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 in slo-mo. It just isn't anything like what his shows give you in person. I'm still a huge fan, but I'll be sure to go for a studio release next time. I'd recommend others do the same. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of the most powerful voices ever recorded
You have to know Odetta, and this is the best album for getting to know her -- so there you go!

Odetta has one of the most powerful voices ever recorded. Thank goodness we live in an age when we have recording capability! Just think if she had lived a century earlier -- her voice could not have been immortalized for future generations to witness.

She sings folks songs with conviction, humor, and sheer strength.

And she's actually, in my opinion, a little better as a live performer than a studio one -- somehow her passions really cut loose in front of an audience. No restraint. So this is an excellent album to start with.

Best songs to skip to when you first turn her on: TIMBER, FREEDOM TRILOGY, and JOSHUA FIT THE BATTLE OF JERICHO. Once you listen to those, you'll be properly blown away, and you can go back and get started on the rest of the wonderful album. Let those songs be your incentive!

Odetta is one of the best
Odetta sings with the voice of folk, blues, and the heart. If you own only one album by Odetta get the christmas album with spirituals. Then you will definately want to make this the second CD of Odetta's you have. I have loved this album, cassette, CD for years. Odetta is one of a kind. ... Read more

Album Description

This live recording of the Ford Brothers - Robben Ford, along with brothers Patrick and Mark - was made in 2002 following the success of the Ford Blues Band's career best-selling titles A TRIBUTE TO PAUL BUTTERFIELD and IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD.This release features highlights from their live performance captured for the PBS television series Sierra Center Stage, recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California.

Each of the brothers contributed songs.Tired of Talkin' is a Robben Ford shuffle that is anything but tired.Patrick contributes the joyful funk groove of Another Fine Day and Mark's Up From The Streets is a song he wrote for John Lee Hooker. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Blues, Bad Arrangement
This is another excellent outing by the Fords and their family blues band. I really enjoyed Patrick's last CD (minus Robben and Mark but Volker Strifler on guitar and Andy Just on harp are great) called "Another Fine Day".

This live adventure combines them all and provides a number of upbeat, lively blues tunes. Particular standous are "Lovin' Cup", "Feelin' Disconnected" and "Mellow Down Easy". The others are very good as well.

However, my primary beef is how the tunes are presented. The very first song is Mellow Down Easy and it is obvious from Mark Ford's comments that they are well into their second set. Also, at the end of this first song, you hear him saying that they have to go. I don't wish to say that the recording has to follow the concert set exactly but geesh...at least try to help me feel like I am at a live gig. The rest of the presentation seems disjointed as well. On my copy, "Lovin' Cup" is labeled as #8 but on the CD it just continues right into this song after #7 "Up From the Streets" is completed.

However, despite these problems, this CD has some very good blues music that is played with energy and the tunes are well performed. I highly recommend the music. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fleet-fingered fretman Monte Montgomery has quietly carved out a name for himself on the competitive Austin music scene as a poll-winning guitar hero and a must-see live act. What's more, on a scene known for blazing Stevie Ray-style Stratocasters, he's done it all with an acoustic guitar! Montgomery's first live effort, a double disc recorded at Fort Worth's palatial performing-arts venue Caravan of Dreams, showcases his guitar prowess and the popular appeal of his live band's propulsive power. Most of the acoustic rock-oriented material comes from Montgomery, as self-penned staples from his live show are interspersed with such favorites as "Wishing Well," "Whirlwind," and "When Will I" from his two studio albums. Montgomery and the band make the most of the live setting, stretching out the songs--five go past 10 minutes--with creative instrumental interplay. Montgomery also successfully mixes in a diverse selection of cover tunes, including a percussion-driven rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "World Turning" and a radically reworked, almost satiric take on Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings." TheHall & Oates hit "Sara Smile" and Dire Straits' "Romeo and Juliet," the latter the 13-minute album closer, also appear in personalized versions spotlighting Montgomery's aggressive acoustic-guitar excellence and his crowd-pleasing personality as a live entertainer. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Okay recording of one of the best live performers
The recording and production of this cd fails to capture the complexity of Monte and his band. Three guys sound like 6, as carefully woven rhythms grab ahold of you until Monte shakes you up with his guitar work... when you see them live, or listent to a studio album. For some reason, the bass seems to get lost on this recording, and the guitar solos fail to cut through. Still a good cd, but could have been one of the 10 best in my collection.

