Reviews (3)

These guys aren't kidding around.
This is some serious blues people. Real American homegrown. Listen to "When you see tears"..Buddy Guy has lived this, and it pours out in this song..."I can't sleep at night because I'm nervous"....its so potent, its so honest, not some wanked out British imitation...not for casual listeners or kids...

A live masterpiece
This is certainly one the best live blues performance I have heard. I love the live version of Hoodoo man Blues - it is even better then the original studio classic from 10 years earlier. Checking on my Baby - is as good as this song ever got, even when Sonny Boy Williamson first did it.
Buddy Gut takes over the slower blues, such as "Ten years ago" - as only he can, while Wells is the master of the faster blues. Wells' rough vocals are offset by Guy's smoother delivery, and everything fits beautifully. The harmonica (Wells) and guitar (Guy) solos are all great, and the band sounds united and relaxed at the same time.
This is a CD for ALL those who want to listen to blues, performed live and exciting.

An excellent recording from the 1974 Montreaux jazz fest.
This gem is a must have for fans of live blues. Buddy Guy and Junior Wells perform with an electricity that has seldom been matched. The production quality of this recording is fantastic and reveals why Guy and Wells were considered by many as one of the best duos of modern Chicago blues. Perfect with cocktails and easily the life of the party, this disc smokes, baby! This set also features Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones on bass as well as the legendary PineTop Perkins on piano. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (1)

Groundbreaking
I remember when I first heard this album, in its original 1957 vinyl release, back in the 1970's. It's folk with guts. If you are a real folk afficionado, you gotta have it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Best CD of the Best Basie Band
In my opinion the Basie band in 1959-1961 was the greatest of his second generation orchestras. All 16 bandsmen were individually talented and played swinging arrangements with cohesion and enthusiasm. There were no second or third horns; all were first chair musicians capable of memorable solos. There was not a slouch in the bunch. When they played as an ensemble, they were awesome.

This CD is taken from a tape of a breakfast dance for the Disc Jockeys of America convention on May 31, 1959. The dance for 2000+ people started at 2am and ended at 7am. Basie and his band had been booked at Birdland that week. The band flew to Miami late at night, played the gig and then returned to NYC in time for their scheduled performance at Birdland that evening.

This CD is a recording of the entire dance program as it was presented at the Americana Hotel, start to finish. The remastering is superb; you feel like you are right there on the dance floor. The band is understandably a little stiff at first, but they warm to the occassion quickly. After a few tracks they hit a groove like I have never before on any Basie CD. This is Basie and the Basie band at its finest. I have never heard Joe Williams sing better.

This Basie band loved to shout! Check out "Splanky", "Cherry Point", "Roll em Pete", "Back to the Apple" and "Everyday I Have The Blues". The closing theme "One O'Clock Jump" is 3:40 minutes and features Sweets Edison minus mute. There are 18 tracks total; all in dance tempos. It is said that Basie fed upon the energies of those listening and particularly from dancers. It must have been some morning.

Thank you Roulette for releasing this. The only downer are Chris Sheridan's album notes. Mr. Sheridan does his usual accurate recount of history and attention to detail, but his use of words like antiphony, onamatopoeic and spiky detract from his review. But then my advice is don't read -- just listen, remember and enjoy what music used to be. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Nobody plays rockin' blues with more heads-down authority than the current edition of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Still led by singer-harmonica ace Kim Wilson, whose prowess on the instrument marks him as one of its all-time greats, the band surges through this February 2000 concert at full throttle. Which means the rhythm section keeps a flat-four chug percolating, pianist-organist Gene Taylor makes like Johnny Johnson on steroids, and Kid Ramos dishes out rhythm 'n' leads with reverb-drenched efficiency, while Wilson keeps his pushy baritone thundering above it all.

Ramos dives into the old T-Birds hit "Tuff Enuff" with a solo that punctuates steely riffing with funky chords. Wilson--although unremittingly powerful--sounds best on the slower numbers like Guitar Slim's "The Things That I Used to Do" (another Ramos showpiece) and Jerry McCain's "Tough Enough." The slower tempos allow him to wrap his voice around the lyrics, stretching syllables the same way his singing harp elongates and elaborates notes. The only gripe is that this concert's tight arrangements don't give Wilson enough time to solo. As his guest performances on Ronnie Earl's newRonnie Earl and Friends (Telarc) displays, the more Wilson stretches, the more inventive and melodic his playing becomes. And Wilson's solo return to the studio is overdue.--Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (9)

T-Bird blast
The California Geoseismic Institute must have sworn The Big Quake had hit LA when these guys hit the stage and let loose on "The Things I Used to Do." David "Kid" Ramos romps-there's no better word-on guitar behind the bulldozer drumwork of Steve Hodges, Willie Campbell's relentless bass, and Gene Taylor's cracking piano. However, it's Kim's love of singing that makes him the perfect lead vocalist: he can hold a phrase in his voice like Aretha Franklin until the dials jump on their own (check it out on the aforementioned "Things"), and there's that great baritone barrel chest to support it. Even better, when he grabs the harmonica and starts to pump, it literally buzzes like a giant barber's electric shears. Whooo, you can feel it right down to your shoes! This is what a house party should look and sound like.

