Reviews (1)

great stuff
Not a losing track. Top of our rotation for several weeks ... Read more

Amazon.com

Joe Louis Walker's JLW has never been in more soulful voice nor has his guitar playing ever been so lean and eloquent. He has chosen his songs wisely--mixing three originals with four excellent contemporary numbers plus four R&B standards revamped as blues tunes--and he has fleshed out eight of the arrangements with either a horn section or a gospel quartet. As a result, Walker's emotionally charged vocals have top-notch material to work with and are supported by the most sympathetic context imaginable.

Walker is a former gospel singer himself, and he brings the full-chested sound of conviction to secular laments such as "Rain on My Window" and "Alone." He opens his own composition, "12-Step Lovin'," with a stinging guitar summary of the melody and then has his guitar comment caustically on every vocal complaint about the addictive qualities of love. The album's best song is Carl Schumacher's "Inner City Man," a slow blues about the trials of modern life in urban America; Walker's robust vocal is echoed in the sustaining harmonies of the Gospel Hummingbirds and saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

Walker is joined by duet vocalist Angela Strehli, the Tower of Power Horns and his rocking road band, the Bosstalkers, on a punchy version of "Hold On"; he is accompanied only by his own dobro and James Cotton's harmonica on the rural blues of "Going to Canada." Either way--electric or acoustic, pained or exuberant--Walker is a tremendous singer who can grab hold of both melody and story and squeeze them dry. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The "Inner City Man"
Joe Louis Walker lets it all hang out there on every track. Backed by his tight group "the Bosstalkers", Joe Louis Walker plays the a blues that is no style but his own. This collection also has a number of great surprises. The Tower of Power horn section blares through a few number. And if that's not enough for you, Bradford Marsallis plays is meloncholy tenor sax during Inner City Man. Guitar driven with a whole lot of soul Joe Louis Walker's JLW is surely a must own for all you blues finantics. ... Read more

Album Description

Includes Watson’s best mid-’50s recordings for Federal Records and early ‘60s sides for King. Also features one of the biggest hits of his career, the top 5 hit "Cuttin’ In" and the stratospheric instrumental "Space Guitar." As a bonus there is an earlier second take of "Space Guitar" that’s similar in structure but utterly different improvisationally. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Wow!! This one was worth the wait!!
Not sure why the review I posted yesterday isn't up, so I'm going at it again since I can't get enough of this cd. I had heard a couple of these cuts live and the cd completely captures the excitement of the live performance. From the bluesy "Deja Blue" and "IOU" to the funk of "Shotgun Shack" and "Chupacabra" I've never seen anyone who can do what Jim Suhler does with his guitar. This is a "gotta have" cd and has a permanent place in my cd changer!!

More talent than anyone has a right to have....
...that's what I thought when I witnessed Jim Suhler playing with Monkey Beat in a bar a week after getting a fake ID in fall of '92. I'm pushing 30 now, but still a fan of the smokin' slide guitar genius of Mr. Suhler. This is a great cd that captures most of the excitement of the live performance. (You can't actually SEE him run around the bar while still playing the most amazing slide guitar you ever heard while listening to the cd, but that's not his fault)
The production of this album is transparent in that it doesn't pretty up the raw sound that is one of the best blues bands in the bidness, while also maintaining the clarity of being able to hear every instrument. The songs are mostly straight ahead rockers and none rely on goofy blues cliches for subject matter. This is a great cd for driving cross country, but be warned, you will want to drive fast when "Bad Stretch of Road" cues up.
I've seen the band play live several times since that first night, and the guy just keeps getting better. Like most amateur guitar players, my first impulse to seeing Jim play live is to go home and practice practice practice, or just sell my Strat and learn to play the kazoo. I can't play "Restless Soul" yet, but I haven't embarked on my career as a kazoo player, either.
Check out Jim Suhler and his amazing band Monkey Beat and partake of some rockin' blues with a dark edge that dares to sidestep the shadow of SRV and forge ahead with an original vision.

Worth the wait!! It is finally here!
My Oh My!! I LOVE this CD. I had heard a couple of the tracks live and the cd truly captures the excitement of the live performance. I've never seen anyone able to do what Jim Suhler does with a guitar. Ranging from the catchy blues of "Deja Blue" and "Scattergum" to the funky "Shotgun Shack" and "Chupacabra" this is one cd that has a permanent place in my cd changer.

