Album Description

This Album includes All versions of Stand Up In It which hit #1 on Billboard for several weeks and as of 2004 April is still #1.All includes Stand Up In It Part 2. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Theodis Finally Gets His Due
The single "Stand Up In It" has been Number 1 for months on Southern Soul charts + charting Number 1 in Billboard's R & B sales charts and number 68 on the Billboard R & B Hot 100 chart. It joins Clarence Carter's "Strokin", Marvin Sease's "Candy Licker", Mel Waiter's "Hole iN The Wall" & others as one of the biggest songs on the "chitlin circuit". Finally Theodis' label got around to releasing a full album containing "Stand Up In It" (in three verions, clean, explicit & "Stand Up In It Pt. 2"). First the good news: This album is excellent througout- Grade A soul & blues songs like "Bluesman Lover", "Lil Brown Eyes", "All My Baby Left Me Was A Note, My Guitar & A Cookie Jar", plus new songs like the dancers "Move With The Motion", "If You Keep Rockin'", "Don't You Wanna Party". There's also duets with Francene Reed ("Baby You Got What It Takes") and Chick Willis ("You've Got To Hurt Before you Heal"). The only (semi-) bad news is that if you bought his 2002 cd IT'S A REAL GOOD THANG you already have half the songs on STAND UP IN IT. Nevertheless, the remaining songs make it a necessary purchase. ... Read more

Album Description

"Raw blues does not get any better than this"

The essential album by dynamic guitarist Kirk Fletcher, "Shades of Blue" can only be described as classic electric Chicago, Delta, and West Coast blues played with passion and fire by one of the best blues guitarists in the business, with a little help from some high-profile friends.

This is the first time that "Shades of Blue" has been available in the US, newly re-mastered and with 3 previously unreleased tracks!

The album also features a powerhouse of blues talent including: Kim Wilson, Janiva Magness, Finis Tasby, Ronnie James Weber, and more!

With a total 17 tracks this album is a must have for music lovers worldwide. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The blues lives on
In a world infatuated with hip hop, young African-American blues guitarists are a rare commodity. Rarer yet are those whose touch, tone, and vibe recall such Chicago blues greats as Buddy Guy, Magic Sam, and Otis Rush in their youth. Meet Kirk Fletcher: Still in his '20s, he plays with the conviction and authority of a seasoned vet, yet burns with a young man's fire. Fletcher favors toothy Strat tones, stinging bends, and flurries of tight, staccato riffs that seem to pop from his fretboard like little firecrackers. His touch is supple and his fingering fluid, yet his phrases never sound slick or contrived. Fletcher and his no-B.S. band cover blues classics by B.B. King, Willie Dixon, and Magic Sam; toss in some R&B (including Percy Mayfield's "The River's Invitation" and a funky take on Booker T. & the MG's "Hip Hug Her"); and cap things off with modern offerings from the likes of the Fabulous Thunderbirds' Kim Wilson. Fresh, vital blues.

A real talent to watch
Every now and when someone is able to emerge from the crowd of very good blues musicians out there and demonstrate that he has something special that distinguishes himself. I think that this is exactly the case of Kirk Fletcher. This album is a real gem that shouldn't be missed by any serious blues fan. With the help of veterans like Kim Wilson, Finis Tasby and Janiva Magness sharing vocal duties and the support of a fantastic band Mr. Fletcher delivers 17 strong blues songs that deserve to be listened. His guitar work is outstanding in every track and, even though very close to the style of the great players of the past, he brings something new into the mix. Fantastic tone control and fluid phrasing are, from my point of view, his main assets that together with is innovative way in creating music progression, make his sound fairly unique and very personal. Not a bad tune to be spotted, this is the classic CD that you would listen from start to finish and when it is over, well... you will play it again! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gentle, graceful, subtle, sweet--these aren't descriptions generally applied to the blues, but they offer a sense of Mississippi John Hurt's uniqueness and enduring legacy. Rediscovered during the 1960s folk boom after last recording in the late 1920s, Hurt cut the three albums compiled here when he was in his early 70s. His conversational phrasing sounds as natural as breathing, while his ragtime-tinged fingerpicking on acoustic guitar reveals more complexity the closer you listen. Beyond blues classics like "Candy Man" (the sly sensualist wasn't referring to lollipops), Hurt's range encompasses everything from folkish narratives ("Talking Casey," "Spike Driver Blues") to Southern spirituals ("Nearer My God to Thee," "Farther Along"). Though Hurt died in 1966, shortly after the last of these sessions, the music still sounds so fresh, you can almost hear the twinkle in his eye. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Intimate, Powerful, and Melodic
This collection has all of the studio recordings done by John Hurt for Vanguard in the early '60's, after he was "rediscovered" by folk blues enthusiasts. Hurt's legendary finger-picking style, which inspired the likes of Doc Watson, simply blows me away. His voice is a little weaker on this album than on the 1928 Okeh recordings, but he still has a commanding presence. He lets his guitar do a lot of the talking for him. Hurt is, quite simply, a musical genius. Don't pass by the chance to hear him loud and clear!

Smooth as sweet wine.....
Mississippi John Hurt is one of the great blues man whose story seems to fit that romantic myth of what the blues and blues man are all about. He recorded music into the late 1920's (see 1928 Sessions released by Yazoo and Avalon Blues : Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings) and then disappeared back into the misty roads of Mississippi to be all but forgotten like so many others.

Then in 1963, Tom Hoskins and Mike Stewart, two young blue musicians from Washington, D.C. came across Hurt's 1928 Okeh recordings and decided to try to find some of the great old blues men, including Mississippi John Hurt. Using his song Avalon Blues as a starting point, they searched all the maps looking for Avalon, Mississippi. However, no town was found. Finally, an 1878 atlas listed Avalon as a rural road in Mississippi between the small towns of Greenwood and Grenada. Taking a chance, they went to Mississippi to find John Hurt. Stopping at a gas station near the area where Avalon was supposed to be, they asked the attendant if by chance he knew John Hurt. The attendant said sure, "about a mile down the road, third mailbox up the hill." Sure enough, they found him. John Hurt went with them back to Washington, D.C. and recorded and toured during the GREAT Blues revival of the 1960's until his death in 1966.

What a story!!! However, the music is the real treasure. Mississippi John Hurt possessed one of the truly great voices in Blues/Country music. Full of warmth, gentleness and power, he tells stories of times and events long since gone. Mixed with his crisp and attractive guitar work, Mississippi John Hurt is one of the GREAT storytellers of all time.

The packaging of three albums, Today!, The Immortal Mississippi John Hurt and Last Sessions, together for around $20 is an absolute steal. You will love these albums. Close the doors, turn out the lights and just listen and enjoy. Then check out the other recordings of this great artist.

Smooth as Silk...but Twice as Durable
It's hard to imagine acoustic finger-picking blues being any smoother, yet heartfelt, than this. This fabulously mastered collection assembles the three studio albums MJH recorded in the 70's following his "rediscovery". The music, sound, and feeling is all there - and it's an absolute PLEASURE to listen to - pop and scratch free - as it was recorded with relatively modern equipment in the 70's.
MJH's intricate and beautifully styled finger-picking represents a degree of confidant mastery that perhaps could only be created by 40 years of playing in relative obscurity working to please only yourself...and his engaging vocals compliment seamlessly.
These three disks are like a favorite sweater on a cool night, comfortably warm, and the fit is just right.