Big T-Birds Sound Live!!
In this February 2000 concert disc, the Fabulous Thunderbirds eschew the raw rocking sound that made their early records sound so vital for a full band sound complete with horns and (on the closing number) female background singers. Kim Wilson, like BB King before him, obviously sees that many concertgoers want a fuller sound when listening to their music live and the additional musicians certainly provide that sound. The horns in particular have the effect of taking some of the covers, such as "Wrap It Up" and "Things I Used to Do," away from pure blues and back to the rhythm and blues roots they originated from. Kim Wilson's vocals on these tracks are fabulous, and Kid Ramos plays some stinging guitar as well. Old favorites "Tuff Enuff" and "She's Tuff" sound tougher and finer than ever, while "My Babe" takes on the full-throttle rocking power of a high speed locomotive. Fans of Kim Wilson's harmonica playing may feel a little shortchanged; "Early Every Morning" is the only harp showcase on the album, with Wilson blowing like a maniac. A glorious, if all too brief, moment of solo improvisation. Overall, the band is tight, the numbers are together, and the music features many rockable, danceable moments, even though Live, like most such discs, cannot replicate the excitement of an in-person appearance.

Sorry, but this is disppointing at best
I don't know what album the other reviewers are listening too, but it can't be the one I've got. I'm a HUGE Kim Wilson fan, I just love Kid Ramos to death, and the T-Birds have always been in high rotation in my house. But this? This is "Kim Wilson and the Contractual Commitments featuring Kid Ramos"

Seriously, if you want live Kim Wilson, get "Smoking Joint" if you want live T-Birds, get "Different Tacos" and any of Ramos' solo albums are way better than this. (And if you enjoy hearing Gene Taylor play 8-to-the-bar octaves, there's no hope for you, so buy this...)

I'm giving this 2 stars only because I like Wilson's voice, and Ramos does his usual crack job on most of it.
But T-Birds?!?? No way, man.

a boogie-bomb
I totally agree with the reviews above! This is a great CD, the sound is natural and clear, a sound not common on live-blues Cds.
Ok Kim is great as usual, but the highlight here is Gene Taylor and Dave Mathews on piano and organ, this is master class of boogie and blues keyboards playing! I love that!!!My only criticism is about the "offtune" double-bass!sorry. Anyway this is the blues, and I love it.

T-Birds great newcoming on this stelar "LIVE" performance!!!
This is undoubtedly one of the best "Live" performances released in years!!Scorched set,with clarity sound;Kim Wilson at his best;
Kid Ramos;Campbell;Hodges;and stupendous performance of this genius of barrel-house piano,Gene Taylor!!This is T-Birds as it must be,really the best blues-rock band in activity!!!
Nothing more;Just listen to this sound,and.....OHHHH!!!!!
Great revival, T-Birds,and all of your fans are happierrrrr!!!!
Congratulations to all of this Fabulous Band,specially in the person of Kim Wilson!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Master of the Telecaster
Albert toured extensively during this time and the Union Bar in Mpls. was a usual stop. I was lucky to attend these shows and many others featuring Albert and his band.
His shows began with the band warming up with Casey Jones (drums) or A.C. Reed (sax) taking vocals. When the crowd was good and ready, Casey would lead into the instrumental "Frosty". After building up fury, he would announce "Ladies and Gentleman, here for you in Mpls, by way of Houston Texas, The man that cuts so deep he gets into your soul, the master of the Telecaster, Albert Collins!Albert Collins!!" With that, you would hear Albert, but not see him. He'd come into the bar playing, wringing vibrato from his Tele. Albert would then launch into any of his trademark tunes. The songs presented here are a showcase of his talent and what he did night after night.
During "Mind to Travel", Albert would get out the 200 foot guitar cord and wander both rooms of the Union, often stopping to sit at your table, talk, have a drink, and all the while wailing in his unique open-tuned and capoed solo style.
"Cold Cuts" features A.C. Reed helping on vocals, and Johnny B. Gayden's awesome bass solo. He played what we called his "Popeye" solo many times to adoring crowds.
This recording takes you back to the nights when the weather was frigid, the beer frosty and the music searing. A nicer more approachable group of musicians you won't find anywhere.
Please buy this and relive Albert's glory days. You won't be sorry.