WOW WHAT A BLUES CD
What a pleasure when you don't know what to expect and it exceeds all your expectations. Thanks to all the reviewers who convinced me to buy this CD. Blues doesn't get much better than this. Think GEORGE THOROGOOD with a turbo charger. This is like a CD of the best THOROGOOD material, except it is written and played by a far supirior guitarist/songwriter. The guitar playing is original and great. Always tasteful and full of surprises. Jim's voice is excellent and the songs are infectious. Where THOROGOOD has a handful of classics and a lot of mediocre fillers, this is consistenly first class and has no obvious fillers. If this doesn't make you dance, check your pulse as you may be dead. ( the most likely reason )
I will now have to buy the rest of his releases, boy this website can cost you some serious money, but what value if you consider pleasure for money and the thrill of discovery.

You will buy this cd...you will buy this cd..I repeat...
A super effort by Mr. Suhler and Monkey Beat. An eclectic cd to be sure...a little cajun style..some sit down blues but best of all...Restless Soul and Scattergun....if you could wear out a cd by playing it over and over I'd be on my 100th copy. You could do a lot worse but if you like hard drivin rock/blues you can't do much better. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

If you love the guitar like you say
Then you need this as well as many more Albert Collins CD's. Master of the Telecaster he certainly was. I challenge anyone to replicate the riffs and tone of this journeyman bluesman. While you may not get it exactly right, one can imitate Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy and Clapton; just try to imitate Albert Collins, and you will be humbled.

If you are not familiar with this great "guitarists' guitarist," theyn you need to be. A great studio album as an into to his live work. A tragic loss too soon, that all Blues lovers must feel.

Albert Collins With A Twist!
Albert Collins' best studio recordings are probably "Frostbite", which has ample doses of the telecaster tone Collins has become famous for, and "Frozen Alive", which features Collins supported by a five piece band with a take no prisoners attitude and the outstanding sax of AC Reed. Close on the heels of those recordings is "Cold Snap". "Cold Snap" is Collins seventh Alligator release and the twelfth of his career. The disc features horns aplenty, a little funk guitar courtesy of Mel Brown and the famed organ of jazzier Jimmy McGriff. While the disc may bring to mind more James Brown than T-Bone Walker or Clarence Brown, there is no mistaking Collins' explosive guitar sound. If there is a downside to this disc it's probably "I Ain't Drunk" which may have sounded good in its day but is hardly worth listening to today. Bright spots include "Hooked On You" and the slow burner "Too Many Dirty Dishes". Overall, Collins' third best studio release.

Collins wails
This is the first album that I have heard by Albert Collins, but I will definitely be getting more. Albert makes his Fender Telecaster scream, cry, and shout, playing it as if it were an extension of his own body. If you like your blues upbeat and ferocious, this album is for you. Also check out Showdown with Collins, Robert Cray and Johnny Copeland.

A Good Fool is Hard to Find
Turn up the bass, crank up the volume, and shuffle your way down the highway with this one, folks. If you're looking for music that'll get you rockin' and kickin', and dustin' off those Stormy Monday blues, then this is one CD that'll do the trick nicely.

Accompanied by some of the greatest bluesmen around, Albert icepicks his way through some of the hottest (coldest?) tunes around. Nobody does a groove like Johnny Gayden, his bassist; Jimmy McGriff lends his talents on the keyboards (you won't hear a better Hammond B-3 anywhere); and the Uptown Horns add great accents as always.

Some of the tracks I recommend checking out: Bending Like a Willow Tree / A Good Fool is Hard to Find / I Ain't Drunk / Too Many Dirty Dishes

Wish I could play as good as Albert did...

Peace Out.

I ain't drunk...or am I?
In spite of the title,this album burns-master Collins delivers a better than exquisite performance that puts a lot of today's guitar players to shame.Supported by a legendary band featuring the Uptown Horns,Albert Collins was making history,one lick at a time... ... Read more

Reviews (16)

One of Winter's best and bluesiest
On this fine 1969 set, Texas blues-rocker Johnny Winter is backed by some very authentic blues stars, legendary composer/arranger/bass player Willie Dixon among them, and hugely underrated harpist Walter "Shakey" Horton also makes an appearance.
Also, some of the bass playing is handled by none other than a young Tommy Shannon - later of Stevie Ray Vaughan's backing band Double Trouble.

What you think of this will probably depend a little bit on how you feel about Johnny Winter's "strangled" vocal style, but the music is great. "Johnny Winter" mixes soulful slow blues (a sizzling rendition of B.B. King's "Be Careful With A Fool", the horn-laden "I'll Drown In My Own Tears"), tough electric blues-rock (a take on "Good Morning Little School Girl" and a great, swaggering "Leland, Mississippi Blues"), and a couple of superb acoustic numbers which show off Winter's masterful slide guitar playing (the Son House-like "Dallas" and Robert Johnson's "When You Got A Good Friend").