I can't stop listening to this one.
I've seen Monte live several times, and have all his other albums, and this performance is as great as the sound quality. I really don't know what other folks are talking about, criticizing the mix or the performance.

And I'm sorry there is a dispute regarding the legality of this recording, but I don't get the logic that we should deprive ourselves of this great artist and his music! I just wish he would release more live material...

John

not authorized
Do not buy this cd. It is not authorized by Monte Montgomery!

Buy Monte Montgomery Live New and Approved instead!!!

Legal Schmegal...who cares??
...P>I'm not going to go into a bunch of bull about this or that. This is quality music, from his awesome acoustic to his soulful lyrics. If you appreciate quality, and by the way if that rings your bell...you do, you will appreciate Monte. Just trust me on that (and look at his ratings on all of his other CDs here on Amazon.com...that says something)

I can genuinly say this is my favorite CD.

I am not sure what all the legal stuff is about, but it doesn't affect my ability to listen to good music and you shouldn't ...either.

One of the best!
i must say i don tknow why ohter people review it so low those who gone to the live concerts by monte know that this cd caputures the eccense of his show while it might not be the same as when you actually there seeing monte bust out mind boggling riffs and tricks on the acoutic it is one of my fave cd's because it reminds me of all the shows i go to and its that nostalgia that i liek and everyone else would like even if you havent gone to one and and enjoy his music this album is a musthave for you collection monte is a trully amzing texas artist and so is this cd ... Read more

Album Description

French remastered mid-price reissue of 1958 album. Packaged in a digipak. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Awesome !!1
If one is interested in the early Ray Charles jazz years this is a wonderful example. The album abounds with demonstrations of his virtuosity on piano, and that of other musicians in his large band. Check out Blues Waltz!! A good listen! We won't see his like again. ... Read more

Album Description

Blues superstar Luther Allison's performance at the 1995 Chicago Blues Festival saw the blues master returning home at the absolute peak of his live performing powers. His energy and focus brought the crowd to its collective feet, and with this sweat-soaked, soul-fueled performance, Allison secured a place at the top of the blues world.

Anyone fortunate enough to witness a live Luther Allison show during this time (whether it was in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Paris or Japan) tells of non-stop concerts with Allison playing right up until closing time, attacking every song with fury and passion, leaving his audiences exhausted but still wanting more. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Best of the Bluesmen
Luther Allison, even after his death, remains one of the largest mainstays of the Blues World. This is my second copy of this fabulous Blues Album after having worn out the first. This man is by far at the top of the ladder, sadly after his early demise, but to this day he has had the biggest impact on my blues addiction. I'm Leaving is no doubt one of the greatest blues songs ever performed by Luther and makes him stand out in the Crowd. Every song on this album showcases his superb talents when it comes to Lead Guitar playing and exuding the Blues. Close your eyes and journey to what is known as the "BLUES WORLD". You won't be disappointed, as Jean Cabot, of Rock and Folk relates, "At the moment, his guitar no longer speakes to you, it cries...and it's tears are blue". If this album is not in your collection then shame on you. You have no idea what you are missing. THE BEST, THE BEST of Luther Allison.

FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!
This "Live" performance of this excelent bluesman,is like something we are always searching during all of one life,and when we've found this.....what AMAZING discovery!!!!
This cd is marvelous since the first track,specially the own interpretation of "Thrill is gone",and the tribute to Hound Dog Taylor.No matter some bad sound quality,what really impressed me was the astonishing performance of this truly showman.
This is Luther Allison at his best days,when he lived in Paris,and was almost an unknown musician to the american audience.
This is a good begining for those interested to know one of the best bluesman of ever!!!!
The influences of Elmore James,Hound Dog Taylor and Albert King are constant in all this superb album.The comunicative personality of Allison turns him one of most charismatic musician i've seen in my life.Really a superb album!!!!!