Outstanding music and remixing
Not only is this the definitive box set of the definitive 20th century blues man, but it's exceeedingly well mastered. Every facet of the guitar sound comes through clear as crystal. This is a must have for any blues or rock aficionado.

The best...buy this *and* the 1928 Okeh sessions
MJH was a wonderful singer and fluid fingerstyle guitarist. I can't think of another artist where the guitar and voice are so perfectly matched. It sounds so natural and organic, but of course it took MJH years of practice to perfect his style. During that time, he played mostly for his own enjoyment and that of his neighbors -- he knew he was good, but he had no idea that anyone was interested in his songs. The fact that his 1928 recordings didn't sell well probably confirmed in his mind that his music would be made just for his own enjoyment.

I have just about everything released by MJH. He is my favorite country blues artist. To my ears, these Vanguard studio recordings are his best-sounding, best-produced, and best-performed material. These are the recordings I go back time and time again. [...]

Also check out his 1928 Complete Okeh Recordings to find out the birth of the legend. Terrific performances -- MJH played a little faster in his younger days -- and great sound quality for the era. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Jerry Reed The most underappreciated country rock 'n' roller
A killer songwriter, amazingly skilled guitar player, and a charismatic singer and performer, Jerry Reed is sickenly underappreciated. This is a great collection to use to acquaint yourself with this no-nonsense classic awesome musician. From the country funk of "Ko Ko Joe", and the beauty of the ballad "A Thing Called Love", to the unbeleivable acoustic guitar work on the instrumental "The Claw" or the groovy "Guitar Man", hear Jerry do it all with style and originality. This is a must have CD that will have you digging around for Jerry's LP's in old record shops (which all fully deserve to get reissued on CD!)

The Outrageously Talented Jerry Reed
Jerry Reed's talents as a singer and songwriter have long been a source of wonder for me. Listen to any of his albums, including this one, and find out for yourself. His sense of humor in such
original songs as "When You're Hot, You're Hot," "Lord, Mr. Ford" and "Another Puff" are highly entertaining, and his way with a ballad can truly touch the heart.
On a personal level, being a professional musician AND a guitar
player, I have constantly been blown-away by Mr. Reed's awesome capabilities on the guitar. His instrumental compositions such as "The Claw" and the lesser-known "Lightning Rod" are terrific examples of his mastery of the instrument. In this respect, he has been a tremendous inspiration in making me a better musician. Does anyone know that he was once praised by Jazz critic Gene Lees in Downbeat Magazine? And did I mention that ole Jer is a pretty good actor, as well? Just check out his Bama McCall role in "Gator." A real natural.
But I agree with another reviewer, in that a CD Boxed Set is called for. Having once had a complete collection on vinyl, there are just too many gems missing from what is currently available on CD. And lest we forget, we all owe a great deal of thanks to the great, and sad to say, late Chet Atkins for having discovered this good ole Georgia boy.

Surprisingly good--and what a picker!
Jerry Reed has good chops on the guitar, a great singing voice, and nice songs to sing. Sure it's "country," but it's more like Willie Nelson country, i.e., it cuts across musical boundaries. He sings with great personality; I like the man. A real good time.

Country singer-guitarist of the seventies
Jerry wrote A thing called love, which was a big hit for Johnny Cash and was also covered by Elvis, and he also wrote Guitar man and US male, both big hits for Elvis. His own versions of A thing called love and Guitar man are included here. Other great songs include I love you what can I say and You took all the rambling out of me. So, he could do conventional songs, but what I particularly like are his comedy songs.

My favorite comedy song is The bird (about a creature who could sing like George Jones and Willie Nelson), but this collection also includes Lord Mr Ford (about the problems caused by cars), She got the goldmine I got the shaft (about a divorce settlement) and Another puff (about trying to give up smoking).

You can also find a couple of songs from the two Smokey and the Bandit movies - East bound and down, Texas bound and flying - and many other good songs.

This is an interesting collection by somebody who could have made a comfortable living as a session guitarist, but who had more to offer than that.

Underrated and Overtalented
Forget the comedy persona Jerry developed for the movies, this gut can write music and his fingerpicking is extraordinary! This best-of is truly a gem, with every song a winner. Pick it up and enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Few blues artists have achieved as much crossover success as Robert Cray. Though it's not infrequent for blues purists to proclaim a dislike for his work, his skillful blend of blues, R&B, and soul has undeniable appeal. Heavy Picks is the first retrospective of Cray's recording career, tracing the route from his early, semi-independent recordings through his final dates for Mercury Records. The collection includes some of Cray's best material, including "Smoking Gun," "Playin' in the Dirt," and "Bad Influence," which testify to his strengths as a songwriter. One of the few blues musicians to have videos on MTV, Cray's style has a consistency that's helped ensure his longevity in the pop and blues arenas. At 14 tracks, Heavy Picks is also a nonintimidating introduction for newer fans. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Robert Cray: Blues for the masses
I was 14 when Strong Persuader hit the stores, and after seeing the video for 'Smoking Gun,' I ran out to the store and got my very first blues album. Since then I've expanded my taste in Blues (and music) considerably, but I still really enjoy the plucky stacatto riffs that poor, unlucky Bob treats his listeners to.

Lots of purists dismiss Cray. They shouldn't. Cray's guitar work - especially on his earlier tracks - is fantastic. The arrangements worked out betweeen the four piece band and the Memphis Horns are balanced and attentively performed. And best of all, Cray makes the blues accessible and enjoyable to all of his listeners. Not everyone can listen to Muddy Waters, or Howlin' Wolf, or even Buddy Guy without getting an introduction to the genre first. Cray provided that introduction for me, and these days I hear those three artists (and others) lurking in the background of Cray's work.

So, if you're new to the blues, or want to turn a friend on to the blues, this would be a great choice for you. And if you're not new to the blues, this would be a great choice for you, too; as long as you could give poor lonesome Bob a chance.

Good Compilation
This fine compilation covers Cray's career from 1980 to 1997. "Blues-Oriented R&B" is how Cray labels his music in the excellent liner notes, and that's what you'll get. Add Cray's superb guitar playing and you have a prime sample of the above musical phrase. At 14 songs this hits all but one of his albums up to 1997's Sweet Potato Pie. Oddly, one album is missing representation: 1995's fine Some Rainy Morning. Surely, Mercury could have included a track like "Never Mattered Much" as this CD clocks in at just under 60 minutes. Still, if you think you're interested in Cray and aren't sure where to start, this is the one. Then go and buy other CD's like Strong Persuader, I Was Warned, False Accusations and Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.

Too slick for my taste
"It's not infrequent for blues purists to proclaim a dislike for [Cray's] work", the editorial review says.

Well, that's probably because Robert Cray's bland and watered-down take on the blues is so far removed from the sweaty, swaggering power of Muddy Waters and the intensity of Howlin' Wolf and Elmore James that it barely qualifies as blues.