Riffs Of Wisdom
Phenomenal and Riveting. Dr. Collins proves that he is the master of the Telecaster, and shreds all night with a sound that is completly out-of-site. Do yourself a favor and add this little gem to your music collection.

Gotta have this one!............
This is another favorite live electric blues recording. Albert absolutely makes that guitar sing. This guy should be at the top or near the top of any list of great eletric guitarists past and present. The only complaint is that there isn't more material here. Just 7 songs and about 36 minutes worth. All of it is good though. From the beginning you know your listening to something special.

..............socks

Classic early Collins
If you like electric guitar blues, this is a must-have.

All the tracks are good, but "Things I Used to Do" is my favorite. He plays the first couple of verses just like the original (Guitar Slim) version, then he really cuts loose in pure Albert Collins style. It's like he's saying, "I know where this comes from, but this is how *I* play it.". ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sing it, James!
Good piano work and singing by James Booker.

Hear it again (exponentially) and feel good
If you love New Orleans jazz, esp. piano songs, you'll love this album. I end up listening to this album almost every day at work -- it's inspirational in the best sense of the word. I bought this CD because I love Prof. Longhair and Dr. John and was looking for new influences; read the above amazon reviews and decided to give it a shot. You should too. James Booker's voice and piano will shake your soul and make you love humanity. It's a feel-good CD, a really-feel-good CD.

A Wonderful Gem
One of my favorite recordings. Booker is an outstanding pianist and his singing is both touching and powerful. He thrilled me as he obviously also did the audience present during the recording of this album. I have probably listened more often to this album, than any other in my collection.

Amazingly funky
James Booker is a gem. This album features some of the most soulful, joyful piano playing and singing ever recorded in this genre. Booker's voice is deep and stirring and his piano is astonishingly free and funky. This is beautiful music, made simply. It will make you want to dance, cry, and start all over again.

James Booker's best
This album was recorded at something called the "Boogie Woogie and Ragtime Piano Contest" in Zuerich, Switzerland. What I want to know is, who were the other contestants? James Booker's best album, and probably one of the most soulful and rhythmically exciting albums ever recorded in this genre. Booker was a musical originator, but also famous for his ability to impersonate a wide variety of players. He seems to borrow heavily from Ray Charles at points on this album, but in my opinion he actually surpasses Charles in certain respects. His singing on this album is both bizarre and tortured and soulful, he has a nasal style here that was de rigeur for funk groups such as The Commodores and Cameo. You know what I'm talking about. The whole album is just Booker and his pyrotechnical piano (check out the amazing crescendo on the last track,) and should serve as a reminder that you don't need a big band or fancy production to be funkier than the rest. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Jelly Roll All-Stars deliver an uncommon prize, a live-recorded, raw and raggedy debut album by a working blues band. Rather than create a fussed-over product in a polished recording session, this band of distinguished journeymen jammed into the studio of WROX in Clarksdale, Mississippi, to keep the letter and spirit of Chicago and modern Delta blues intact. The three gents with ties to Muddy Waters--longtime rhythm section Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and harmonica player Arthur Williams--join drummer Sam Carr (of the great Delta band Jelly Roll Kings) and young helpmates Jesse Hoggard (guitar) and Bob Lohr (piano) for a series of heartfelt performances, with Williams's Hohner squalls being especially noteworthy. On the down side, the material is only decent and three different All-Stars flop as singers. --Frank-John Hadley ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Sweet Blues Jam From The Masters!
A blues summit of living legends and established pros gathered in Clarksdale, Mississippi to cut this CD, and it's a throwback to a time that may soon be lost forever."Must Be Jelly" goes against the prevailing rules of recording, making for a raw, exceptional session.

Crowded into one room of WROX Radio with their instruments, amps, mikes and skills were the Jelly Roll All-Stars, each in their own right worthy of the name -- Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, the longtime rhythm section for Muddy Waters and later the Legendary Blues Band, Sam Carr and Arthur Williams, along with guitarist Jesse Hoggard and pianist Bob Lohr get together for a session that recalls the backroom jams that always occur among like-minded artists before and after gigs.This time, however they got it on tape.

Smiths leads off on the mike, on Jimmy Reed's "Baby Don't Say That No More."Williams, who played with Reed takes off on another of his classics, "I'm Gonna Get My Baby."

Other recognized standards, "The Sun Is Shining," B.B. King's "Country Girl" and Sonny Boy Williamson's "Nine Below Zero" get slightly different takes from the originals, and Hoggard provides two of his own songs, "King Motel" and "Arkansas Boogie."The latter gives Hoggard plenty of room to show his stuff, but the give and take is good on the session, with no one member trying to take over.

All in all, the old masters and the seasoned vets getting together in a different lineup shows their true talent and professionalism.The egos were left at the station's front door, and the result of the work is a strong recording that is a joy to listen to.