This CD is hot!
I wonder why no one has reviewed this one yet. I wonder how many people have bought this one. I can see why one may not immediately pick this one up. First it only has ten songs on it and second most of the songs are not even Luther's. well, let me set the records straight. even though there are only ten songs on the disc you get almost 70 minutes worth of music - lots of extended jams from an excellent band. second, yes the track listing for the most part reads like a generic blues greatest hits disc: "Thrill is Gone", "Little red rooster", "Early in the Morning", "Rock Me baby", etc I can't stress enough that Luther really digs into these songs and puts his own spin on each. "thrill is Gone" which clocks in at over nine minutes is just amazing. The middle solo section is highly funkified and the final section where luther sings along note for note with his guitar solo, (Similar to albert collins), chills just run up and down my spine. The man was an excellent live performer and he really shows it on this disc. Of course it doesn't hurt that it was recorded in Paris where he actually got the recognition he so richly deserved. The music deserves five stars, but the production knocks it down to four stars. The audience is virtually inaudible and this takes away from the live feel of the disc. You can hear Luther playing to the audience, but you can't hear how they react. Also, at the beginning of the disc you can hear the sound man turning knobs to get the mix right because the guitar fades in and out for a minute or so until the sound is just right. even after this though there are a couple spots where he is still changing the mix slightly. believe me though, the songs and the performance way outshine these small deficiencies and this CD is definitely worth picking up. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Booker tames the piano
This recording is a great, great treasure. We are lucky to have Booker live, and of all the booker albums out, this one is perhaps the most profound. The first two tracks are astonishing, and throughout the album, Booker fuses Chopin, Monk, Fatha' Hines, and Cecil Taylor- but it's pure Booker, that mad genius.

Musicians play the piano, but this is one case in which Booker tames the piano; he is in complete control, and as most people have stated- I, too, could swear that I hear at least 3 hands on the piano on all his recordings. Listen to "St. James Infirmary" on this record. It is one of the most diabollicaly painful, lonesome performances ever, ranking with the painful tunes of Hank Williams, Leadbelly, and Lennon.

You would never believe it's only one man playing.
But it's true. I regret I never saw Booker live, though I was in New Orleans while he still blew people's minds at the Maple Leaf. You can't possibly accept that what you hear on this CD is live, one man, no overdubs. He could sandwich a half dozen classical composers between Fats Domino, Fess and Gershwin before you know what happened. If you have any appreciation for the piano, buy this, and its companion "Spiders on the Keys".

James Booker is the Dennis Rodman of New Orlean's music!
James Booker is the Dennis Rodman of New Orlean's music! Booker oozes color and madness everytime he touches the key!

Hard poundin' New Orleans Piano
Booker shows why he is the piano wizard of New Orleans with this high powered, high energy album. Recorded live at the Maple Leaf bar in New Orleans, he slams out tunes and gives the listener an opportunity to get a quick glimpse of near perfection. I highly recommend it.

Miracle at the Maple Leaf
A night in the life of a certified genius (touched with a healthy dose of insanity). ... 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 Surprise Discovery
I have a lot of respect for Robben Ford but this CD dazzled me. Recorded in 1972 this work showcases a brilliant performance by a man who must have been all of 21 at the time. Many songs in this collection are filled with jazz chords against which Ford plays a distorted guitar. There is a lot of solid Fender Rhodes work here as well and the combination gives the CD a '70s feel.

When I discovered this CD I expected the Blues that Mr. Ford does so well but instead I found out why Miles Davis hired him. He does some great work in this jazz setting. If you like Robben Ford, like jazz or even better like them both then BUY THIS CD! You'll love it.

Searing Hot Early Ford
This is the companion piece to Avenue Jazz's 1997 release, Discovering The Blues. Tracks for this CD were selected from the same 1972 performances as Discovering the Blues, as well as some from the Marquee Club in London. This collection leans quite a bit more towards Robben's jazzier side, but as always, the blues still runs deep. For my taste, the music here is more interesting and varied then on the previous release. There are slow simmering moments but there are boisterous ones as well. When playing in a more jazz-based framework, the band sounds freer and more adventurous. Ford shows great maturity in his playing that belies his young age. His beautiful tone and flawless technique are always present, but never at the expense of the song. He allows the band alot of breathing room (in particular keyboardist Paul Nagle, who adds a tremendous amount to the performances) and shines when it's his moment in the spotlight. At maybe just 21 years of age he proves to be smooth, soulful, intelligent, and electrifying in every note he plays. To showcase his Saxophone chops, Ford and the band pull off a supercharged version of Miles' Eighty One. Certainly no John Coltrane, Robben nonetheless shows he's amazingly talented, and the Coltrane influence is strongly evident.