I must admit I never made it all the way through this album. Sure, there is a good moment or two, like Cray's take on Willie Dixon's "Too Many Cooks", but most of these songs sound so slick and so similar, more like the kind of MTV pop that some people have the audacity to call "soul" than actual blues.

I'm probably being unfair (no, I'm not). But I just have to warn people who associate the word "blues" with men like Robert Johnson and Son House that this ain't it.

Deep Pockets
Heavy Picks is a 14-track retrospective that spans Robert Cray's brilliant recording career. Early independent label cuts like Phone Booth, Too Many Cooks, Bad Influence, and Playin' in the Dirt provide wonderful insight into the amazing song writing potential of "Young Bob" and demonstrate why the Robert Cray band was a college radio favorite. The 1986 release of Strong Persuader on the Mercury label marked an important milestone in Robert's recording career; more importantly, it helped spark a major blues revival. Cray's blend of blues and Memphis soul, combined with the Fabulous Thunderbirds straight ahead, Gulf Coast style and Stevie Ray Vaughan's merciless intensity, brought blues to the MTV generation. While hair bands like Quiet Riot, Motley Crüe, and Poison were prancing around stage in women's clothing, singing about the clichés of adolescence, Robert Cray released overtly adult themed songs like Smoking Gun, Strong Persuader, and I Guess I Showed Her. With the Grammy Award winning Strong Persuader, Robert's ability as a guitarist became the talk of every guitar-geek magazine on the newsstand - and rightly so. His percussive attack, amazing timing, and hip phrasing landed him a deal with Fender guitars that resulted in the production of the "Robert Cray" model Stratocaster. With both critical and commercial success under his belt, Cray was free to developed as an artist. With each recording subsequent to Strong Persuader, Robert has made the story the most important aspect of the song; consequently, the guitar has often been cast in a supporting role. Robert Cray is brilliant as a songwriter and often genius as an instrumentalist but what makes him special is his ability to deliver lyrics. Tracks like I Shiver, the Dream and Forecast (Calls for Pain) are testaments to Cray's awe-inspiring talent as a vocalist. Robert's dynamic voice effortlessly produces the hollers, moans, and melismatic leaps characteristic of the great gospel singers in the Southern tradition. As a result, Cray is able to confidently approach songs like the Otis Redding classic, Trick or Treat and deliver it with an earnest authority. I was Warned, the final track of the album, is perhaps the best, most defining tune on Heavy Picks. This dark and brooding minor rumba is Robert Cray at his very best. Layers of guitars frame the poignant melody as Cray recalls the warnings of his friends regarding the love of his life. In a classic moment of irony, Cray sings, 'whether they're right or wrong, at least the mystery is gone.' Throughout his career, Cray has suffered from categorization. His music is found under the category of blues in most record stores but purists more often than not scoff at this classification. They insist that his music is not the blues in a traditional sense but, while they may have a point, it is a shame to overlook the casual brilliance of Robert Cray as a singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. Cray may not be the torchbearer of the blues as many had hoped following his work with Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland on the Alligator release, Showdown, but he certainly represents a continuation of the legacy created by soul singers like O.V. Wright, Ottis Redding, and Marvin Gaye. Heavy Picks is not the shining jewel of the Robert Cray collection but it does provide listeners with a nicely packaged summation of the man's career.

A CONVERT'S review: The soul, the blues and the passion...
To me, 'Heavy Picks' is something very, very special: it's the best blues album in my quite extensive collection, both on vinyl and on CD.Robert has selected these outstanding tracks from a wealth of material to choose from. It contains the best of his songs - among them the superb 'I shiver' and 'I was warned'. The sound quality -the tracks have been remixed- and the overall production are excellent. One example: the drum sounds are perfect on all selections. Through the years, Robert has transformed the classical structures of the blues into something very much his own: an inimitable mixture of blues and soul. Can you name to me a better blues singer than Robert Cray? I love the -very 'un-Claptonesque'- punchiness of his guitar playing, too. To me, buying 'Heavy Picks' was coming back to Robert Cray after quite a long time. When I listened to his very first album quite a few years ago I was disappointed because I listened from a purist's point of view - I wanted blues, blues and nothing else. Robert didn't seem a faithful enough scholar of the blues. Of course, I was wrong - if you want the essence, the passion and the soul of the blues - go for Robert Cray! This compilation is an excellent introduction to Robert Cray's music, and a disc to cherish for anyone who loves good blues and soul music. I made an interesting discovery: this is a record that also sounds excellent if you play it at a very low volume, as background music, because the rhythmic patterns keep shifting and the punchy guitar solos come like flashes of lighting. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Junior Kimbrough died in January 1998, part of the spirit of Mississippi hill-country blues went with him. He was a proud musician, aware of his African roots and his artistic singularity--perhaps the last unique voice in the genre. The sound of his bawling singing and unpredictable, serpentine guitar were as eerie as a warm wind humming through a field of tombstones, as hypnotic as the ancient village drum music it was based on, thanks to his complete command of his rhythm sections. This collection serves full notice ofKimbrough's authenticity, from his first recording, an impromptu-sounding "Release Me" played with rockabilly cult figure Charlie Feathers, through his last '90s albums for Fat Possum. It's in the latter cases that Kimbrough paints a colorful portrait of his hardscrabble life just above the Delta. Rape is wrongly equated with love (in the brutal-but-fascinating title track), and sexual prowess ("All Night Long") is the only true coin of manhood. Finally, "Done Got Old" serves as the best epitaph for this blues hell-raiser, whose decades of bootlegging, boozing, and womanizing seemed to catch up with him in his final years. Nonetheless, that song and the 11 others prove that no matter how tired and worn he became, Kimbrough's crackling music never lost its edge or its feeling of danger and menace. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The main man who influenced Charlie Feathers
Kimbrough tought rockabilly legend Charly Feathers how to play guitar and influenced him. Kimbrough has a unique guitar style and a truly honest blues voice. A great cd by a legend who influenced the rockabilly stars of the 50's!

Junior Would Be Proud
Even though I already had all of Kimbrough's Fat possum discs, I still love this album. It has all his greatest songs which eliminates the process of selecting the songs from all his verious albums. It also contains the duet between Kimbrough and his long time friend and rockabilly pioneer Charlie Feathers. If you like the music here you should not only check out his fatpossum realeses but also his "Do The Rump" album on Hightone records. This is a compilation worthy of the Mississippi Hill country blues master himself. Junior would have been proud of it. Rest In Peace Jonior. You are missed

This is one of the places it all started.
A Juke Joint by definition is a Blues & BBQ club in the American South. Junior's Place was a juke joint of national acclaim hosting such local acts as R.L. Burnside, T-Model Ford, and Asie Payton. The building that also served as his home stood for 130 years, and burned to the ground less than month after Junior's Death. As a testament to a forgotten musician, The Essential Junior Kimbrough is a collection of his eclectic blues recordings over the years. Kimbrough released his first full-length album at the age of 62 on Fat Possum Records. From the 1969 45rpm version of "Release Me" to his Fat Possum versions of "All Night Long" and "Sad Days", Junior conveyed pure emotion into every one of his tracks. You can actually feel his pain listening to the music, but you will also embrace it when you come to the realization that this was everything the man truly was. It draws upon the souls of old Mississippi Hill Country Bluesman, and captures a sound truly unique to an area. A sign stood outside of Junior's Place that simply read: "If you can't read this, get someone to help you read this." This pretty much personified everything that he was: If you didn't understand, then you shouldn't be there

