloomfield and some excellent backing bands which includes guitarist Nick Gravenites, drummer Bob Jones, bassist Roger "Jelly Roll" Troy, and pianist Mark Naftalin (who used to play alongside Mike Bloomfield in the Paul Buttefield Blues Band).
Gravenites, Jones and Troy perform the lead vocals, Butterfield, who was never much of a singer, plays all lead and slide guitar.

Ironically, the best track here, the "Sweet Little Angel/Jelly Jelly" medley, is not from the Old Waldorf; it was recorded in 1974 and broadcast on San Francisco's KSAN radio. Bloomfield's playing on that song is simply magnificent, clear and inspired.
He sounds a little bit ragged on a couple of the Waldorf tracks, but his smouldering solos on "The Sky Is Crying" and the slow, mournful "Your Friends" are superb.

Not every song is equally great, and not all three singers are great, either, although the fine, under-recorded behind-the-scenes bluesman Nick Gravenites does a very good job, particularly on his own "Buried Alive In The Blues". But Bloomfield's guitar is something to behold almost all the way through, and even though none of the Old Waldorf tracks match the phenomenal, fiery lead guitar on "Sweet Little Angel", the best moments here really do validate Mike Bloomfield's reputation as one of the greatest white blues guitarist of the 60s and 70s.

It's Not Killing Me, and It's Not Worth It
As a live album, and a guitar album, and as a band album, this album is absolutely awful. Bloomfield only plays slide guitar except on about one track, and his slide playing here is just awful. There a a couple of good moments when he doesn't play slide, but they aren't THAT good. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS ON THIS ALBUM, from anybody, though Nick Gravenites throws in a couple of songwriting gems, and, unfortunately, for as bad as Bloomfield's playing is on this album, this is definitely Bloomfield up front and center stage all the way from the start. If you want to hear Bloomfield playing great slide, buy the first Butterfield album, where he cooks like a demon on fire. If you want to hear Bloomfield playing his greatest guitar, buy Super Session, A Long Time Comin' (Bloomfield's guitar on Going Down Slow is worth getting the extra tracks), and East-West. This album is nowhere near as as good as the liner notes make it out to be. It was a waste of tape. Bloomfield's mind was clearly on something else besides his guitar playing.

Mucg Better Ta\han I Was Led to Think
As a avid Bloomfield fan I had hesitated getting this CD based on various reviews. However I just picked it up. Much better than people have said. If Mike's playing on My Labors and More is a 5 (or higher?) and Super Session is also a 5, then this is a 4.

He really cooks on My Labors and Super Session; here he is very good. Surprises for me were The Sky is Cryin' and many others. The songs are good even if Mike's licks are not god like; only above us mortals.

Recommend it after you have listen to My Labors, Super Sessions, and the Butterfiled albums. It won't disappoint you.

A lesser known Guitar Hero
Although never a household name like Eric Clapton or Stevie Ray Vaughan, Mike Bloomfield was undoubtedly one of the greats of blues/rock guitar. Bloomfield is best known for his stints with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bob Dylan; he played on such classic albums as Paul Butterfield's "East-West" and Dylan's "Highway 61 Revisited." In 1968, Bloomfield teamed up with Al Kooper to produce the "Super Session" album, that recording spawned the instrumental hit "Albert's Shuffle." Mike Bloomfield has often been described as a "musician's musician": a substantial number of his fans have always been fellow guitar players looking for inspiration.

"Live at the Old Waldorf" captures Mike Bloomfield in his element: onstage in his hometown, the San Francisco Bay Area. The Disc is a collection of beautifully re-mastered performances recorded between 1976 and 1977, along with a set of rare photos and extensive liner notes. The music on this disc is outstanding; old fans will be ecstatic and newcomers just may rush out to buy everything else Bloomfield recorded after listening to this disc. The mastery which Mike Bloomfield exhibited over his Gibson Les Paul guitar was amazing; he could churn out sweet, soulful BB King-style riffs or play biting, stinging lead lines reminiscent of a young Eric Clapton's work with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. His solos on blues standards like "Sweet Little Angel" and "The Sky is Crying" are simply jaw-dropping. On several tracks Mike's old running buddy Nick Gravenites contributes his gruff voice and wry vocals; tunes like "Dancing Fool" and "Buried Alive in the Blues" are excellent examples of Nick's inimitable tongue in cheek songwriting. All the tracks on this disc have the loose, spontaneous feel of a great live recording.

Listening to this disc, it is easy to understand why Bloomfield has always been so highly regarded by guitar players. His solos are like textbook examples of how the electric guitar should be played. Anyone with an interest in blues/rock guitar owes it to them selves to check out this disc by one of the lesser known heroes of electric guitar.

Lackluster
Unfortunately Bloomfield's best days where long behind him when he made this recording in the mid 1970's. Better is Live Adventures from 1968 and SuperSession 1968, also Paul Butterfield East-West 1967 and Electric Flag Long Time Coming 1967. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Just when it seems that the purr has left Etta James's estimable voice, about halfway through this live concert recorded in 2001 at L.A.'s House of Blues she begins her eternally romantic ballad "At Last," and the years tumble away. James's singing becomes flexible as a tenor saxophone, building to a lovely, serpentine diminuendo, which she caps with an arching phrase that dissipates in a misty exhalation of breath. It's such a beautiful, brilliantly executed performance that it's suddenly clear that for most of this show, the 64-year-old diva played dirty on purpose. So her signatures, "Tell Mama" and "I'd Rather Go Blind" (really, just about everything), are raw and earthy, moan-and-groan R&B milked for every smile and tear. Raunchy, too, since James deploys plenty of her bawdy stage patter and picks numbers like the striptease fantasy "You Can Leave Your Hat On" and the even more obvious "I Just Want to Make Love to You." Her impetuous nature leads her into unpredictable improvisations, like the weird bird calls she warbles during the intro to the ghetto-rocker "All the Way Down," with it's wah-wah guitar and "Theme from Shaft" vibe. And her Roots Band are perfect accompanists. James's sons Donto and Sametto are the rhythm section, and the five horns and two guitarists play with the loose precision of the classic Stax or Muscle Shoals studio crews. Since James has made few live albums, she might have included more of her own gems in this set. But James has the command to transform numbers like Kiki Dee's "Sugar on the Floor" into soulful diamonds. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Tasty Set!
Some of the other reviews attack this on the basis that it is not as soulful as the 60's and 70's sets that we all know and love. Sure this is not 1962, but the band is on and it is a powerful well produced saucy set. The fact that she can put it out this strong after all of these years is a testament to her artistry. It is a nice blues rock sound and it never dissapointed anyone that has heard it with me. I understand the argument for purity but in this world everything evolves and this one gets a well deserved spot on my shelf next to the classics.