The lineup for these gigs was: Paul Nagle on keyboards, Stan Poplin on bass, and Jim Baum on drums. Jimmy Witherspoon also contributed some guest vocals on cuts four and eight. Times on the tracks are: Oh Gee (6:31); Red Rooster (4:25); Eighty One (8:08); Ain't Nobody's Business (3:50); Sunrise (11:28); Blue & Lonesome (8:23) (also appearing on Discovering The Blues); Miss Miss (8:58); and Everyday I Have The Blues (5:26).

This is an incredible opportunity to catch a young Robben Ford stretching out and blazing away live, and I strongly recommend it. It's something every Ford fan should own. Of course, as I said above, this release has more of a jazz vibe to it, so if you're interest is primarily blues you may rate this a bit lower than I would, and I'd suggest checking out Discovering The Blues first. However, I think the energy and adventurous spirit of this music, along with the guitar mastery of Robben Ford, makes this CD a sure thing. Take a chance...

SMOKING
Dam this guy is one talented guitar player! This whole CD burns straight through with a jazz-blues blend that flows smoother then a Michael Jordan jumpshot. The opening instrumental and "Red Rooster" make me want to stop playing the guitar because i know there is no way in hell I'll ever sound like him The whole thing is a gathering of live performances from the 1970's and the music is fast, furious, original, and inspiring. An overall awesome live album.

Great Even Young
This album was recorded when Robben Ford was in his early twenties in a club in L.A. He knew what he was doing even at that young age. His guitar work is a mixture of jazz and blues that will leave you mouth gaping and drooling.

Ford starts off the album with "Oh Gee" a great piece that sets the mood for the entire album. Ford doesn't dominate the entire song, and steps back to let his piano and bass men take solos of their own. Next, he covers "Red Rooster" with a heavy blues feel. There is more to Ford than just great guitar licks. He started out playing the sax three years before he picked up the guitar. He shows us his chops on the horn on Miles Davis' "Eighty One". "Miss Miss" is another of the instrumentals on the album. A great tune. Jimmy Witherspoon jumps in to provide his bluesy voice for "Ain't Nobody's Business" and "Everyday I Have the Blues" trading vocals with Ford and getting great support from the band. .

Rhino records should be congratulated for releasing this great sample of the young Ford. If you're a fan of Ford, guitar, or the blues don't hesitate to check this one out. You won't be disappointed.

THIS IS A BOOTLEG
I know for sure that this is an un-authorized bootleg of a recording that was released without Robben Ford's permission and he recieves no payment or compensation for it's sales. This recording is not legal. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Robben Ford Unplugged
Give me more, give me more. Clean and funky.

Wow, he can sing!
Who knew? The quality of Ford's vocals, always a point of controversy, are very high here, particularly on "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" and the unaccompanied "Loving Cup". The acoustic setting suits Ford, as he reveals himself to be an effective singer when he isn't trying to belt or growl or yelp at high volume. This isn't really a bootleg, as all the instruments are professionally recorded and mixed, particularly Tom Brechtlein's intricate (particularly for blues) drumming. Mr. Ford's acoustic guitar is clear as a bell and transmits his electric technique surprisingly well. Nicely done.

Some of the best ensemble playing you'll ever hear
The rapport between Robben, Tom, Bill and Roscoe is very evident on this hot, and way too short set. Tom Brechtlein and Roscoe Beck deserve big, big kudos for their outstanding support of Robben. My favorites are Lovin' Cup (ultra funky guitar figure), Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin', and Start it Up. Absolutely some of the best blues playing you'll ever hear.

Great jazzy blues, through & through
This is an overlooked masterpiece! Classy, understated in places, ferocious in others,"Authorized Bootleg" has it all. Ford's vocals are in fine form, but we're really here to hear the guitar, right? The rest of the band cooks as well, and the superb quality of the recording is delightful considering this is acoustic. All I can say is it is one of my all-time favorites.