Haunting, visceral connection to Johnson, Patton
Though I'd heard of Junior Kimbrough and read about him in Robert Palmer's seminal "Deep Blues", I really didn't appreciate Kimbrough's talents until I picked up a Rough Guide compilation of Delta blues. In a word: astonishing. The song "Meet Me in the City" creates a portrait that haunts the very core of your being. New feelings seem to emerge every time I listen to it. Kimbrough's work was stark, chilling, touching, tender, sad and hopeful all at the same time. Though a gifted guitarist, it was his voice that created a haunting and visceral connection to the Holy Trinity of Robert Johnson, Son House and Charlie Patton. Highly recommended if you love the original blues, without Chicago-style frills.

blew my head off.
hard driving beat, haunting lyrics. rough, up-front authenticity. there are probably better quality recordings out there, but this is a good introduction to Junior. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

hot in herre
i hate the fact that i don't live in washington dc anymore and can't go see chuck brown play tonight at the warner theatre. one of my best memories of seeing chuck brown play live is on the Mall for the Folklife Festival. it's really time for people to give props to the GODFATHER of GO GO. yeah we had nelly last year and amerie this year but there has to be more go go on the radio nationwide. two cd's for 15.00 bucks you can't beat that. amazon send my copy right now. i feel like bustin loose back to dc. thanks chuck for all you've done

The Godfather Y'all!
Chuck Brown started the best kept muscial secret in America. It is only fitting that this collection is nothing but live songs which shows Chuck (well over 70) still tearing it up. The music of DC needs to be spread and this is a great album to do it!

"I feel like Bustin' loose!"

The Best of Chuck Brown
This CD brings the best songs together.It takes me down memory lane!!I agree with K. Ham, DO NOT BURN THIS CD!This is certainly a CD to add to your collection!Let's support the godfather of go-go!

The Godfather of GO GO
Funky! Rocking! Crankin!Yeah shawty!This is one CD to have during rush hour traffic . . . all my DC Metro people understand . . . South Capitol Street Bridge, Woodrow Wilson Bride, Route 50 New York Avenue . . . Rockin!Especially the gospel joint . . . Can't nobody do me like Jesus!!!Buy 5 copies man! Don't burn this one.Support home!!! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Excellent Blues Compilation!
This is a seriously excellent sampler of blues. It gives a great introduction to the genre for those that are either new to the blues or are interested to expand their knowledge of the classics. Of course, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix make their way onto this CD. BB King and John Lee Hooker are on it, as they should be. I was disappointed not to find a single song by Albert King - I think he made a serious contribution to the blues. Otherwise, it's an interesting and mostly quite a worthy selection.

Blues Rocks!
This album is a wonderful compilation of different artists singin' the blues. From John Lee Hooker to Etta James to Susan Tedeschi to Stevie Ray Vaughan, many different types of blues are included. How can you go wrong with this? I wanted to start a blues collection, and I'm so glad that I bought this one. Everyone should get this for a rounded collection of blues!!!

disappointing
While this compilation starts off well, the last few tracks are misguided at best. Susan Tedeschi is blues for soccer moms(do soccer moms get the blues?) and while Los Lobos is one of my favorite bands ever, I wouldn't immediately associate them with this type of music. A track by Taj Mahal, Little Charlie and The Nightcats, Charlie Musselwhite, Corey Harris, T-Bone Walker, Lightin' Hopkins, Mose Alison or the version of Fleetwood Mac that featured Peter Green (and the list goes on...) would have rounded the disc out in a more complete fashion.

The series of "essential" blues compilations The House of Blues label released a few years ago or the Blues Masters series on Rhino Records would be a better place for the novice to start.

The Blues has your number ~ Martin Scorsese"
Chuck full of the music you've been waiting for "Best of the Blues", featuring originals on originals. Spanning decades is just what the doctor ordered ~ best medicine from the likes of Ray Charles, Etta James, Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Skip James, Howlin' Ron Wolf, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Son House, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Allman Brothers Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Keb' Mo', Susan Tedeschi, Los Lobos, Cassandra Wilson, Bonnie Raitt and Shemekia Copeland. Featuring 21 essential recordings covering the last half-century of the blues, with a few pleasant surprises.

This CD is proof, once and for all ~ that the "BLUES" was then, is now and IS FOREVER ~ we've hit pay-dirt...and that folks, is the truth, plain and simple...gotta love it!!

Total Time: 65:22 on 21 Tracks ~ UTV Records ~ (8/26/2003)

An absolutely great introduction to the Blues
This is a great collection of Blues music from the beginning until present day. For those who want to know more about the Blues but aren't willing to jump in and buy a bunch of CD's, this is a great way to start.

Listen to this CD, pick out the musicians you like the most, then do some research and find some of their classic albums.

For those willing to go a little further, check out the "Martin Scorsese: Best of the Blues" 5 disc box set or the individuals CD's for many of the Blues artists featured on this CD.

Highly Recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Maria Muldaur virtuoso songstress!
Maria Muldaur has the sweetest voice I've ever heard! Her virtuoso phrasing and tone change are pure delight. Tunes of special note on this album include: Midnight at the Oasis, Don't You Make me High (Don't You Feel My Leg) and Three Dollar Bill.

Quality music defies classification
This album has elements of country, folk, bluegrass, blues, pop, rock, even vaudeville, but it is ludicrous to attempt to classify this album as a whole. Somehow, all the disparate elements blend well to make for a cohesive album.

The album begins with a stunning cover of a Jimmie Rodgers (the singing brakeman) classic, Any old time. This is followed by the wonderfully evocative Midnight at the oasis, the song for which Maria is still best remembered for.

The third track is Maria's inspired bluegrass cover of My Tennessee mountain home. As Dolly is my favorite singer, it is hard me to say that Maria's version is superior, but it is. I've heard plenty of covers of Dolly's songs, but this is the best I've come across. Recently, it became the title track of a UK bluegrass compilation and blended in perfectly.

Among the other gems are a cover of Kate McGarrigle's The work song and the amusing Don't you make me high - but every track here is superb. At least, that's what I think, but my musical tastes are as eclectic as Maria's. If you only like one genre of music, you may find something here to enjoy, but you will probably not enjoy it all. For those with eclectic tastes, this is a masterpiece.

Maria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maria Muldaur is simply one of the great singers of all times. She is at once totally natural, naive and a genius without knowing it. She could sing anything and make you love it. If you buy this album, beware: Like a great book, you will not be able to put it down or switch to something else. I once drove from Texas (Laredo, on the Mexican border) to Nashville, Tennessee, and it was the only cassette I played == going and coming. She is beyond heart, beyond soul. I don't know if there's a word that's been invented yet to describe the voice she has. Maria, marry me!