Average at best
She spends as much time talking the lyrics as she does actually singing on this live CD. If your looking for Etta at her best live then buy her CD "Rocks the House".

Still Etta, But Disappointing
Looking at the play list, I was really anticipating a power perfomance by one of my favorite R&B power vocalists. This, however, was not to be. To me this CD had the feel of someone going through the motions and pandering to an audience who wanted to see a "canned" Etta James performance. Too bad, because she can really be a force of nature when she's at her best. Check out The Essential Etta James' version of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" to see what I mean.

Overall: OK, but disappointing.

Burnin Down the House Smokes!!
I have several Etta James titles and this one definitely kicks some serious .... Etta shows no fear whilst tackling a couple monumental rockers, (e.g. Take Me to the River, and Born to be Wild), and once again demonstrates her remarkable versatility. For the younsters in the crowd who were not around at the time of the Talking Heads release of Burning Down the House, let me assure you it definitley made the scene in a big way. Etta's rendition of Take Me to the River is energetic and inspired. Truthfully speaking, I would have a difficult time choosing between Etta and David Byrne. This CD is recorded live in 5.1 surround (if i recall correctly). The sonics and mixing are quite good and I routinely find my mid-fi 2 channel stereo system cranking out 60-70 watts per channel by the end of this cd. Talk about imaging! Next best thing to being there. Anyhow, I rarely post reviews at Amazon.com, so you won't find my name in a top xxxx list. I do know something about the blues, however, and felt obligated to comment upon this cd, as I was totally blown away to see the negative reviews of this recording. Burnin Down the House is a live set that more than lives up to it's title. Buy it!!

Fairly Average!
I have quite a few Albums by Etta James&Have Live Recordings of Her Back in the 60's&70's&this Set doesn't even Come Close to Her Earthy Raw SoulFul Self to Me overall.Her Band Has Moments&Her Voices shines in spots but overall can't really feel the Warmth&Depth in this Set. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Blues Legend Makes His Guitar Sing!
Albert Collins unleashes the soul of blues guitar on this album! From beginning to end this recording cuts to the listener's core, as Collins' guitar performs musical surgery with a master's skill! All of the songs are great, but the real gem is "Stormy Monday." Collins' version is simply outstanding! In this song Albert Collins truly pierces the very soul of the listener, and lifts it to a higher place! The guitar solo is breathtaking! This album is full of great music, and should be owned by every real fan of blues. Buy it now and experience the depth of a blues legend.

Explosive mix!!!
This cd is really an explosive mix,blended with the great presence of this power trio in one of perhaps, the best "Live"performances ever released.Casey Jones on drums;A.C. Reed on sax and the "Iced-hot Man" Albert Collins is really an explosive mix you must try on!!!

Blues that WILL not let you sit down
It is impossible to describe the raw energy of this CD. Don't even think of sitting down! Your foot will be tapping inside of 30 seconds flat. You will be dancing in the kitchen. The greatest legal pick-me-up since caffein. It's like stickin' your finger right into the Blues socket when your momma isn't lookin'. It feels so fun it must be bad.

Carefully save this CD for that dark, grey day when you just don't have the get-up-and-go to do what you have to do that day. Then insert this CD and crank the volume waaay up. It could save your life.

A MUST for any blues collection
This is definitely one of those CD's that no blues collecter should be without. Albert Collins' mastery of his craft shines, shimmers, and shakes in this soul-searing example of what the blues is all about.

on cd finally!!
one of Albert's very best recordings!! Having thrown my record player away about 10 years ago I'm really happy to find this CD. There's at least 1 alligator I appreciate..

Just buy this record!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This guy should be huge!!!!
So there I am wandering through Downtown Disney at night, spending and eating more than I should, when I hear this incredible blues guitar from a street musician. My son and I stop to watch and listen, and after a couple of songs in which my jaw is hanging open in disbelief, I turn to my son and say, "This guy's so good it's scary." Two guys walked right up to him while he was playing and leaned over so they could get a better look at his fret work. Why he's on a sidewalk hawking his CD instead of being featured at the House of Blues 100 feet away is beyond me, but if there is a just God - and there must be, if for no other reason than Brother Yousef EXISTS - this guy will become BIG.

REAL BLUES,YES!
Brother Yusef "The Fattback Bluesman" is the BLUES. "Back at the Crossroads" is the closest sound you'll ever hear to another time when blues was played sitting on rocking chairs in the 1930's. This is a one take, no overdubbing, footstomping acoustic guitar showcase for one talented musician. Yusef points out in song that the blues can be found anywhere, even "Bakersfield". I also like Keb Mo', but this is more real and raw.

AN EXCELLENT ACOUSTIC BLUES RELEASE.
Several months ago, I purchased a promo copy of this disc for $8. As with other promotional CD's I have purchased, I wasn't expecting much more than two or three listenable tracks. Too my surprise, this turned out to be an excellent disc. All 13 tracks feature Yusef co-writing all lyrics, performing vocals, acoustic or resonator guitar and an occassional rythmic foot stomp. fans of Guy Davis, Keb Mo' and/or Alvin Youngblood Hart's "Big Mamma's Door" should sit up and take note. This guy will be one to watch.

A MUST FOR ANY TRUE BLUES LOVER
I recently purchased this CD and by far it is my FAVORITE! Brother Yusef states he devoted all his energy to the study of the earliest forms of music, and he has definitely acheieved this. Every song takes you on a journey and really reaches you, a couple of my favorites are "Power of the Blues" and "Back at the Crossroads". The combination of his vocals, acoustic guitar and foot stomping is something for all blue lovers to experience. Brother Yusef has all original songs that take you back to the roots of the blues and tells a story of pain and suffering as well as joy! Looking forward to his next cd and his live performance! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A LIVE laid back musical experience!
After years of listening to Muddy's blues classics,countless recordings,with raw blues energy,(which Muddy is the master),I must say this is one "LIVE" cd I keep coming back to for it's pure laid back feeling. Outstanding recording quality adds to the enjoyment of this "live" small setting. A great,-late night- audio listening experience. A -must have- for Muddy fans and all real blues fans alike! Get this cd!