Very clean cut from Yoshi's in S.F.
I personally enjoyed many of the songs on this CD. Especially 'Cheverolet' and 'Tired of Talkin'. If you like this you should try an earlier CD entitled: "Firecracker." ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hard-rock blues
Okay, I'm not a Hound Dog fan -- not that I have anything against him, it's just that this is the only album I've got by him. Maybe it's because I doubt there's better album by him. This is a clear favorite for when I want some loud, electric blues. It's a great live recording that captures both the energy of the performance and gives a generally clean, balanced sound. The opener "Give Me Back My Wig" and his take on "Dust My Broom" are great work. The only thing that holds it back from a five-star is a few muddy tracks and a few uneven songs. Even with all that, if you're into electric blues, you should definitely have this album, along with Muddy Waters "Hard Again".

The Houserockers' very best album
Hound Dog Taylor (1916-1975),the six fingered man (yes,just look at the picture,he really got six fingers on the left hand !) was a giant of the Chicago blues.His guitar playing and his singing mostly remind of Elmore James.Here he is recorded live with his Houserockers, Ted Harvey on drums and Brewer Phillips on bass,at the Northwestern University of Evanston,Ill,and at the Smiling Dog Saloon,Cleveland,in 1974.Great versions of Elmore James' classics,"dust my broom" and "the sun is shining",and awesome originals like "kitchen sink boogie","let's get funky" (remember Magic Sam ?) or "it's allright". Hound Dog is one of the very underrated great Chicago bluesman, with J.B.Hutto.Let's have a ball with him now !

THIS is the one!
This is the Hound Dog Taylor you should have seen live. But thank God for this awesome recording, you get to hear it, and you'll swear it's like you were really there. Raw, raw, raw sound that's always imitated but never duplicated; "Beware of the Dog" is definitely one of the top ten best live blues recordings ever made, EASILY. He and Philip Brewer and Ted Harvey set the standard for a blues power trio.

Raw and powerful
This is just a great classic album - It's like walking into a small club and hearing low down slide guitar and tough blues - I got this first on LP when it came out in 75 and it still sounds fresh and alive. Awesome.

Hound Dog's best, narrowly
Hound Dog's albums are all much of a piece: raw, stripped-down, exuberant "punk blues" that lack finesse but have feeling to burn. If pressed, I'd pick this one as his finest, because he and the HouseRockers ironically get a fuller and more powerful sound outside the studio -- this is a live album -- and, in the interplay between the tiny club audience and The Man, you can hear how much pure and simple joy he derived from his work. And, by returning that uplifting energy through his music, he was elevated to greatness. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This powerhouse set of live recordings from early in Robben Ford's distinguished career boasts solo-laden 10-minute-plus versions of B.B. King's "Sweet Sixteen" and John Lee Hooker's "It's My Own Fault." Ford, who has worked with Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, and George Harrison, plays surprisingly sweet, agile saxophone on Don Raye's jazz ballad "You Don't Know What Love Is." His voice--if still that of a very young man--is throaty and melodic on the King and Hooker cuts. But it's his guitar that takes centerstage. Owing heaps to electric bluesmen B.B., Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Albert King, and Mike Bloomfield, Ford's rich tone, deliberate lines, and tuneful bends were world-class even in 1972. --James Rotondi ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Young Robben Plays It Slow And Simmering
This collection of old live cuts by Robben Ford is the first of two releases on Avenue Jazz's new Vault Classics label (the second is 1999's Sunrise). Recordings were culled from performances at the Ash Grove in Hollywood, and the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach (both in California) back in 1972. At the very green age of 20 or 21, Robben displays unbelievable ability on both guitar and sax. Though he would certainly improve over the years, his mastery of the guitar in particular should be painfully evident to even the most jaded listener. Tone; control; phrasing; technique; it's all there, albeit in its embryonic form.

Though there is one cut that sheds light on Robben's jazz side (You Don't Know What Love Is), the selections on this release focus almost exclusively on Robben playing the blues (thus the title!). Curiously most of the tracks chosen are slow blues. This is certainly not a horrible thing, but it does in my opinion make the pacing lag quite a bit (this is a 60 minute CD and 42 minutes are devoted to slow blues). Also, because this isn't a one off performance, but rather pieces of several performances, Robben starts two of these off with the very same lick (hey, the guy IS human)! All that aside, this is a great opportunity to hear vintage Ford playing live. I absolutely applaud Avenue Jazz for unearthing these gems and hope there're many more to come.