Utter favorite then, utter favorite now
...BR>I loved Maria's voice the minute I heard it. ...
My favorites are "Mad Mad Me" (which I think says so much in a little over two minutes); ..., "Work Song," "Three Dollar Bill" ... and "I Never Did Sing You a Love Song." "My Tennessee Mountain Home" turned me on to Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn! As for the infamous "Don't You Feel My Leg" (or "Laig,"---the way they say it in Oklahomer),...
I love this LP and I recommend it, along with "I'm a Woman" (listen to how she breaks up while she's singing!) ...

All time great CD
I admit, Maria may be an aquired taste but I think she is terrific. This CD is one of the all time great albums and she is backed up by the some of the best musicians of the time, including "Dr. John" Mac Rebenac.

This will also make you nostalgic, and remember a time when a freak could call himself "Freebo" and be listed in the credits! ;-) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bristling with excitement and electricity, this 1958 album represents the finest accomplishment of Count Basie's "New Testament" big band. His "Old Testament" band of the late 1930s, featuring stars Lester Young, Herschel Evans, Dickie Wells, and Buck Clayton, perfected the blues-drenched, straight 4/4 rhythm of Kansas City swing. Building on the blues foundation, this 1950s band features more ambitious compositions and a more dynamic sound and incorporates more modern developments. One constant, however, is the anchoring rhythm guitar of Freddie Green. As always, Basie can dig deeply into robust stride statements or choose each note as if he had to pay for them separately. Neal Hefti, the primary composer and arranger here, marvelously captures the strengths of each individual musician. His arrangements sparkle exuberantly on the up tunes and create vivid and exotic moods on the slower ones; clever and innovative without ever being overblown. Beefy tenor Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, who was only in the band for a relatively short period, offers the most valuable and vital solo contributions, recalling Ben Webster's tenderness at times, squeaking and honking like an R&B man at others. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A must-have classic!
The Complete Atomic Basie is a fun, eminently listenable swinging romp with one of the greatest of Count Basie's bands. Much of that is thanks to great arrangements by Neal Hefti. (Impress your friends by telling them that he also is repsonsible for the theme from the Odd Couple.) But certainly its greatness is due to the band itself. You'll hear incredibly tight ensmeble playing on "Flight of the Foo Birds" and great low end brass on "Teddy the Toad". If you're a seasoned jazz listener you'll love it because so many of these tunes have become standards; if you're new to jazz, you'll love it because it's easy to listen to. Either way, buy it! Be warned though that the recording quality is a little below par.

Why only 4 stars? Read on . . .
Deep in the 1950s, Count Basie -- already a jazz legend -- chose to dig in and retrench with his Big-Band sound. Drawing upon earlier idioms, as well as his ability to recruit topnotch musicians -- can we all say 'Lockjaw' Davis, for example? -- Basie paired with big-band trumpeter/arranger/composer Neal Hefti (better remembered today for such tunes as "Girl Talk" and the theme from "The Odd Couple") to drive forward into a new era, one which would reflect the tenor of the times . . .

The 'sound' which he thus created is all here, brilliantly so. Hefti's comps/arrangements -- enhanced, in at least one case by Basie's insistence on slooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwing down the tempo of "Li'l Darlin' (a song better known to some by Bobby Darin's vocal, "Don't Dream of Anybody But Me") -- receive their full due with a coterie of handpicked musicians and an impeccable rhythm section (Basie never settled for less).

A non-Hefti composition, "The Late, Late Show" (a song rendered by such disparate artists as Nat 'King' Cole and Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme), likewise emerges in this CD in its truest (i.e., Basie) form.

So why only 4 stars in this review?

This is a studio recording. As such, it cannot mirror the true ESSENCE of Count Basie and his band. They were at their absolute best -- as attested to by at least one other recording from this period -- in 'live' settings, in which the audience's response mingled with the shouts of individual musicians (Basie always insisted on two things: that his performers be topnotch, and that they have FUN) as they exhort each other onward.

Thus the only caveat with this CD: You'll enjoy it thoroughly, until, that is, you happen to hear a recording of the same songs performed 'live'; at which time you'll find yourself enjoying this CD merely immensely.

Kinda tough to lose, isn't it?

Sorry about the confusion
the second best jazz dude ever. this salubrious album rocks my socks

Awesome! An A-bomb of sound
Though I prefer the Basie band of the 30's, this is an awesome collection of later work from 1958, enhanced by kickin' arrangements by Neal Hefti. Hefti is better known for working with Sinatra in the 50's, but I feel his work with Basie is more innovative and vibrant than his collaboration with Frank. Another plus is the sound quality on this disc, which greatly surpases anything Basie recorded in the Depression. You can really hear the brass section, especially when you pump up the volume, and how can you not do that considering this is the inimitable Basie? The trumpet solos really soar and Basie's distinctive one-fingered approach to the piano is highlighted by the mixing here. My two favorite tracks have got to be the fantastic Whirlybird, closely followed by Lil' Darlin'. Again, the arrangements on these tracks is first rate and the sound quality is awesome.

The only reason I am not giving this collection 5 stars is because I prefer the Basie band in a live setting, when they would always pull out the stops and just swing it to the ceiling. Check out Basie at the Sands for an example of his band in a live forum. Otherwise, this disc is stellar all the way!