A fine, underexposed live album with excellent sound
Horst Lippman and Fritz Rau, the organizers behind the American Folk Blues Festivals of the 1960s, seem to be the source of this 1964 live recording which features Muddy Waters in his prime, backed by a lean, tight combo which apparently includes Sammy Lawhorn, Francis Clay, and star piano player Otis Spann.
(I say "apparently", because I don't really trust the credits, which list Luther Johnson as the bass player, even though he was a guitarist and only joined the Muddy Waters band in 1972, and George "Harmonica" Smith, who supposedly plays a non-existent saxophone. It does sound like Otis Spann, though, and there is a harmonica player present on some songs, who may very well be George Smith.)

Opening with a slow, slide guitar-driven "Country Boy", "Hoochie Coochie Man" features excellent renditions of "County Jail", "Rock Me Baby", "Trouble No More", "Rollin' And Tumblin'", Big Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go", and a sizzling "Tiger In Your Tank" (the track list on the cover is flawed, wrongly listing "Sittin' And Thinkin'", "All Night Long", "Sweet Little Angel", and "Early Morning Blues" instead of "Tiger", "Rollin'", "Trouble No More", and Muddy Waters' version of "Walking Blues", which is called "I Feel Like Going Home", if I remember correctly).

The sound is very, very good for a mid-sixties live album, Muddy Waters plays great slide guitar all the way through, and the presence of Otis Spann is always a bonus.
Some listeners may feel that the relatively slow and mellow versions of songs like "(I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man", "Long Distance Call" and "19 Years Old" rob them of some of their intensity, but that's a matter of taste, I suppose. To me, "Hoochie Coochie Man" is a very fine addition to anybody's blues collection, and one of the best live Muddy Waters-albums.
4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

The Hoochie Coochie Man has his mojo working
I'll be the first one to admit that I don't know much at all about the blues, but Muddy Waters is arguably the best blues great with which to begin one's education in the subject. This revolutionary talent has influenced countless singers and songwriters ever since the day he first came to Chicago in the 1940s. It was Jimi Hendrix's electrifying performance of the song Hoochie Coochie Man that led me to Muddy Waters, an artist I had frankly never heard of before. After enjoying his music and reading a little bit about him, I was pretty surprised to know just how influential he was, is, and always will be. By way of an example or two, Led Zeppelin's song Whole Lotta Love is a reworking of a 1962 Muddy Waters number called You Need Love written by the great Willie Dixon, and the Rolling Stones actually named their band after Waters' 1950 recording Rollin' Stone. Suffice it to say that far more than merely blues artists have been influenced by this legendary performer. Waters was born McKinley Morganfield, the son of a sharecropper, in the Mississippi delta. His discovery is a terrific story in and of itself, but the real story of Muddy Waters played out in Chicago, where he revolutionized Chicago blues with his revolutionary slide guitar playing and impassioned vocals.

This particular album is a live recording of Muddy Waters made in 1964. As another reviewer has pointed out, there are an unbelievable total of four mistakes on the track listing; the fact that such an important album from 1964 can still be released with one-third of its tracks listed incorrectly frankly boggles my mind. If you're keeping score, replace Sittin' and Thinkin', Sweet Little Angel, All Night Long, and Early Mornin' Blues with Tiger in Your Tank, Trouble No More, Rollin' and Tumblin', and I Feel Like Going Home, respectively. When you are talking about Muddy Waters, though, individual song titles aren't that important - that's how impressive all of the music on this CD really is. Backing him up are the remarkable Otis Spann on piano, George Smith on saxophone, Sammy Lawhorn on guitar, Luther Johnson on bass, and Frances Clay on drums. The songs, all written by Muddy Waters, range from "woe is me" slow blues such as Country Boy to hard-driving, rocking numbers such as Hoochie Coochie Man and Tiger in Your Tank. If you want to know what a slide guitar sounds like, just listen to Rosalie or County Jail in particular; it's quite a distinctive sound. Blues piano is exemplified by Spann's performance on songs such as 19 Years Old and Baby Please Don't Go.

The advent of rock and roll overshadowed Waters to some degree, and his career endured some ups and downs during the 1960s, but he proves he still had it in spades in this 1964 performance (although I should add that the sound quality here is far from pristine in places). When he is really cooking on tracks such as Tiger In Your Tank, County Jail, and Long Distance Call, and the crowd is going wild, you know you are hearing the blues the way it was meant to be sung.

not Muddy's best
I hate to put down anything Muddy has done, but truthfully, this is the worst album of his I have ever heard. Whoever is playing bass on the first 5 or 6 songs is completely out of key, and doesn't appear to know the changes. The sound quality of the recording is very poor too. Muddy Waters does have some GREAT live albums but this is not one of them. Instead of this listen to LIVE AT NEWPORT, or MUDDY WATERS LIVE.

Muddy is king!
This is the blues. Before this I had never heard any blues music. But my mom went and got me this, because Muddy tought my mom how to play the guitar. This is one of the greatest music genres ever! I fell instantly in love with this Cd. It's the best! Buy it! Trust me, you won't be dissapointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A magic night (May 11, 1995) on PBS's Austin City Limits translates superbly to disc for this heartfelt and soulful salute from a Hall of Fame crew led by B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John.Brother Jimmy's elegant "Texas Flood," Raitt's kick-ass "Pride and Joy," and the amiable collective jams on "Six Strings Down" and "SRV Shuffle" are all highlights. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Tribute Fit For A Guitar King
Before August 27, 1990 I had never really had to cope with death. Although this was not a family member or friend it was still someone I had grown up with, and on. Stevie Ray Vaughan has a special place in my life. His music stays with me until this day.

The amount of friends he had and how they came together was amazing. This was by far the best tribute album as far as talent. There are amazing players on here. It's worth the buy even if you aren't a fan of his, but the blues itself.

Artists include: Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Lee Vaughan, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and Dr. John.

The last three tracks are great and they feature all the players on the album playing in unison. This is a delight for fans of the particular artists to hear such a unique live JAM session. All in all this is a fitting, emotional tribute to a man whose guitar magic still lives on inside my soul.