For those of you looking for details, the lineup Robben used was: Paul Nagle on keyboards, Stan Poplin on bass, and Jim Baum on drums. Times on the tracks are: Sweet Sixteen (12:33); You Drive A Hard Bargain (5:42); It's My Own Fault (10:28); You Don't Know What Love Is (8:49); My Time After Awhile (3:34); Raining In My Heart (10:33); and Blue & Lonesome (8:25). For some inexplicable reason, they included this last track on Sunrise as well.

Although the track selection can make this album seem slightly one dimensional at times, it is a great opportunity to hear the raw sounds of a blossoming guitar giant in his formative years. I'd say if you're largely a fan of Robben's blues style, then you'll enjoy this. If you lean more towards his jazz side, then Sunrise will sound more adventurous and varied to you due to a stronger blend of Ford's jazzy/blues mix. Of course if you're REAL smart you'll just buy both. Believe me, you won't be disappointed!

A Quintessential Blues Album
First of all, disregard pfinegan's review. If you like tasteful blues, this is your ticket as a listener and player. I'm a huge Eric Clapton fan, and right about the time I felt I was good enough on the guitar to start tackling some of E.C.s blues tunes, my teacher told me about Robben Ford. I picked up this album and immediately shoved Clapton aside and began learning these tunes. I will admit, some of the songs get a little redundant; they're very long, he uses a lot of the same licks and changes, and just about every song is in the key of C. But these songs are perfect templates for learning the blues. He uses a lot of licks that can be somewhat easily figured out and incorporated into anyone's playing. His playing is just so smooth and tasteful and passionate, some of the songs almost bring me to tears, especially It's My Own Fault. Whether you're a player or just love to listen to the blues, a blues enthusiasts' collection surely wouldn't be complete without this album. This is definitly one of my desert island CDs.

If you had heard it back then
You would have seen it coming. This guy is the most tasteful and enjoyable guitarist to listen to today. This is basic stuff compared to his current work. However, it is still a blast to listen to. I am buying everything by Ford.

A blue guitar lecture
First of all I have to admit that I've always been a Robben Ford fan. Having said that, in my opinion, it is indisputable that this is a fantastic CD.
If you are a blues fan and you like "blue guitar" played the way it should be: intense, passionate and with great feeling; if you think that slow blues are the real deal, do not hesitate and buy this CD! It is going to be your bliss for the foreseeable future.

very underrated guitar slinger
I like to think of Robben Ford as the flip side of Jimi Hendrix. If Jimi hit you like a dump truck full of cement, Robben slices your soul like red hot piano wire. He's always in control, always perfectly phrased. He revs it up and slows it down with perfect precision. The sad thing is that most people like his later stuff with short solos and more cheezy songs. If you listen to a guitar player, why not listen to an album like this, or Robben in the Charles Ford band, where he lets loose? Robben is a blues guitar player. That means he's at the height of his powers playing straight blues like this, *not* cheezy jazz like Tiger Walk. Robben is truly, truly, one of the great all-time blues guitar players, as good as SRV. This is one of the only recordings that proves it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The 73-year-old soul-blues master returns to form with this CD, recorded in Malaco's Jackson, Mississippi, studios and at Alabama's famed Muscle Shoals Sound. The playing is right and tight, from the graceful guitar fills of session aces Reggie Young and Jimmy Johnson on "My Sunday's Comin' Soon" to the Hammond B-3 organ tones that permeate the album. But what's best, of course, is hearing Bland tear into good tunes penned by a who's who of modern deep-soul songwriters including George Jackson ("I Caught the Blues from Someone Else") and Rue Davis ("I've Got the Blues at Midnight"). There's also a re-make of Z.Z. Hill's "I'm a Blues Man" that splits the difference between Delta dust and throbbing funk, with its acoustic Dobro intro giving way to pumping bass and a burst of loud, sweet electric slide. But most of these numbers stick to the kind of textbook arrangements Bland helped perfect with albums like his 1961 classic Two Steps from the Blues. And when Bland sings, "I'm an original, one of a kind," there's no disputing him. Despite the loss of his high falsetto to a tonsillectomy years ago, he's retained the ability to sculpt his warm low and mid-range notes so precisely that his phrases float along with Cadillac-style luxury and grace. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (2)

His Best Malaco CD
The staff of writers and producers at Malaco Records keep improving on the company's sound: Rich, horn-fueled soul blues. This is the legendary Bobby Blue Bland's 12th for the company and like Little Milton's latest GUITAR MAN- it may be his best yet! It is impeccably produced and Bobby still sounds great. Especially gorgeous are "This Man Woman Thing", "Blues At Midnight", "Only Thing Missing Is You" and his fantastic cover of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World".