not the early Basie, but really good
Of course this is not the ground-breaking band that featured Lester Young and the Basie rhythm section in the late 30s, but it's a great band, with more power and drive than that band, and just as much swing. Did I really say that? The power comes from abigger band and better recording techniques. Lockjaw Davis's presence is wonderful. Whirlybird and Flight of the Foobirds are super cuts. This is NOT the first Basie disk you should buy, but it is about #6, and since #1-4 (the three disk set of Basie on Decca and Vols. 1,2,3 on Columbia) are in my top 10 jazz disks overall, this is a high recommendation. The Best of Jazz issue of Basie is superb by the way, if you only want to buy one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Not known for his acoustic work, Buddy Guy unplugs for a rare album-length excursion into folk blues. Continuing the rootsy, bare-bones approach that made 2001’s electric Sweet Tea (also produced by Dennis Herring) so gutsy and memorable, the guitarist gets down and dirty with 12 tracks that sound like they were recorded after hours in his living room or on his back porch. Guy’s stinging leads are still evident as is his emotive voice, but both are less flamboyant in the unplugged setting. Accompanied by spare stand-up bass and brushed drums, Guy sounds nearly possessed on covers from Skip James ("Hard Time Killing Floor"), Johnny Shines ("Moanin’ and Groanin’"), Son House ("Louise McGhee"), and John Lee Hooker ("Sally Mae") among others. It’s a low-key, low-down affair made for late nights, rainy days, and the saddest of moods. Guy is just as convincing here--arguably more so--as on his barnstorming electric albums, making Blues Singer one of the bravest and most poignant albums in his catalog. --Hal Horowitz ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Buddy Is Back
My, my, my Buddy Guy you have definitely got the blues this time, yes you do.Welcome back Buddy:) So [darn] simple, so absolutely beautiful. Front porch, sitting in the shade & doing some blues. Nothing complicated, no show boating, no playing to the crowd (Mustang Sally:) a blues album for the true blues lover. Songs from John Lee Hooker, Frankie Lee Sims, Willie Dixon, Son House, Johnny Shines,Jack Owens & Robert Nighthawk fill this cup to the brim. The playing is wonderful but it is the SINGING people, the voice, the human instrutment that just blows your mind man.. Man, you just seemed to forget what a powerful & soulful singer Mr. BG can be. He is just vocal dynamite on this CD. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. The CD starts out with Skip James tune HARD TIME KILLING FLOOR, an epic to hard times. Nail this bad boy to the floor BG. You got me feeling it Buddy, a desperate man indeed ,hoping for hope. CRAWLING KINGSNAKE, JLH chestnut, has Buddy crawling the floor for his lady. Sexy little number folks. Frankie Sims LUCY MAE BLUES next in line, done easy friends, no hurry, no worry, laid back. CAN'T SEE BABY (Jack Owens) talking about a man & wife in love but they can't get along. Been there, done that, have t-shirt.You can feel the hurting Buddy, yes I can.. LOVE THE LIFE I LIVE (Willie Dixon) once again, taken down a notch to take full advantage of Buddy's voice. LOUISE MCGHEE (Son House) nobody has the power of Mr. House but Buddy does a real sweet job on this tune. That Louise McGhee was indeed a heartbreaker who men did not forget. MOANIN' & GROANIN' (Johnny Shines) one of best vocal tracks on CD. BLACK CAT BLUES (JLH) man moanin' bout bad luck & troubles. In other words LIFE. BAD LIFE BLUES lady done wrong song that is on EVERY blues CD. Good man treated bad. Poor, hungry, down in the dumps the man can't get a break. One of best tunes on CD. SALLY MAE (JLH) starts with Buddy banter about JLH. Nice t ouch. Real sweet vocals on this one. ANNA LEE (Robert Nighthawk) starts with real sweet riff. Man wants woman song. Another of my favs here. End it with LONESOME HOME BLUES (Willie Borum) slow, easy tune with Buddy lightly touching these lonesome blues. I feel the pain Buddy, I do. Buddy has done an OUTSTANDING blues CD. Wonder if it will sell ? We shall see.......

A Blues Legend That Just Gets Better!
I have to admit I was a little hesitant about this cd when I heard it was all acoustic. I love Buddys stinging and blistering electric guitar solos, but man oh man is this cd a real blues treat! Buddy Guy is the real deal and he has no problem proving it here! Eric Clapton and BB King lend a hand on "Crawlin' Kingsnake", and Clapton plays on "Lucy Mae Blues" as well. Buddy's vocals are right on and at times make your spine tingle as you really find out here what the blues are all about. Every song on this one is great, my favorites being "Crawlin' Kingsnake", "Moanin' and Groanin'", and "Black Cat Blues". If you love the blues then this cd will definetly put you in blues heaven! Thanks for the great music Buddy!

This is an essential recording
Buddy Guy has done it again. This recording is simply one of the best I have ever heard and was engineered beautifully. And to make it even more special, B.B. King and Eric Clapton make an appearance. This is an essential Buddy Guy CD.

Blues Listener
First of all this CD is the best. It realy doesn't matter that these are covers and not Buddy's usuall style, but it's all good. This is blues as it's ment to be, and also could someone tell me why people call this CD a "Country Blues" CD. If it's acoustic and finger picked it's Delta Blues (like Robert Johnson). Any way most of the lower star reviews say something like this isn't Buddy's style, once again, the songs are good, he does them good, usuall style or not it's still a good CD.

Scorching blues
This recording is my favourite blues CD ever. Buddy's voice is smooth, full of emotion and gutsy. The backing is rich and funky. It's personal, cut from the heart.

I imagine it's like having him at your kitchen table and pulling out his guitar...there's not much in the way of production overlaying the acoustic sound.

If you like blues this should form part of your essential collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This package combines blues giant Howlin' Wolf's first two albums, themselves compilations of his singles released between 1951 and 1962. Apart from two tracks cut in Memphis with Ike Turner, these Chess Studios recordings are landmarks in the development of electric Chicago blues. The Mississippi Delta native's gruff persona towers over "Smokestack Lightnin'," "Red Rooster," "Spoonful," "Evil," "Wang Dang Doodle," "Back Door Man," and others that have become standards since being "discovered" by the Rolling Stones, Clapton, The Doors, et al. Almost as influential as Wolf's bottomless growl are the guitar playing of Hubert Sumlin and the writing and direction of Willie Dixon. An exceptional twofer value for such a weighty slice of American musical history. --Ben Edmonds ... Read more

Reviews (21)

The best from the best
Two unbelievably good albums - the first two, in fact - from THE king of electric blues. The patented growl, the lyrical innuendo and black humour, the AMAZING performances from the band, make every single song on this twofer absolute killers. Ultra-gruff swamp-blues mayhem that'll knock you dead.
The line-up of songs is almost a walking blues cliche now, but remember these are the originals (mostly) and done better than anyone since: "Red Rooster", "Wang Dang Doodle", "Back Door Man", "Evil", etc. A powerhouse collection.
Looking back, I remember when I was much, much younger reading about the early '60s UK R & B scene ('Stones, Pretty Things, Yardbirds, etc.), wondering why on earth all these geeky white guys idolised the likes of 'Wolf and Muddy Waters so much, when they had the likes of Elvis, Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly to be content with. Well, no disrespect to those mentioned, but the wall-shaking vibe of Howlin' Wolf is something no such artist could argue with; these two discs make much of what passed for rock'n'roll in the '50s sound positively tame in comparison. Life-changing stuff, for sure. Get to it.

Maybe the best buy you'll ever do
Here are two classic Howlin' Wolf original albums collected on one CD, and it is some of the best blues music ever recorded. The Rocking Chair album must certainly have been one of Stevie Ray Vaughan's favourite album, because he recorded several songs from this one. I beleive this must be the best chicago blues album of all time. Moanin the Blues is just as great with songs as 'Evil', 'All night boogie' and 'Smokestack Lightning'. I have been a fan of Howlin' Wolf since I started listening to the blues in my teens, and his music continues to thrill and amaze me. I think you get your money's worth and more so if you get this one.

Still a great place to start
You could say that MCA/Chess' various Wolf compilations ("His Best", "His Best vol. 2", "The Genuine Article") have made this twofer-CD obsolete, but as an introduction to the great Howlin' Wolf it still ranks among the best.

The sound quality is not stellar (no remastering), but the songs certainly are.
"Howlin' Wolf / Moanin' In The Moonlight" brings together Wolf's first two LPs, the self-titled one usually called "The Rockin' Chair ALbum" due to the peaceful-looking picture on the cover of a rocking chair with an acoustic guitar propped up next to it...misleading cover art if I ever saw it!
One song has been omitted due to the lenght of the original albums, the liner notes say. A completely meaningless excuse since this CD only runs for 65 minutes, but what's even more odd is that the material from Wolf's first album comes after the songs from his second one, putting latter-day Willie Dixon-penned material before early Wolf-penned songs (these two albums were not conceived as such, they were merely collections of oreviously issued singles as was customary at the time).