An All-Star Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan without a doubt is one of the greatest blues guitarist, and song writers that ever lived. I have been a long time Stevie Ray Vaughan fan when the tribute CD came out I was anxious to here people like jimmie vaughan, bonnie rait, bb. king, eric clapton, robert cray, and dr.john. I bought this not too long ago since I have never got around to it. I have been so caught up with newer releases like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Box Set that I forget to buy some of that other stuff. Anyways I thought in all this CD was another great thing that happened to the blues power of steive ray vaughan.

The guitarist's on here are truely great all of them have a different style thats what I really liked about this CD no one copied stevie note for note or tried to be just like him because every guitarist is different from another. The first track on this CD is Bonnie Raitt: Pride And Joy. Her version was way different from Stevie's but it was good to here a new flavor with some slide guitar. The second track is Jimmie Vaughan: Texas Flood. I also loved his texas guitar slinging playing it sounded like he was picking with his hands it was really cool. One of my favorites though is the next song performed by B.B King titled Telephone Song here is the coolest blues jam. The next one is titled Long Way Home by Buddy Guy. My favorite song on this album was Eric Clapton's version of Ain't Gone 'N Give Up On Your Love. Then their was Robert Cray's Love Struck Baby, Dr. John Cold Shot, All of the guitarist for Six String Down, All of the guitarist for Tick Tock, and all of the guitairist for the SRV Shuffle. Dont get me wrong this is one of the best tribute CD's that was ever put together their is great blues guitar playing on here any true fan, or guitarist would want. Highly Recomended!!

sounding to much like Stevie
i think when you do a tribute album you should do the songs in your own way. some people did but for the most part the play it the way he did. eric claptons song sound just like texas flood. dr john what the best becuase he did the song on a paino so it was diffrent. if you like the bkues you will like this album.

Pointless cash in
It may have been a good idea to put on a tribute concert to SRV, and I hope the proceeds (and the proceeds from the sale of this CD, the VHS, the DVD etc. etc.) go to a worthy charity - although, since it isn't mentioned on the tin, I doubt they will - but in any case it doesn't reward the listening.

Each one of the featured artists is great in his or her own right, and if you want to catch some of that greatness, then buy the artist's own CD. Same goes for Stevie Ray Vaughan. But don't buy this.

Just give this record the swerve - if you already own everything else by the artists concerned, by a book or something, and improve yourself.

Great tribute to a great artist!
I recently repurchased this cd & listened to it from start to finish. Funny, but I don't remember it sounding this good when I first owned it. It still amazes me that all this talent could be assembled in one place - it speaks volumes about their love and admiration for Stevie. This is a great primer for someone interested in blues music, but unfamiliar with some of the artists on this disc. Each has a very distinctive style and sound. I'm not a huge fan of Jimmie Vaughan, but I have to admit "Six Strings Down" (about the tragic accident that killed Stevie) touched me more than any other song. All the artists sound in top form - none of them are just going through the motions. Truly a great tribute to a great artist! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Buy this CD now!
The title says it all. If you want to purchase an incredible album, get this NOW. Every track is five star, all the traditional Junior hits. I guarantee that on "The Train," which is track five, you will hit the repeat button a few times. Enjoy!

A fine documentation of Junior Wells live
Admittedly, this may not be of the same caliber as Junior Wells albums like "Hoodoo Man Blues" or "Calling All Blues." Nonetheless, this album is more than deserving of its five star rating because it is simply a joy to listen to.

Performing at Buddy Guy's famous "Legend's" club, Junior Wells comes alive on stage in a way rarely captured in the studio. Wells seems to be inspired by the presence and he demonstrates his enthusiam for his fans with some excellent audience interaction as well as a level of passion which vastly exceeds that demonstrated on his recent studio albums. The songs here, though a bit on the funky side, are all highly enjoyable. "Broke and Hungry" and "Messin'with the Kid" kick the set off in funky style before Junior gets down to business with a fine version of "Hoodoo Man" and a haunting rendition of "Sweet Sixteen." One of the highlights is Junior's take on the Sonny Boy Williamson classic, "Help Me." With only the organ backing him, Junior brings an eerie ambience to the song not soon forgotten.

The harp is here, though like a lot of later day Wells material, it seems to take the back seat to his vocals a little too often. In good form, Wells is capable playing on the level of Little Walter, so it's a shame to hear his harp so often regulated to the background. Still, when he does pick it up, Wells reminds us that he is still one of the undisputed masters of the craft with very well played solos.

For any fan of Junior Wells, or blues, this is a highly reccomended album. The energy and passion Junior brings to the stage make this a must have live blues set.

Help me...
This is a great CD by one of the great bluesman. My highlight of the CD is "Help Me", which is absolutely phenomenal. If you own some of his other CDs you probably have a rendition of this Sonny Boy Williamson classic. The version on this CD is unique and not to be missed....no electric guitar, but what sounds like a Hammond Organ...just fantastic.

The other songs....Got My Mojo Working, etc...all excellent. His voice is expressive, the harmonica mic'd, amp'd, and reverbed into that Chicago blues, and the band is tight and acoustic...like trumpets, saxes, bass.

Really very good...whether this is your first Junior Wells CDs or your 10th CD.

Junior at his best! Tight back up band. He blows you away!
Was at the recording of this album. If you consider Juniors priorities, first an entertainer, second a singer, and third a harp player, than you'll realize this is junior at his prime. Rumor has it that Junior was aware of his illness at this time, and it appears that he is going out with a bang. from the openning tracks to the final note this album cranks. It will live in your C.D. player. This album is currently in my top ten of blues picks. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Recorded live over three nights in Los Angeles in 1998, Shoutin' in Key provides an accurate snapshot of late-1990s Taj and his all-inclusive view of the blues. In fact, blues is really just one ingredient in a stew that offers hard-driving, horn-fueled R&B, gently swaying Caribbean-style rhythms, slow-burning soul, loose reggae jams, 12-bar stomps, smart jazzy grooves, and polished country-blues updates. On this album, he's most compelling the further afield he moves. His reading of Delroy Wilson's "Rain from the Sky," a Jamaican standard, is a highlight here, as is his own Latin-jazz-infused instrumental, "Sentidos Dulce." And he delivers fine readings of signature songs like "Mail Box Blues," "Corrina," and "Leavin' Trunk" as well. While he's not at his most consistently inspired throughout, there are certainly enough high points to make this a worthwhile introduction to the Mahal style. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Blues You Can Use
This cleanly recorded, live set from Taj Mahal backed by the excellent, tight Phantom Blues Band, blends all sorts of musical flavors into a refined amalgam. The strain, stress, and anguish that make too many forays into contemporary blues a sure-fire ticket for a migraine are cast aside for grace, craft, and smoothness. On the other hand, there is enough edge here to add texture. In many ways, the energy, vibe, and diversity here remind me of the superb but obscure "Rust" by Kevin Brown, must more so than the largely sterile renderings from say Eric Clapton.