73 YearsOld And Still Got The Blues
This is album number 12 on Malaco Records and it keeps the successful formula of horn-drenched soul blues and smokey vocals going. At 73 years old it is expected that Mr. Bland would have lost some of that legendary voice (years of cigarettes no doubt)- and he has. Nevertheless, although no longer impressive in concert, he still sounds great in the studio. Bland is once again presented with sympathetic production and a strong set of songs, mostly from the usual hit-making suspects like George Jackson (the great "I Caught The Blues From Someone Else"- one of the highlights of this disc), Robert Johnson & Sam Mosley (Artie White's "You Hit The Nail On The Head" & "Baby What's Wrong With You") & Larry Addison ("My Sunday's Comin' Soon", the gorgeous "The Only Thing Missing Is You" and the epic album closer "Ghetto Nights"). But the best cut is "This Man-Woman Thing" with that upbeat horn-filled soul feel that the company is famous for- a sure-fire hit. Also, included is an understated cover of the Louis Armstrong chestnut, "What A Wonderful World". Very satisfying! ... 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 (4)

Blast from the past
Growing up in Southern Illinois, it was a weekly event for Twist and the Mellow Fellows to sneak me (being underage) into Merlins to hear them play. What more can I say? They were phenomenal.

Great Memories!
Saw the original Big Twist only once before he died. Recorded a tape and played it constantly. The CD is wonderful, only wish that it had included "Childrens Blues" which is a favorite of mine. He was a great bluesman and played great Chicago Style Blues. Everyone who hasn't heard this band, should!

One of The Best
If you don't own this cd, you should 'covet' the thought of owning it. Larry is no longer with us physically, but those of us that were privey to the wonderful world of his 'down home Chicago blues', will never get him out of our system.In his "hayday', he had one of the most gripping blues "bands" going. His voice alone, and the way he delivered it, was truly the essensce of what blues IS. For those that didn't get a chance to kow him or his music while he was alive, I feel sorry that you didn't. The redeeing grace is, that, through 'modern technology',you can have this experience now. Do you want to party? Then you need this CD. This is the best of all the "Twist" CD's. Turn it up! It doesn't get better than this!

Classic R&B
BTMF was the best bar band I have ever experienced. I used to catch them frequently in and around Chicago in the late 80's and early 90's. This album captures and extremely tight, lively R&B band in their prime. Steamroller Blues, Turning Point, To Much BBQ are all classics. If these guys didn't get you moving, man you are dead! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

good, but not as good as the prior reviews
When I found out (not from Amazon) that Frank Marino was on this album, plus KWS, I almost bought it sight unseen, but I gave the samples a listen and then decided to pick this and the Saturday night (part II) up.

I wasn't dissapointed, but my expectations we perhaps a little high, so it's not one of my top blues guitar albums, live or otherwise. It's a decent blues album and I like it, and although I'm no stranger to raw live blues, some of Lee's rawness comes off as, I'm sorry, but it's my opinion, sloppiness. Taken in context of a live recording in a New Orleans bar, this fits, but it's not 5-star material. Nor, IMHO is the companion album.

But don't let that stop you from picking it up, it's/they're good album(s). Lee is a decent guitarist and singer, and it's really cool that he had Marino & Shepherd sit in with him. Makes you want to blast it loud while sipping a Jim Beam.

If you're a very hard-core Marino fan like I am, you might a little dissapointed , Frank's a great player on his own and even better with Mahogany Rush, but like his "blues period" where he went from his own, post-Jimi/almost progressive self-styled fantastic sound period (IV, Strange Universe) to a more Johnny Winter vein, well, Frank's just not a blues guitarist *first*. He seems to be straining, not to play notes, but to garner feel. I can't believe I of all people am saying this about Frank!