But those are minor quibbles. This certainly isn't everything you could ever want from the Wolf, but it is an excellent place to start. Many of his most accessible "mainstream" blues tunes are here, usually written by Dixon: "The Red Rooster" with its muscular, slinky slide guitar riff, the propulsive "Down In The Bottom", the gleeful "Back Door Man", the catchy hard-rocking "Howlin' For My Darlin'" (erroneously titled "Howlin' For My Baby"), and the slightly-too-cute "Wang Dang Doodle", which became very popular even though Wolf himself didn't like the song.
But Wolf's own songs are here a-plenty as well, and those remain his most powerful: From the Rockin' Chair album comes the swaggering groove of "Tell Me", one of the most underexposed Wolf singles, and the Chicago blues classic "Who's Been Talking", a supremely funky arrangement with some powerful, syncopated drumming from Earl Phillips and a great piano part by Hosea Lee Kennard.

And "Moanin' At Midnight" is almost all Wolf, opening with his first hit single, the monster combination of the smouldering, piano-driven "How Many More Years" and the eerie "Moanin' At Midnight". The classic "Smokestack Lightnin'" is here, one of the pillars of early electric blues singles, and so is the menacing "Forty-Four", Wolf's take on Tommy Johnson's desperate "Cool Drink Of Water Blues" (retitled "I Asked For Water"), and a slew of rough, tough lesser-known songs like "I'm Leavin' You" (later covered by J.B. Hutto), "Somebody In My Home", "Baby How Long", and the wonderful early Dixon-composition "Evil".

Howlin' Wolf didn't carry himself with the statesman-like dignity of Muddy Waters, but his performances were the stuff of legend. A huge, intimidating man with a voice like heavy machinery operating on a gravel road, Wolf's early Chicago sides are some of the most awesome electric blues ever recorded, and no-one culd match the Wolf when it came to rocking the house (and scaring the audience out of its wits at the same time).

Wolf is not for everyone...even if you like a good dose of Muddy Waters, you may still be turned off by Wolf's glass-gargling roar of a voice and sometimes bleak - or downright frightening - lyrics. But if you are interested in classic Chicago blues, Wolf's classic Chess sides are a must-own. Chester Burnett in his prime remains the most overwheling performer the genre has ever seen.

Great, but "His Best" sounds MUCH better
this is great stuff as all of the reviewrs have noted, but if you want a truly remastered sound try starting with "HIS BEST" on the Chess label. much of the same songs, and WAAAAAY better sound. the songs he wrote himself on the first 1/2 of the CD are the best ones.

The beginning of it all-
This disc, which is a compilation of two early Howlin Wolf albums minus one track, I believe, is one of those seminal precursors to the music of the next four and a half decades (and counting). It's got that raw edge that's missing from so much of the music that followed it, and a depth and power that's frightening at times. Really, this is one-in-a-million stuff that might scare you. If you really dig on this kind of sound, you might enjoy "Spotlight Kid/Clear Spot" by Captain Beefheart, who picked up on this eccentric electric blues thread and ran with it past the endzone and out into the street. Tom Waits also has this feel in his bluesier material. But this will never be topped. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Guitarist and vocalist Keb' Mo' seems to be continuing in the direction suggested by his previous album, Just Like You, with this release. That is to say, mixed in with the country-blues style that dominated his self-titled debut are elements of soul, R&B, and rock (the opening "Muddy Water" sounds, in Keb' Mo's hands, a great deal like the Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman"). When this works, as it does on Slow Down's title track, it works very, very well. Some of the ballads, though, sound a little bland, and when the album returns to the tight, rock-inflected "Soon As I Get Paid" or the funky "A Letter to Tracy," it's refreshing. The real treats, however, come late in the album. With "Love in Vain" and "God Trying to Get Your Attention," Mo' gets down to the roots, and the sheer simplicity of the closing "I'm Telling You Now" is nothing short of beautiful, allowing Mo's considerable talent as a singer and guitarist to shine through. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (53)

The blues has a great future with this man
When I first picked this CD up, I hadnt heard any of his music I had only read a review about it and gave it a chance. SLOW DOWN by KEB' MO' is a great mix of country blues with some traditional blues that all fit perfectly well together here. The first time I listened to it, I was totally blown away. KEB has that soulful sounding voice that proves that if he wasnt singing the blues, he would be a great R&B or gospel singer. The musicianship on this album is top-notch. MUDDY WATER, I WAS WRONG, HENRY, SOON AS I GET PAID and A BETTER MAN are songs that the listener will enjoy and should give a listen to. The other gem on this album is his version of the Robert Johnson classic LOVE IN VAIN. On this song it is just KEB, his voice and an acostic guitar. I highly recommend to everyone to run and out by this album, you will not be disappointed.

Another Great One From Keb' Mo'
Keb' Mo' is one of my favorite new Blues artists. He's proven during the past few years that he can play Delta Blues with the best of them while maintaining a level of production quality that is enviable. He can add acoustic style Blues to urban beats and sound equally well in both at the same time. he has immense musical integrity.

this recording is a shining example of what Keb' Mo' can do. The Cd contains mostly original compositions with a smattering of classic Blues. He sounds great on both, playing guitar and harmonica like one of the greats from the old days. His singing is fresh, yet never sounds out of place.

keb' Mo' proves that Blues has a future, that it can hang onto it's roots, yet still remain fresh and vital. I definitely recommend this album.

I am hooked!
This was my first exposure to Keb Mo and I am hooked! Great sound and lyrics. He also gives a great live performance.

ONE OF THE BEST BLUES ALBUMS EVER!
After seeing Keb' Mo' at various blues concerts over the last few years I finally got enough determination to buy several (3) of his CD's simultaneously at Amazon.com. This was- by far!- the best of all three. In short, this album is a virtual flawless blues expression capturing the full range of Keb's multiple ablilities.

The vocals are extremely soulful on a level that can be compared to Muddy Waters. And they seemed to be recorded more "up front" then the other Keb' Mo' CD's I bought having exceptional clarity and intonations. The music tracks recorded quality seems to be above the other 2 as well. They are more mature and complex with weaves of slide guitar with accordians, harmonica's, banjos, mandolins and back up vocals totally complimenting and underlining this unique blues artist's intrinsic musical abilities. On this CD his acoustic guitar is played with more pronounced deliberate rhythms as well.

I can not stop listening to this album for the last week playing it several times a day. I feel so darn priveledge to being living at the same time as this artist. It's like all young blues fans out there get another chance to experience the likes of a seasoned blues master like a Muddy Waters and Johnny Lee Hooker (who may have never had a chance appreciated them while they were still living).

Being a blues fan for over 20 years and having over 200 blues CD's I can confidentaly say that on this album all the ingredients seem to come together to put Keb Mo on a plane of those great blues masters. You got to buy this! Its not only the best Keb' Mo' album I've heard -it's definitely in the top 5 of all my blues CD's. Period. (2/2003)

Easy-listening studio pop-blues (if that's what you want)
I listened to this album with no previous exposure to, or information about the artist. I just figured it was soloist Louisiana blues, and gave it a try.