Everything comes together without sounding contrived or forced, and Taj Mahal, as always, marches to his own drum beat (well, actually some snappy percussion work from Tony Braunagel). Mick Weaver, a fellow who has sat in with about everybody at one time or another, handles the keyboards deftly. Danny Freeman, who cut his chops with the borthers Vaughan hits the right tone throughout, and Larry Fulcher clearly knows his way around on bass. The Texacali horns provide the bright seasoning, and Taj deftly stays out front without quashing everyone else's good time or taxing himself too much.

This recording would make a great soundtrack for a ramble through the country or a backyard cookout.

Awesome Blues
Next to Eric Clapton, I'd have to say that Taj's blues are the best around. Look no further than track 3, Ain't That Alotta Love? for the perfectly executed blues song. From the bass line to the vocals, you don't get better. This album has found its way among my short list of classics, and well-deserving. I can't wait to get the chance to see him jam live in person!

Care for an appetizer anyone? Wine, cheese and blues perhaps
Virtuosic playing and uncommonly clean sound quality aside, the diversity of material prevents this set from ever catching fire. It's a collection of appetizers that never adds up to a full meal.

Taj Mahal - Shoutin In Key
As an avid fan of Taj's work for over two decades I am sorry to say that this album misses the benchmark that Taj has set from his earlier works. The Phantom Blues band is tight and on top of it's game but Taj does not rise to the meet the rest of the band. For a really good live album check out An Evening Of Acoustic Music, recorder live in Germany.

Excellent Blues!
Excellent show of years of blues vocals and experience! Taj Mahal is a legend in his own time. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

wanna jam?
This cd starts out with some acoustic numbers from Edwin McCain. They hold up to repeated listening because of Warren Haynes' tasteful and impressive acoustic lead and slide playing. The Derek Trucks Band is as an exciting band that is working today and their set is a joy. But it gets even more thrilling as virtually each extended jam features one great artist after another. The Cry of Love set adds hard rock and is alittle weak. Then Gov't Mule takes over. It's set is more like, but maybe even beter than, disc one (as opposed to the stellar disc two) to "With a Little Help from Our Friends" and holds up well to repeated listening. "But" you may wonder, "isn't this just another one of those blues based extended jam albums that I already have in abundance in my collection?" No! Herring, Haynes and Trucks deliver (together no less) on song after song on this cd, plus, and I must say surprisingly, the sound quality here is outstanding. One last thing, Haynes, McKay and the various and asundry good friend/guest vocalists can belt it out -- not an embarrassing note among them.

Habitat for the Blues
The 1999 11th Annual Warren Haynes benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity offers something for everyone. Disc One opens with soul-filled acoustics by Edwin McCain and Warren Hayes. They are followed by a rolling blues jam hosted by Derek Trucks. Derek Trucks leads with "Rastaman Chant" -- a bow to Reggae that keeps you bouncing. Trucks then lays a solid foundation with the jazzy Chicken Strut for a five-song set that closes out the first disc. The set features guest after guest pushing each other to new heights. Jimmy Herring, Col. Bruce Hampton, Susan Tedeschi, and Larry McCray mix and match as song after song delivers first rate blues. Larry McCray sizzles on "Ain't That Loving You" and Col. Bruce Hampton will have you kneeling at the altar of the blues with his "Yield Not to Temptation". Tucks closes Disc One with Tedeschi's "Just Won't Burn" (Oh, but she does and so will you).

Tedeschi opens the second disc with a version of "Angle from Montgomery" that rivals Bonnie's rendition. Cry of Love returns after a five-year absence to rock the concert. On "Piece Pipe" they beat out a powerful song that resurrects the spirit of the 60s. Government Mule then does for Disc Two what Tucks did for Disc One - they host a rolling jam featuring Johnny Neal, Jimmy Herring, Col. Bruce Hampton, Mike Barnes, and Little Milton. Jimmy Neal rips out one great line after another on "Falling Down". Hampton, Neal and Mike Barnes have some fun with Willie Dixon's "Spoonful". The second disc closes with Little Milton reaching new heights on "When the Blues Come Knockin'" followed by Government Mule, Derek Trucks, Little Milton, Johnny Neal and Little Milton in an unforgettable version of "Merry Christmas Baby".

This is a solid two CD set for the serious Blues-Rock fan who appreciates live music and artists who love to jam.

Wanna Jam?
This cd starts out with some acoustic numbers from Mr. McCain. They hold up to repeated listening because of Mr. Haynes' tasteful and impressive acoustic lead and slide playing. The Derek Trucks Band is as an exciting band that is working today and their set is a joy. But it gets even more thrilling as virtually each extended jam features one great artist after another. The Cry of Love set adds some welcomed, tuneful hard rock and then Gov't Mule takes over. It's set is more like, but maybe even beter than, disc one (as opposed to the stellar disc two) to "With a Little Help from Our Friends" and holds up well to repeated listening. "But" you may wonder, "isn't this just another one of those blues based extended jam albums that I already have in abundance in my collection?" No! Herring, Haynes and Trucks are the "it" boys and they deliver (together no less) on song after song on this cd, plus, and I must say surprisingly, the sound quality here is outstanding. One last thing, Haynes, McKay and the various and asundry good friend/guest vocalists can belt it out -- not an embarrassing note among them.

Good Friends, some tunes, ....
and what you get is music contained on this 2 CD set. To try and cover everything on this would require a book, so I`ll just say that this entire set has numerous highlights, like all of the great talent that Warren Haynes seems to always assemble. The players on each song rotate so much you need a program, but unlike most All- star jams, this one has each player pushing the other one,creating some incredible improvisational jamming.