This is the real deal, folks...
This is classic juke joint gutbucket blues at it's finest. The vocals are very cool and "real deal" as well, especially Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's vocal cuts...the Amazon reviewer is totally wrong on that note. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent country-blues
Toni has one of the best voices out there; sort of a bluesier Maria McKee, just a little rougher around the edges. But it's that rawness that makes listening to her studio work so exciting. This is probably her best and most definitive release to date. You hear rockers, ballads and even an a capella number. Maybe this could have been produced with more panache, but this also adds to the cd's charm. I'd advise anyone interested in roots music to grab "Swim Away" while you still can; it's a keeper.

Best in Person
Toni Price has been playing to packed houses at the Continental Club in Austin,Texas for years. If you've never heard her, you should. It may not match getting to see her in person in a smoke filled bar where the crowd stands to watch her and offers to buy her drinks, but if it's the closest you can get to it, it's worth it. Buy this album.

Sultry Texas Blues/Rock/Songster
You ought to buy this CD. Classic Texas blues/folk/rock sound. Great players from the Austin scene, excellent songwriting, excellent production, and Toni KILLS! This is the real thing.

The great discovery of the 1990's
The voice , the songs, the guest musicians-- this debut is spectacular. When you hear Toni sing you'll be a fan for life.

Heart-felt renditions in a powerful, clear voice
Though a recording cannot deliver music as powerfully as live performance, Toni's "Swim Away" album comes as close as I've heard. From the raucous "Throw Me a Bone" and "Twelve Bar Blues" to the plaintive title track, Toni delivers her heart and soul on a platter for anyone who listens. The words and the way this woman sings them is a rare treat! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Seminal Soul and Legendary Covers
If you like soul, blues, and/or funk, buy this disc. No questions, just buy it. And go buy the follow-up from 1990 too. King & Evans, with help from Ry Cooder, put out some of the best music of its time period and their covers of the standards "Just a Little Bit" and "Dark End of the Street" are the best renditions ever done. Trust me on this!

if you find this, do yourself a favor
Four and a half, actually, and docked a half star only because they don't keep the brilliance up for the entire album.

But what a treat most of the cuts on this album are, replete with Ry Cooder's tastiest guitar licks and production. The band is funky and tight, and the singing is otherworldly.

Treat yourself to this album. It reminds you just how good soul duet singing can be.

Just in case you'd forgotten.

this is a must have!!!
these songs will make you laugh, make you cry, and every emotion in between. If you ever want to share the blues with someone who has never listened to it this is a 'must' to recommend to them

a very loud echo of Sam & Dave for the 90s.
Having loved stax/atlantic soul in the 60s l heard about this album and before playing it for the first time l could still hear Sam & Dave live on stage, opposite in character but blending perfectly. Bobby King and Terry Evans were unknown to me and have to admit they have better voices yet perform very much in the spirit of the famous duo. From slow ballads to the funkiest music they truly groove having a mutual empathy with each other and with the benefit of modern production values this album is a gem. Miss it at your peril. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Lay Back & Jam
I'm a Jerry freak. Love his stuff more than the Dead. This disk contains some fantastic selections that are very representive of the typical show played by these guys. They are slow, melodic, laid-back and jam-filled. If you like rock, roll, rhythm, blues & soul, you'll love this disk. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Return to form
Much has been made about Bobby Bland's voice not being what it once was. He is still one of the great ones, and if one weren't aware how truly extraordinary he once was, listening to him now wouldn't be quite so depressing. But, except for the occasional trademark phlegm induced growl he'll let out, he is still great. This CD was recorded at the New Daisy Theatre in Memphis where Bland made a name for himself. He is in good form as is his solid rhythm section. The real treat is that for recording purposes Bland and Malaco Records added a keyboard player to his regular band. They got renowned songwriter and session man Carson Whitsett, who played on several Bland albums as Malaco's band leader. Whitsett is absolutely terrific. His B-3 organ work really adds life to this concert, especially since Bland's horn section unfortunately gets worse and worse as the show progresses.

Southern Soul fans will be delighted as "Bad" Bobby Rush and Johnnie Taylor join Bland on stage. Rush is typically hilarious, and J.T., in one of his last appearances, shows what an absolute superstar he was as he belts out the Bland staple "Stormy Monday".

Among the highlights are three songs that appeared on Bland's 1961 landmark Two Steps From the Blues album: "I Pity the Fool", "St. James Infirmary", and the wonderful "I'll Take Care Of You". The band is especially tight on Tommy Tate's and Cookie Palmer's "Get Your Money Where You Spend Your Time" originally released on Malaco in 1987. Another great moment is Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine". Somewhat ironically, the original was produced by Booker T. Jones, who also played on it. Whitsett, whose playing as the song ends is almost epic, replaced Jones for a while with the MGs.