I was quite disappointed. It's not that there is something glaringly wrong about the album - indeed, the production quality is quite nice - but it is simply too plain. Clear voice, clear playing, simple lyrics...it's just not interesting after a couple of songs.

When I think about Blues, I think of a music that not only touches the soul, but wrangles with it. In that sense, this album is purely auditory. And although I don't listen to blues for its words, Keb Mo's lyrics often get disturbintly banal.

If you want some background ambiance that may convince your naive friends that you're into non-mainstream genres, this album could work for you. If you want music that doesn't insult your attention span and that hits even deeper than emotions, look elsewhere.

Speaking of that last sentence, it's hard to describe how good it felt to put on some Tom Waits after turning off this album.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Keb' Mo's 1995 Grammy-winning eponymous debut firmly lodged the Los Angeles-born singer-guitarist in the contemporary blues pantheon. His sophomore effort, Just Like You, is slick in comparison to the virtuosic, bare-bones Keb' Mo', but it's nevertheless an irresistible and accomplished album. While songs such as "Perpetual Blues Machine" and "You Can Love Yourself" are classic Mo', with their canny lyrics and facile slide and acoustic guitar licks, the sapfest "Just Like You" (with guests Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne) and the clichéd "The Action" are hard to stomach. Toward the end of the disc, however, the gospel-laced "Hand It Over" and folksy "Momma, Where's My Daddy" restore the faith, displaying once again Mo's marvelous talent for wrenching the heartstrings with simply his voice and soulful steel-guitar manipulations. --Rebecca Robinson ... Read more

Reviews (35)

If Robert Johnson Were Reincarnated...
I'm a professional writer and I haven't the words to express how much this album moved me. I'm not a blues snob. I know some people who say that Keb' Mo' is not the authentic article. All I can say to that is, I DON'T CARE!!!. He's genuine enough for me and thousands of other music lovers who get pleasure from the sound of his wonderful voice, the way he strums that guitar and banjo and plays the harmonica. I love him! I own all three of his compact discs now and as soon as he comes out with another one, I'll be right there to buy it...As Soon As I Get Paid.

Just Like Us....
Well, Keb Mo may claim to be just like me and you, but... well, let's face it, if we all had this guys amazing voice we would live in one talented society (not to mention me having a man's voice would be extremely odd ;-) ). I would be the first to admit, I am not a blues fan. Just doesn't do it for me. But from the first time I heard this album, I just loved it. There are some fantastic tunes on this album, including That's not Love, Just Like You, I'm on Your side, Dangerous Mood, the Action, Hand it Over, and my all time favourite, More than one way home (okay, i've listed just about the whole album...). If you want something smooth and soulful to listen too, then Keb Mo is your man. I think any Babyface fans out there would enjoy this work too.

A Great Blues Album
Keb' Mo' is one of those musicians who hits you like a punch to the solar plexus. The first time I heard him, I was absolutely floored. Obviously a student of the great Delta Blues masters, Keb' Mo' also is a child of our times as well and he effortlessly blends older styles of Blues with modern production and arranging.

On this CD, Keb' Mo' plays like he spent his entire life in the Mississippi Delta as well as spending his summers in the inner city. The production is lavish without being over-produced. His singing is first-rate, not too much, not too little, just right. His guitar playing is wise beyond his years and the harmonica playing is exactly right for the music that he plays.

I definitely recommend that you give this CD a listen.

AWESOME
In my own twisted mind I think that at least 7 of the songs here are hit. My favorite song on this CD is "The Action", because the lyrics sum up feelings that everybody has for that special someone in their life. Other stand out songs here are,"That's Not Love", Dangerous Mood", Standin' at the Station","Perpetual Blues Machine","Momma Where's my Daddy". On a few of his CD, Keb has done covers of Robert Johnson and his cover of "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" would do RJ proud. If you are a true music fan, I dont think that you will be disappointed adding this to your collection.

Great music to listen to
OK, at least 9 of these songs are bona fide hits in my own twisted mind. My favorite song on this disc is "The Action" just because it sums up the feelings for that special person in your life. Not to be outdone, here are some other outstanding tracks on this CD, "Thats Not Love", "More Than One Way Home, "Standin' At The Station", "Dangerous Mood" and " "Momma, Where's My Daddy". I have noticed that Keb had done a few Robert Johnson covers on a few of his CD, and his version here of "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" is an excellent song. Also you can't pass up listening to the title song, if you do you will be missing a great song. If you are a true music fan, this is a must to add to you collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

New Jersey native and California resident Trout is an established guitar star in Europe and he capitalizes on that fact on "Relentless," ripping through a live session of original material in front of an enthusiastic Amsterdam audience. Trout, as the title states, is a relentless guitarist with an aggressive and energetic style. On his seventh album he and his backing trio the Radicals deliver another solid, if admittedly sometimes less than sensational, exercise in well-played rocking blues, with the emphasis on rocking. Trout paid his blues dues working with John Lee Hooker, Canned Heat, and John Mayall but his hard and heavy sound is rooted in rock guitar showmanship. Fortunately he has the licks to keep it interesting, although when things get too frantic, such as on the overkill album closer "Mercy," it's difficult to discern the blues base of the music. Trout does slow down briefly, turning in the short acoustic tune "Lonely Tonight," but for the vast majority of the time the music is loud, lively, and barely blue. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Trout Man Hooks a Winner
Although I am one of those so-called blues "purists" people talk about, makes me a now hard-won fan of Mr. Trout.

Of course, great guitar work, good songs, especially because they are "originals" and come from the heart.

Thanks for baring your soul to us through your music, Walter. Thoroughly enjoyable album which I have joyfully added to my Blues collection of CD's which gets frequent play.

ONE OF THE BEST,,EVER!!!!!
WALTER TROUT IS THE BEST UNKNOWN OR KNOWN GUITER PLAYER IN THE WORLD!!!I HAD A CHACE TO SEE AND MEET WALTER IN PERSON...TO WATCH AND HEAR HIM IN PERSON WAS INCREDIBLE...ALL OF HIS CDS ARE A MUST HAVE..THIS ONE IS NEAR THE TOP

Where did he come from?
Holy cow!
Walter can play and smoke is coming off his guitar!
Don't pass up on this one.

Good gitar playin.....but no Blues passion.
I had never heard of Mr Trout before spying this DVD on Amazon. I purchased it and am sorry to say he does not provide an inspiring blues performance. He is a very good Guitarist with a very good band, but their stage presence is not very inspiring.

Buy this if you like him, don't buy it if you are looking for a great blues experience.

Relentless
This cd captures Walter at his absolute best. From start til finish you can really feel every song deep down, in every note Walter plays and every word he sings.A stand out track for me is "Cry If You Want To", a song which Walter wrote fo his son. It is beautiful and moving. "I'm Tired" is a powerful song with exciting guitar playing and strong backing. I love the way in which this cd has been recorded, capturing both the benefits of the studio and live performance. This is yet another outstanding release from Walter Trout and the Radicals. Relentless is a must have. ... Read more