There is the Derek Trucks Band, with Derek`s incredible Duane Allmanesque slide on Rastaman Chant, Edwin McCain, Col.Bruce Hampton with Jimmy Herring, two fifths of the Aquarium Rescue Unit, there`s Cry of Love playing together for the first time in five years. You have Larry McCray, brillant blues guitarist, Susan Tedeschi with her warm Bonnie Raitt like voice. Then the Mule`s set with it`s burning version of Bad Little Doggie, and then there`s blues legend Little Milton, doing a smoking When the Blues Come Knocking, and most of the gang performing 15 minutes of Merry Christmas Baby.

This is a great CD of an incredible night. There were other great players there also, I`ll end it by saying if you like the Mule and great jamming, along with some musical surprises, this is it. Rest in Peace Allen Woody.

Gov't Mule has some great friends:)
Warren Haynes has been doing a benefit show in Ashville,NC for years, but this year the concert moved to a much larger venue. It was a very cold windy day, and there was still some snow to be found around the Auditorium. The 2 cd's capture all of the best moments of the night. There is a few songs from everyone that was there. The Derek Trucks set was just amazing. And the night just got better and better from then on. The Govt Mule set was the show stopper. I think that everyone was on that stage at one time or another. The highlight of the whole eavning had to be Little Milton singing "Merry Christmas Baby". Wow what a legend. So, if ya like the Mule and there friends that always show up. This is a must have.. ian lee ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Stuff Here
From the heartfelt Crossing and Come on in my Kitchen to Big Leg Mama, this album traverses alot of emotions and really packs a great blues punch. I have enjoyed this album alot and it is a great live recording, definitely worth your purchase. Taj mahal is an extremely versatile and talented artist and this live recording strongly reflects both of those characteristics.

Puts You In The Mood
At first listen, the guitar can be a little annoying, but once you get into the mood of the CD, it's phenomenal. I've never seen Taj, but would love too, this CD is why. I find one of the most enjoyable ways to listen to is on a clear night with your window open while you drift off to sleep. At the point the songs take an aural quality that is hard to desrcibe--just great though!

Well, Semi Acoustic, Anyway...
The "Acoustic" in the title is a bit of a misnomer. Taj plays an electric piano on a couple of cuts (which is fine) and his guitar sounds like it's miked through an amp with the "chorus" effect turned up to 11 (which I could have done without).

Some reviewers have panned the songs where he's accompanied by Howard Johnson (not the hotel guy) on tuba, calling them "sloppy", however, in my opinion, these are the highlight of the CD. In particular, "Cake Walk Into Town" stands out- This is a song that should be prescribed for people that are chronically depressed, as it never fails to put a smile on my face.

The CD lags a bit on "Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie Anymo" (live or in the studio, this is a song that is always an endurance test to me to see if I can get through it) and the part where he coaches the audience on clapping in time, which I've never heard any audience do. This is one of those things that are much more fun in person that hearing on a CD, and could have been left off.

I also urge all fans of Taj and Ry Cooder to check out Austin, TX group "Bad Livers", especially "Hogs on the Highway" - Banjo & Tuba at it's finest!

Taj Mahal, singing solo is dynamite!
"An Evening of Acoustic Music" is reminescent of "A Giant Step" from the late 60's. If you loved that album (as I did) you'll probably enjoy this one too. As the Dirty Linen review points out, the cuts with Howard Johnson playing tuba are weaker than those where Taj flies solo; "Big Kneed Gal," especially, is sloppy. Despite that, the CD, as a whole, makes you feel really good. And a large part of its charm is that it hasn't been cleaned up too much in a studio. This is not a slick recording--it has a very direct, authentic quality, a kind of immediacy rare in the music world today. Its definitely not background music. Because its easy to listen to, you'll put it on while you're doing something else--only to find you're no longer doing anything but listening. Taj Mahal is just so charistmatic here he engages all of your attention.

Acoustic magic
This one's not BRAND new, but very recent & apparently only being discovered by a wide audience. LIVE Taj is a phenomena to be witnessed - ask anybody that's been on one of the Blues Cruises with him. Its tough to gauge his disks at first glance, because some contain different versions of the same songs. In his case, they're all good. This one's an acoustic gem. He does his interpretation of a Langston Hughes poem & teaches a German audience how to keep blues time. I won't waste your time with anything but something I can RAVE about. An original that exudes BLUES. One of my favorites & I have a LOT of blues disks. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Live collection?
All the best live albuns are those which brings a complete show, with something special and different from a studio recording (B.B. King recorded two historic live albuns, "Live In Cook County Jail" and "Live at Regal"). This is why a collection of live recordings sounds a little bit strange. But we are talking about B.B. King, a legend of music and a great entertainer, and this album brings a good sample of his energy and charism in stage. This album covers a wide range of years in King's career, and it's a good introduction for those who are starting to appreciate blues.

Midnight Blue
Unbelievably scorching 2CD set of the best live blues you're likely to hear in your entire life--as most of the other reviewers allude to, the first CD is the killer; ostensibly because it covers B.B.'s early years.

It's especially useful for those of us who don't fancy the idea of buying every single one of his live albums due to limited budgets, and it's equally useful in a 'greatest hits-live' notion.

The second disc suffers a bit by comparison--the duets come off as novelty status at best, but that doesn't mean B.B. isn't phenomenal for his part. Check out 'Sweet Little Angel', 'Don't Answer the Door', and 'Worry, Worry' for a classic blues primer.

Classic BB.. Superb collection of blues by the King !
This 2-CD set is full of classic blues numbers performed exquisitely by BB. All performances are live and that adds to the excitement and sheer beauty of the music. Every number, on both CDs are worth listening to. Most of the music, specially on CD one, is superb. Stuff like, "Sweet Little Angel", "Buzz Me", and "Baby Get Lost" evoke sheer joy. The number two CD is not quite as good as the first simply because there are duets with other artists. However, if you want to listen to great blues music and sample the work of an American great don't hesitate to get this set.

B.B.'s at his best live. This is the best of him live. Enjoy
This is great big band B.B. The classics, like Chains and Things and The Thrill is Gone, are a little heavier than their studio counterparts, and they sound great. But an even better argument in favor of this two-disc set is that there isn't one bad song. Some are better than others, but they're all good.

Great for B.B. fans, spectacular for those that want to be. Enjoy.