All and all, this is an excellent live Blues show that holds up very well amongst the recordings of the legendary Bobby "Blue" Bland. It is also available on VHS and DVD.

Perfection...
...superlatives fail me. You just gotta hear it/gotta have it. A masterful Beale Street performance of (the classics and the 'Malaco moderns') Bobby Blue Bland and his revue. Blues you can use. Do not, do not, do not miss out...

Dreams come true
How long have we been waiting for this? Bobby Bland with his overwhelming band LIVE ON BEALE STREET? I am a blues fan from Germany who saw Bobby several times in the States, in Chicago and New York City. Bobby is without doubt the greatest blues singer and he proves this on this occasion. Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Rush, longtime chitlin-curcuit friends round the great recording up. Only negative side: Bobby, please look for a different horn section!! They are not in tune on this CD and not on other concerts. 5 stars for the atmosphere, the sound , the rhythm-section (10 stars!!!) and the star, only 2 stars for the horns. Nevertheless that' s the stuff dreams are made of.

Wonderful Melodic Bobby...Bobby....Bobby...Live on B. Street
Bobby is and always will be the greatest Man of Blues. Live on B. Street is running a close second to an actual appearance by this great and hypnotic story teller. Ain't no sunshine...Members only...all of the greatest with a little help from Johnnie Taylor and Bobby Rush welcomed but unneccesary. Bobby has the style and sound of something so soothing and warm. I recently enjoyed seeing Bobby in Mpls and he is looking and sounding better than ever before. Keep it up, hear!

Bobby at his finest- he is internally refreshing
After seeing Bobby live for the first time in Mpls in 1993 I have been hooked on Bobby- I recently saw Bobby Nov.' 98 and this album is the closest thing to being at his show. There is nothing better than Bobby live. Bobby doesn't need help, however he gets a little help on this album from a few greats Johnny Taylor - Bobby Rush. Live on B. Street is melodic, strong and soothin - Thank you Bobby. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Unknown no more
Thanks to mbernocchi I picked up this CD, and I was pleasantly surprised. Living in Houston I have seen Forsyth's name around town at various venues, however never ventured out to check him out since his music was unknown to me. Man, have I been missing out!! This is truly some of the greatest stuff I have heard in a long time. Although his band has changed since this album, they still go all out. Forsyth has a great voice, plays an awesome harp, and his chops will surely get your attention too. This CD is worth every cent. Buy it!!

A hidden jewel.
If you arrived here a blues "god" must have guided you. This is one of the most unknowns "awesome" blues albums ever published in the history of contemporary music. Guy Forsyth and his band decided to go public for the first time with this live recording and the result couldn't have been better. Within all the debut albums that I know this is by far the most exiting one. Not only you can feel the atmosphere, the electricity, the excitement and the feeling that must have been pervading the venue in which this record was recorded, you can even smell the sweat, the smoke and the alcohol that must have been present in a huge quantity that night in the theatre! The energy that Guy Forsyth and his band unleash throughout their entire performance is almost unbelievable. The band rocks from start to finish in an impressive sequence of original songs penned by Guy himself and covering two blues classics: "19 Years" (a.k.a. "she is nineteen years old") a Jimmy Oden song made famous by Muddy Waters and "Mr. Luck" a Jimmy Reed classic. Guy Forsyth prove here to be, despite his young age, a very mature and strong songwriter, an impressive talented slideplayer and harmonica wizard but most of all a fantastic singer and a true storyteller. While Rich Chilleri on drums and Rob Douglas on bass provide a solid and precise rhythm section, Keith Bradley on guitar share the centre of the stage with Guy Forsyth in a real "guitar" roller coaster that will take your breath away. Guy Forsyth is continuing his carrier releasing very good album (such as "Steak" that I strongly suggest you should check out), however from my point of view this is his best effort so far. Just pick it up, you will never regret it!

One of the best voices I've ever heard
One of the best voices coupled with incredible songwriting, harmonica, and slide playing. Texas blues that not only moves but grooves. Get this along with the other Guy Forsyth CDs. Worth the investment. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

LONNIE MACK ROCKS!!
lonnie mack is a guitar genius with an incredible singing voice, too!.....this cd is live and it is great....everyone who likes blues/rock should have this cd in their collection.....lonnie single-handedly bridged the old style of rock guitar playing with the new style back in the 60's; he is a national treasure!

My vote for Best Blues CD Ever!
Do yourself a huge favor. Buy this CD and play it loud and often. My tastes tend to lean toward progressive rock and classical music, but this CD scratches an itch that few can reach. Stop has got to be one of the greatest blues rock songs ever. For those keeping score at home:

Songwriting A
Singing B+
Musicianship A
Energy A
Listenability A+

Roll over Beethoven, Maestro Mack is on the podium!