Frank does do some nice slide playing, although I'm not sure it's actually slide, I had heard that on earlier MR albums he used his whammy bar for slide-sounds, but that be yet another Marino urban legend.

Some people are not so keen on KWS, but I have most of his albums and I like him a lot even if he's a SRV clone, at the end of the day he plays well and has good tunes. He sounds good here too.

Don't kill me for this review, someone else yeh or nay it.

Tabasco-style blues
At my high school reunion, a classmate named Kevin McMahon cornered me near the bar, handed me a CD, said that he liked my Roy Buchanan article-and insisted I needed to hear this guy. He was 100% right about that-Lee is the hot Daddy of Bad Blues and he commands respect. The story goes that Bryan plays in a bar in New Orleans and doesn't really leave the place-it's a home to him-and that special guests come to visit. We're talking special guests like James Cotton, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Frank Marino (of Mahogany Rush).

Quick!-my asbestos gloves, because what Stevie Wonder can do with a keyboard, Bryan Lee does with a guitar, and that is scorching good music. Oh, yeah, he's blind, too. We're talking raw, skin-it-alive Fender Stratocaster, folks. Can he sing? Nasty, raspy, and when he screeches, I swear the last time that kind of sound crossed my ears was in metal shop. The backup band's support is hot enough to melt lead, and there's five-yes, five more CDs available. For an extra treat, try his Crawfish Lady-both the music and the recipe are found on that disc, but I warn you: there's no putting out this fire with any known substance, because Bryan Lee is too hot to control except under his own terms.

Amazing
This album highlights the best and the worst of Kazaa. The best because I discovered the album and bought a copy. The worst because so many Kazaa users relegate Bryan Lee to vocalist and give the guitar credits to Kenny Wayne Shepherd when most of the tracks highlight the amazing energy and ability of Bryan Lee. This is an exceptional live album which introduced me to an artist who has been around for a long time (40 years) and finally gets deserved recognition. There are guests, in particular: Kenny ('his adopted son'), James Cotton and Frank Marino. The second album from this gig is similarly titled: Live at the Old Absinthe House Bar: Saturday Night and is also worth a visit. Listen to 'The Sky is Crying' for the best illustration of Bryan Lee's blues guitar and vocals.

Fantastic, guitar-driven blues
Byran Lee is an amazing guitarist, and this CD (and the 'Saturday Night' recorded CD) capture the energy of this artist at work.

this is the real deal!
This is one of the best blues guitarists alive today. This is a real nice sample of his talents with Kenny Wayne Shepherd and some other cool guests. Don't miss it! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Real Trip to the Past
This performance really takes you back. It sounds like you took your own little tape recorder with you that night and captured all the sounds in the theater. The sound on this recording is primitive, but actually quite adequate. There is Dave's gravelly voice, and then the enthusiastic cheering of the crowd. Put it in the stereo and turn up the volume and you can picture being there.

Dave has made a good selection of material, and he even includes some W. C. Fields impressions. I think the songs have aged very well; although they are from an earlier era, they still sound good.

This is a good show. It is only 46 minutes, which is the part I most regret, but a good 46 minutes. Any fan of folk music will want to have this CD, and the price is right. ... 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

In the early '60s, Koerner, Ray, & Glover released their first album, which had an influence on a young Dylan and countless other nascent roots artists. Here were three guys--white guys, at that--playing blues and rags, and having a good time. The world has never been quite the same since.

Well, the three musical musketeers are back again, with their first disc in over thirty years, and they carry on right where they left off. They're still having a good time, and it comes across. Not everything is perfect; their version of the beautiful "Shenendoah" is a little flippant for my tastes, but in the main, it's a welcome, joyous stroll through years and years of music, helped by superbly picked acoustics, harps that won't quit, and voices that have aged like fine wine. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Years gone by...
I fell in love with Blues Rags and Hollers as soon as I heard it. It wasn't just the music, but the glimpses of these three men that you catch behind the music. Every time I pop in the cd, the stories start up in my head. This cd picks up thirty-odd years later, and the feeling is still there. The heart behind the music hasn't changed, although the voices have. Tony Glover's harp has gotten better, if anything, and Dave Ray's guitar is still shuffling along in some mystic other space. John Koerner? Why, he's just Spider John, till the day he dies... and after that, I'm sure. ... Read more