B.B.'s best 'live' sets!
Great performances of the bluesman,that won a Grammy this year! If you want to know something about the work of this eternal King,then buy this cd,and you'll not be disappointed! Really the first cd,is better than second.It's more bluesiest! But all the two are good and you get a view of B.B.'s peformances,on stages all over the world,and the guests performances,enriches the work.Perfectly,sensual,emotional..... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Look Back At The Beginnings Of The Blues
Honeyboy's finest work and his honest and touching storytelling make this a Cd any blues fan should own. From beginning to end the music seems to take you back to the '30s. Anyone who enjoys pre war blues or is a Robert Johnson fan will get chills listening to this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Delbert - Live From Austin
To start with, I DON'T like country music. With that said, this CD rocks. I had to try a Delbert McClinton CD after listening to Imus drone on daily about Delbert McClinton and started out with this CD. I am particularly a fan of tight bands and they just don't get tighter than his. The twangy ones I can do without but overall this CD rates a 6 on a scale of 5. And if you get the chance to see him and his band live, well, don't miss it. Pay any money. You will not be diappointed.

McClinton Rocks Austin City Limits
For lovers of good clean rock and roll with a bluesy flair, this album is one of the best buys around. Backed up by a terrific band, including a fabulous horn section, McClinton runs through his own classics like "Givin' It Up For Your Love",and "Back To Louisiana" as well as covers like Otis Redding's "I've Got Dreams To Remember". McClinton's raunchy voice and energetic style prove that he sets the standard for live perfomances. The album's only drawback is that at less than 40 minutes in length, the party is over before you are ready for the fun to end. Nonetheless, it remains one of my favorite albums, bar none. An absolute must have for any rock and roll fan.

Excelent compilation of Delbert's best work
Although live, this is an excelent recording and I think that a live performance is the only way to hear Delbert at his best. I also have the Ultimate Collection CD, which it is not the Ultimate collection, it is missing Standing on Shaky ground and several other great tracks.

Energetic R&B/Soul & Blues
This is an outstanding set of soulful R&B and blues, powered by a great five-piece horn section. Delbert's vocals and harmonica playing are in fine form, as is the entire band. Among the many highlights are "Maybe Someday Baby", the funky "Standing on Shaky Ground" and "B Movie Boxcar Blues", "Let Me Be Your Lover" (featuring some great guitar), "Back to Louisiana", "You Are My Sunshine" (with a cool organ solo), and "Givin' It Up For Your Love". One of the few changes of pace in a very uptempo set is a nice version of Otis Redding's ballad, "I've Got Dreams to Remember". Nobody does this style of music any better than Delbert.

Superb horns sessions!
This is one of my favorites in my collection.The voice of Delbert is a great surprise for me.All the tracks seemed so familiar to my ears,and with the help of the team of horns,this "live"performance hits the top! For those sentimental bluesfans,rare moments of great ,joyfull music! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Blues at its best
This is the best live blues album -- and one of the best blues albums -- you will ever hear. (Note its recording history in the book "Deep Blues.") Raw, uninhibited, a glimpse of Son Seals as he sounds in a crowded club. Seals picks up where Muddy left off in Chicago, without any of the post-modern bull. Back in the day I had friends who ran a record shop. Each time they put this one on the turntable they would sell out the stock.

one of the all time great live blues albums
Son Seals is really one of the titans of the current blues scene who should be spoken of in the same conversation as BB King, Buddy Guy, and Ronnie Earl. Of the many albums I have, this is one of the best, Son with his own band burning it up in a club full of real blues lovers. Although the set here features several covers (Son is one of the great composers, as you'll learn on subsequent albums), they are delivered in quite personal, intense renditions (esp. Litle Walter's "Last Night") that show that Son picked up the best from watching the legends who used to play his father's Arkansas club in the 1950's. This is one of the gems on the Alligator label, so by all means buy it along with the others he has in the catalog. His vocals have grit, and his guitar is like a nasty fusion of BB, Albert (King), and Hubert Sumlin. And see Son when he plays near you.

BAD AS HE WANT'S TO BE!!!
blues as it was meant to be; live!!! blistering riffs, sax, bass, drums and rough vocals that give you the feeling that he know's what he is talking about!!!

REAL Chicago-style club Blues! Bartender, another Old Style
I give this CD 4 stars instead of 5 only because I like Seals' Spontaneous Combustion a bit better, and, for me, this genre is epitomized by Luther Allison. Son Seals, however, runs a close second for me ... a real, working bluesman ... a practitioner of true art. This album truly captures the feel of a live club performance. If you've never heard the blues played Chicago style, in an intimate, smoky club, this CD and Seals' Spontaneous Combustion capture the feel as well as anything I've heard. The vocals are, of course, soulful, and the guitar work superb. This man *lives* his music, and it shows.

Absolutely ESSENTIAL live blues
Can you say INTENSE? Probably the most accurate title for a recording ever. It captures Son at the peak of his power. The guitar bites and claws, the vocals, gruff and in your face, are sung with a conviction rarely, if ever, matched in the blues genre. The rest of the band is tight and in the groove.The emotion jumps at you from the speakers. A huge plus is this recording is made the way a live blues record should be made. The mix isn't perfect, the mistakes and feedback are left in, the crowd noise is left in. It IS however, the closest thing to being in a smoky, crowded blues club that you will find on CD. A must buy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you want to buy a Siegal Schwall CD buy this one
I haven't heard any other albums by them, but this one is smoking. You get 7 minutes of blues healing with upbeat harp and guitar jams in "I Don't Want You To Be My Girl," and another 7 minutes in "Hush, Hush," hee hee hee. Not that "Leavin'" should be overlooked because it is only 3 minutes long - that song smokes too. Yep, this is a good CD to help forget some woman. The CD ends with the best version of "Got My Mojo Working" that I have ever heard.

Great album from a great band!
A great live album by a fun and talented band, luckily brought back together and recorded. Jim Schwall and Corky Seigel front a talented and honest band that puts out down home music the way it's supposed to be played. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great blues from great venues
You really, really should see the documentary that this soundtrack comes from.Then you really, really should make a weekend round trip to Clarksdale, Miss. to the Ground Zero, and to Jackson, Miss. to the Subway Lounge on West Pearl Street. (The previous reviewer made an error--it's the SUBWAY Lounge in Jackson, the Ground Zero in Clarksdale.)The Subway Lounge is only open Fri and Sat nights, starting just before midnight, as it has done for a long, long time.Thank God they saved it from demoliton.For blues, tearing down the Subway to put a road through would've been like tearing down Liverpool's The Cavern to make a new goldfish pond. These are the real folks, the real places. You'll do no better than to make this part of your planning for a Delta Blues road trip.