Oh!!This blues is killing me!!
It's an uncomprehensive situation,the fact that this tremendous guitarman is still at the underground for many rock'n roll & blues fans all over the world.This cd is for me,one of the best rock/blues "Live" albums ever released! Stevie Ray Vaughan was his most important disciple,and it's clearly along all of this marvellous cd.An incendiary,set of powerful good music at "Live"way!!! This album is really one of my favorites!!!

True Tri-State Blues!
This is one great blues disc, if not the best. And I dont say that because he's my cousin. The cuts on this are pure Lonnie, especially "Natural Disasters", etc. A MUST!

guitar legend
those who dispute the influence that lonnie mack has had on the evolution of rock and blues music, need to kick back, listen to this cd, readjust, and just admit...that lonnie is indeed a guitar legend...his signature flying v, powerful and soulful vocals, and solid song writing will go down in music history as a candidate for the rock and roll hall of fame....this cd proves he never lost his desire or licks, he is merely tuning up for another attack...long live lonnie mack.... ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 78-minute collection from four appearances at the famed Swiss blues festival displays the varied strengths of Luther Allison's music. The tensile, screaming guitar work and squawling vocal attack Allison is known for are here, of course, but there's another layer at work. A 1984 set with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, for instance, offers the Muddy Waters-like "Back Down South" (on which Allison lays down his ax in favor of a harp), as well as the Otis Redding-style shouts of "Memories." The most intense moments come on "Bad News Is Coming" and "Bad Love" (with the Memphis Horns backing him up), when Allison pushes through to the pulse of his muse with a six-string expression of confusion and grit. They make his death in the late '90s poignant and that much more palpable. --Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Okay
If you like your blues played loud and frenzied, more like blues-rock than Muddy Waters, this album should be a treat.

"Live In Montreux 1976-1994" features recordings from four different appearances at the Montreux festival, and Luther Allison shreds his guitar on "Sweet Home Chicago" and "The Sky Is Crying", and plays an almost Allman Brothers-like 11-minute rendition of Howlin' Wolf's hit "The Red Rooster".

I'm really trying to be objective here, see?
And there are a number of fine performances here, certainly. A relatively tight "Gambler's Blues" and the B.B. King-like "Bad Love", for instance, but Luther Allison is no match for men like Muddy Waters or Elmore James in the vocal department, and most of these six-eight-ten-twelve minute songs simply overstay their welcome.
This is good music, but if you enjoy the "real" versions of songs like "The Sky Is Crying", "The Red Rooster", and "The Same Thing", these indulgent versions really don't have a lot to offer. But on the other hand...if you wish that Muddy Waters would have spiced his shows up a little with a handful of hair metal-like guitar solos and a few more five-minute instrumental breaks, well, this is probably right up your alley.

Musically it's not all that interesting, though. It's good, but nothing special. The band lacks swing...they never really manage to dig that deep blues groove, and Luther Allison can't match the intensity of Elmore James or Howlin' Wolf. Men like Stevie Ray Vaughan and (occationally) Johnny Winter have done better when updating 50s and 60s blues tunes to a more contemporary sound.

As I said, there are a number of good performances here, and fans of Luther's style will almost certainly enjoy this album, but "Live At Montreux" is ultimately a bit of a mediocre record compared to the real blues heavyweights.

A searing live performance from one of the best ever
The day I saw Luther Allison play live changed me forever. For months after that I practiced the guitar for hours every day, hoping one day to approach his skill level. This is the kind of performer Luther Allison is. This album comes in a close second to his stunning "Live in Chicago". Fans of blues standards may even prefer this one, because it contains his takes on "Sweet Home Chicago", "Little Red Rooster", and "The Sky is Crying", just to name a few. I'll miss Luther to the day I die. He was one of the greatest bluesmen ever. Check out his son, Bernard Allison. His style is different, more Stevie Ray/Jimi influenced, but every bit as exciting and dynamic as his father's.

great live music
tome this is the greatest live blues recording the late great luther allison,this cd contains versions of sweet home chicago,same thing,gamblers blues to name a few,luthers guitar playing is at the top of his game,if you love luther this a the live video from paradise is great.

High Energy Classic Blues
Luther Allison moved to Paris in 1979, after Disco and Punk had dried up the Blues business in America. He has many titles which were released in Europe, where he is very well known, and not many on this side of the Atlantic. That's unfortunate since he is one the premiere Blues guitarists and singers of our age. Much of his music has a message aimed at staying clean, sober and making something of your life, but his guitar licks and classic singing voice make his music a treat on aesthetic merits alone. I hope to see more of his stuff in the North American market.