Who ARE these people?
Who cares?They're great!This is the real deal, boys and girls and, because you're here, I can only assume the real deal is what you're looking for.Buy this. It'll make you want to move to Jackson, Mississippi so you can feast on this buffet on a regular basis.

Still humming...
If you want a listen to the real world of Mississippi blues, this CD is for you.These artists are gems!

Living soundtrack of the blues
This soundtrack collects fourteen live tracks from Robert Mugge's film documentary of Mississippi juke joints. Recorded at Clarksdale's Ground Zero Blues Club (established by actor Morgan Freeman) and Jackson's Zero Club, it features a variety of blues, from the electrifying slide guitar playing of Alvin Youngblood Hart, to the folk-blues of Bobby Rush, and electric-backed harmonica work of Greg "Fingers" Taylor (known for his work with Jimmy Buffett).

Chris Thomas King, at one time known for his fusion of blues and modern sounds like hip-hop, retains the roots-driven approach he used for the soundtrack to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" His acoustic guitar playing is seasoned with moving slide work. Also featured are electric guitarist Vastie Jackson and vocalist Patrice Moncell.

Though a CD could hardly hope to recreate the entire atmosphere of Mississippi's rural blues lounges, as a soundtrack to the documentary, this certainly provides a generous helping of both blues history and the continuing role played by juke joints. It's not just a live soundtrack, it's a living one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Few blues partnerships were ever as successful and satisfying as the union of Sonny Terry's down-home harmonica work and Brownie McGhee's polished guitar lines. This generous, 18-tune live session catches the late acoustic blues brothers in their physical prime and at their musical best, rolling through an energetic set of conversational blues with casual virtuosity and seemingly telepathic interplay. Terry, a stone-cold traditionalist, contributes a raw-boned, backwoods feel with his heavily textured singing and harp solos while the modern McGhee's smooth vocals and clean picking provide a perfectly compatible counterpoint and complement. Either artist could carry the show by himself, but when the divergent styles musically intertwine they create a wonderful blues synthesis unlike any other the blues has known. The dynamic duo jumps right in with a reconfigured rendition of "Sittin' on Top of the World" and doesn't let up until the end. With Terry whooping and hollering between harp breaks and McGhee opening songs with comic asides the session is an unusually personable one. It's all undeniably authentic and eminently enjoyable, as well as positive blues proof that on very rare and fortunate occasions the whole is much greater than just the sum of the two parts. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best Terry/McGhee-albums
A valuable companion to the classic "Sugar Hill" album, this is a great buy for those who treasure Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee's brand of no-nonsense porch-style get-down blues.

The duo performs old warhorses like "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer", "Key To The Highway", and "Careless Love", and they change "Sittin' On Top Of The World" to "Climbin' On Top Of The Hill, which doesn't make it anymore interesting, but even though the material is not always particularly original, the performances are sincere and spirited, and this CD includes great renditions of two of the duo's very best songs, "Walk On" and the classic "I'm A Stranger Here".

The clarity of the recording and the singing is pure as the driven snow, with no distortion or compression, and while "Backwater Blues" doesn't quite match "Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee At Sugar Hill" or the great, raw "Live At The Penelope Café" album, it has more than enough highlights to make it worth your while.

Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee/Backwater Blues
This Backwater Blues CD is excellent. Not a bad song on it. These two were truly masters of this style of Blues. My favorite song on this CD is Louise, but I feel this is truly one of the best examples of their work.

From a man who loves the blues:
Friends, you cannot find old-school blues better than Backwater Blues. Sonny & Brownie's strained partnership has produced many excellent recordings, of which I believe this is the best. This album is the way the blues were meant to be played: just the simple, old-style tunes; just two men, two microphones, a guitar, and a harmonica. No fancy electronics, no prettyboy singers, just ol' Backwater Blues. If that's the way you like your blues, then get this album, sit back on a hot summer day, and play it all the way through! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

electric blues
cds contains bernard doing covers from freddie king to luther allison,if you like wailing guitar licks this is for you ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Tab Throws A Party, Louisiana Style!
Swampland Jam was recorded at the House of Blues, New Orleans, Louisiana on February 23, 1997, and what a party that must have been.

Benoit is joined by several cajuns including, Chubby Carrier on "Hot Tamale Baby", Jumpin' Johnny Sansone on ""Louisiana Style" and "Crawlin' King Snake", Henry Gray on "Two Many Dishes" and Raful Neal on "Garbage Man". Six of the twelve songs are Tab and his band without the guests. All songs are excellent, but my personal favorite is "Dirty Dishes" which features some nice piano playing By Henry Gray which quietly compliments the slow blues guitar playing and vocals of Benoit.

Fan noise is kept to a minimum although there is no doubt that the CD captures a live and enthusiastic crowd in attendance.

He's Genuine
I haven't lived in New Orleans in a while, but I did live there long enough to recognize real Tiptinas style cuts, when I hear them. This guy delivers that sound, in grand style. If you are a fan of N'Awlins style soul/blues, as I am, this CD will give you your fix. Blues fans of Keb Mo will hear some similarities. Tab's guitar playing has that similar "fuzzy" quality to it. But Tab is definitely on a tighter track when he kicks out the Albert Collins riffs on "Too Many Dishes." It's almost as if I were put into a Sherman and Peabody wayback machine to a live Tips/Collins gig, via 1983.

Fans of Collins, Professor Longhair, Stevie Ray, The Dirty Dozen, and other performers of the era will be happy to see that Todd Benoit and similar groups are maintaining that kind of quality!

BEK

Solid Jams
Although a fan of Tab's, this CD leaves me wanting. Don't get me wrong its a good listen a well worth purchasing for fans, but it doesn't grab me the way Nice and Warm and Standing on Banks do. If you are a fan and looking at buying it, you won't be disappointed, but if you're new to Tab you'd do better to get one of other CDs first.

Tab Benoit knows how to pass a good time.
This CD is so good you can taste it. If you like the blues and like gumbo, red beans and rice, and jambalaya, you will love this CD. Laissez le bon temps roule!

DIdn't Meet Expectations
After seeing Tab Benoit in concert twice and reading some of the other reviews here, I was expecting a really hot disc. Boy was I disappointed. The performances are sedate, the crowd seems bored and after a few tracks, so was I. Even "Hot Tamale Baby" seems to have been performed