One of the best live blues recordings ever !!!!!
I've been a blues fan for about 10 years now. I've listened to many of the great blues artists. That list includes BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Lee Hooker, etc. Luther Allison belongs up on the pedastal with the great blues artisis of all time. This live CD will give any blues fan a taste of what Luther Allsion was all about: Red-hot blues guitar and soulful vocals. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Album Description

Remastered, reissue of 1973 album on the Stax label from the influential blues guitar king featuring five tracks from a live performance at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (1972) & four more tracks from a live performance at the Montreux Blues & Jazz Festiv ... Read more

Reviews (10)

THIS IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!
The Montreux Jazz Festival has seen it all in it's 30+ year history. Imagine a festival that can boast the likes of Albert King, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Luther Allison, Robert Cray, Miles Davis, Louisiana Red, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Etta James and many, many others. "Blues At Sunrise" is a recording of one of those fabulous Montreux performances recorded on July 1, 1973. On that Sunday, fans were treated to Albert King, Freddie King, Miles Davis, Teddy Wilson, Stephanie Grappelli, Cannonball and Nat Adderley. But it was Albert that brought down the house that evening with his scorching guitar solo's and soulful vocals. His playing was passionate, like a man truly possessed, and it is captured here for all to hear. Don't miss this bit of history, as it is truly one of Albert's top 5 performances of his life.

ALBERT KING PROVES HE IS THE KING OF BLUES GIT ON THIS CD!
What a live set to add to your collection of recordings by Blues great Albert King... I'm talking 'bout Blues At Sunrise. This
live set documents the legends entire 46:00 minute set on July 1, '73 at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. With the
exception of "For The Love Of A Woman" ( which was released on the Stax release Montreux Festival: Albert
King-Chico Hamilton-Little Milton earlier on) the remaining 6 tunes never saw the light of day, until this CD was released
in '88. And boy does it burn! Albert is at his peak, no questions asked. In the band at this time King had Don Kinsey on
second git and he solo's beautifully with King on "Blues At Sunrise," & "Roadhouse Blues". Exceptional liner notes are included
and all the material has been Digitally overhauled.

Albert King's Once Lost Concert!
This concert was released after the return of Stax Records in the 1980s as a part of Fantasy Records. The initial release was the lost tape of Albert recording with John Mayall and his Jazz-Fusion band in California. This was put out as the "Lost Session". After another look at the recovered Stax tapes this concert was found. Two tracks had been previously released on vinyl as "Live At Montreaux". This CD has most of the rest of this 1973 Montreaux concert. The balance of this set can be found on the follow up release (1993) "Blues At Sunset".

This set is really different. Albert has a great band (with a subdued horn section). He also has Donald Kinsey (of the Kinsey Report) on guitar. Albert's playing is heavy, full and forceful. He obviously plays the entire set on his neck pickup and produces a fat sound unlike that on any other King recording. The title track "Blues At Sunrise" is a reworking one of King's first recording efforts. He has done this tune many times but this version is really different sounding. It also shows King at the beginning of the times from 1970s until the 1990s, when he got the reputation as being difficult to work with. He berates the sound man. I saw him in Australia and he stopped the concert in the middle of "Kansas City", his second tune and rearranged the speakers on stage, while the audience waited 20 minutes. He continued to play until he felt the Bass player wasn't holding up his end and PULLED OUT HIS LEAD MID-SONG! Oh Albert!!

The tunes as great. The production is well done and editied. Highlights of this performance are the Ray Charles (RIP) tune "I Believe To My Soul". His solos in this tune are awesome, what phrasing! "Roadhouse Blues" is a great extended tune that really gives the feel of an Albert King concert. This tune was released as a self-titled cassette tape in the 1990s now very rare. "Little Brother, Make A Way" is the most unique cut on this CD. It features the only other and only live version of this track from "I'll Play The Blues For You" which was his current LP when this conert was recorded. It has Albert singing soulfully without the second voice track of the LP and doing a guitar solo as well.

I would highly recommend this CD. It is different sounding than any other AK recording. This shows Albert at the height of his creative development and influence on the Blues genre. Buy this one along with "Live Wire, Blues Power", "Blues At Sunset", "Blues From The Road", "Live 69" and "Talking Blues" these are all different and show Albert at different stages of his career. For more info see my reviews of these titles.

(Another) good live album
This solid live album finds King in fine form, fronting a good band, and playing a number of his best songs.
His vocals are strong and soulful, and his muscular single string leads and fills are all over..."Don't Burn Down The Bridge", "I'll Play The Blues For You", and Ray Charles' "I Believe To My Soul" are particularly good, but the entire album is worth a listen.
It's not an absolutely necessary addition to anyone's Albert King-collection, but it's an enjoyable purchase for fans of the late guitarist.

Soul power from the Blues King
Critics and fans alike have always placed Albert King's live recordings atop or near the top of the heap of live Blues albums and rightfully so. King's seminal live outing was Live Wire/Blues Power, which was highlighted by the ten minute plus "Blues Power" - arguably the most spectacular and engaging live track ever recorded by a lead guitarist.

But to me, the rest of that album, as well as the companion albums released afterwards called Wednesday and Thursday Night in San Francisco (all three continue to be lauded till this day), aren't nearly as great as they could and should be and not nearly as consistent and fresh as the song "Blues Power" itself.

Blues At Sunrise should not be overlooked. It is one of King's very best. He has a very solid backing band that does an excellent job of recreating the soulful grooves that came out of King's record label, Stax in Memphis.

You will always have room in your collection for another live version of "I'll Play the Blues For You", and this one doesn't disappoint. King's guitar doesn't really blow you away (at least compared to playing in front of San Francisco Rock fans), instead his playing, and his criminally underrated singing, is about as soulful as you will ever hear it. He and this band really groove to songs like "Little Brother (Make a Way)" and a great, great remake of Ray Charles's "I Believe To My Soul", a song he actually cut in the studio with Booker T. & the MGs that must have somehow inexplicably been forgotten about because it didn't show up until years later when the United Kingdom's Ace Records released some Albert King bonus tracks.

This album proves that Albert was THE king of the Blues, not just because of his Blues power (which remember, he invented), but because of his use of dynamics, subtlety, and the fact that you will be hard pressed to find another guitarist so powerful, but yet so tasteful. In 1973, the crowd at the Montreux Jazz Festival was right there for one of the most infectious and joyful Albert King performances ever captured. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

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

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

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

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

Reviews (1)

Pinetop at Antones, Naturally the Best
I just returned from a live performance by the "living legend" of Boogie Woogie. Prior to my trip from San Antonio to Antones blues clup in Austin to See Mr Perkins perform, I gave this CD a listen. This recording truly captures the ambiance of the Austin blues club that has been the "Fort Apache" of the blues south of Chicago. Pinetops personable performance on the recording is exactly the way it is if you were standing next to the piano (as I was). "Big fat Mama" tends to stand out as my favorite boogie woogie tunes done by Mr. P, though his others such as "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" with it's halts in the progression by Pinetop instructing "Stop!, dont you turn a page" This performance was recorded when Pinetop was 86 years old. He is 88 now and still rocks those keys as if he were 20. I couldn't help but tell Mr P "Pinetop, you the Best!" ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Etta James -Live as I can get
Having never seen Etta James live, I am thrilled to have in my possession her cd Live from San Francisco and I play it often. I love the live vitality that this recording displays. Until hearing Etta's version of "Take it to the limit" I wouldn't have believed that the Eagles wrote anything close to a blues song. Her version is fabulous. Etta also does wonderful versions of such classics as "I just want to make love to you", 'Baby What you Want me To Do' and "Tell Mama".

I recommend this cd for capturing the spirit of a live Etta James performance.

Almost Perfect
Etta howls & growls her way through a nearly perfect set including the bluesy shuffle of "Baby What You Want Me to Do", a gospelly cover of the Eagles' "Take It to the Limit" (10 times better than the original), the pounding "I Just Want to Make Love to You", & the classic slow blues "I'd Rather Go Blind". The only drawback here is the dreary "Sugar on the Floor", clocking in at a much too long 6:05. But otherwise, this one has plenty of energy & emotion. Very much recommended.

San Francisco brings out the best in Etta James!
This saucy live performance is a must hear and we can only be thankful that Etta's manager, Lupe DeLeon, was able to scrape up enough money to hire a sound truck to record this great gem. From the start, you can tell that this performance is on Eta's terms; she turns her soul inside out and lets loose on every song. As far as I'm concerned, this CD puts Etta James in a class of her own -- she is one of the greatest female R&B singers around. Add this one to your collection of classics!

the greatest ive heard from her yet..
my wife puts this cd on every time she turns the stereo on.. we think every song on its great..she put her talent and heart into every cut..we love it... we would love to purchase more cds like it...can you HELP us out with any sugestion...thanks etta WE WANT MORE AND MORE...YOUR BLUES FANS IN CALIFORNIA please put us on your mailing list...

Absolutely the best I've ever heard her - not to be missed
From the opening track, you know you have hit upon something unlike any other Etta James recording. She did this one herself and was about as comfortable as any singer has ever been. Every track belongs, there are no 'throw aways' on the entire album. The band is cookin' and the very end when the audience is chanting 'Etta - Etta - Etta' you just want to join in and scream her name too. I wish there were more like this out there. "I'd Rather Be Blind" is the best version she ever did. and "Sugar On The Floor" makes you want to cry! ... Read more