Walter Horton shines on "Mean Mistreater", Winter himself plays some really excellent blues harmonica on "Back Door Friend", and younger brother Edgar Winter plays excellent piano on "I'll Drown In My Tears". Johnny Winter handles all lead and slide guitar duties, and his playing is varied and tasteful as always...fiery without resorting to meaningless shredding.

A fine, solid album, and a great purchase for fans of Mr Winter's pure blues records. It is obvious from these reviews (I shall name no names, and certainly not say anything about anybody's reviews being less than helpful, let alone inane) that some fans prefer his most generic rock n' roll records rather than these more original ones, but if you enjoy the bluesier side of Johnny Winter's talents, this is for you.
4 1/2 stars.

The white Robert Johnson.
I see Eric Clapton has just issued a Robert Johnson tribute c.d.
Please do not look any further!!!! The acoustic songs on this immaculate c.d. are the CLOSEST vocal renditions of what Mr. Johnson would've sounded like. Johnny Winters version of "When you've got a good friend" and even "Dallas" sound so authentic you would think that they were done in 1927.
His slide dobro sounds MAGNIFICENT as does his 'sandpaper' vocals which ,to me , are the tradesmans mark of a true Bluesman!
This c.d ,I presume, was done during Johnnys "heroin binge" so therefore there are some bum notes here and there...but again, this just adds to the overall authenticity.
The energy level is RAW, his version of Ray Charles' "Drown In my Own Tears" is the best I've heard...it almost moves me to tears, and the guitar playing is totally blistering throughout. (especially on "Leland" and "Be careful with a fool")
This was a landmark album when it was first issued in that many people (myself included) thought that Winter was black.
When the picture from the front cover appeared in the Melody Maker back in the late '60s, we were stunned!
This is one of the grittiest, rawest blues/rock albums ever produced by a white artist. The inclusion of Walter Horton on harp and Willie Dixon on this one proves the point.
Johnny is truly "The Mean Mistreater" on this one.
Please do not listen to anyone who slates this album...its pure dynamite!!

A cornerstone of education in Electric Blues playing
I have loved this album for thirty five years. When it came out in 1969 it really made a splash - people brought it to school to be seen carrying it, it was that kind of album. I play guitar, and it was THIS album that taught me how to play/improvise electric blues solos. Previously, we high school guitarists would learn a hit song, and would be all we had - one new song under our belts. But with this album, if you learned two songs, you couldn't help but learn how to play blues in general, and if you learned three or four songs, you were dominant. People would wonder how you did it - how you could extemporize cool solos.

Johnny had a unique guitar tone, which unlike Clapton, Hendrix, and Leslie West, few were able to copy. The good news is that it sounds as good as the other (now cliched) blues tones, and if you can deliver it, it will set you apart from the Stevie/Eric/Hendrix wannabees. Here's how to do it - use a Fender Mustang, Duo-Sonic or MusicMaster guitar (they all have the same type of pickup) and play solos using the RHYTHM pickup, but EQ your amp for a trebly setting. The result will be more of a bluesy "clang" sound rather than the ubiquitous Marshall "roar" than become prevalent. On subsequent albums, Johnny switched to Gibson Firebirds, but still played through the rhythm pickup through a trebly EQ. Try the Fenders though - it's more of a classic blues sound, and great for slide.

For improving one's chops and taste, you couldn't do better than to buy this CD and learn "Be Careful with a Fool" and "Leland Mississippi Blues", and maybe use "Amazing Slow Downer", www.ronimusic.com, to get all those notes.

Buena suerte.

Forget it
this is one work of Johnny's that is better left forgotten.
The songs are boring at best and will give you a mighty hankering for some rock & roll!

god bless mister winter (and his flowing mane)
the only thing that would improve this album would be a mullet on his head. kit basom loves johnny, despite that. but seriously, this is good music, kidz. ... Read more

Album Description

The standard classic repertoire here includes Rollin' &Tumblin', Got Love If You Want It, 44, It's My Own Faultand Help Me, with Winter mixing it up with his originalTexas trio of Red Turner on drums and Tommy Shannon (laterof Stevie Ray Vaughan's Double Trouble) on bass. A trueclassic! 10 tracks. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A great beginning
Before Winter's early Columbia records brought him fame and fortune, this modest little album came out on Imperial.
The title, "The Progressive Blues Experiment", sounds a little ominous, but there is absolutely nothing "progressive" about this record; Johnny Winter, bassist Tommy Shannon, and drummer John "Red" Turner tear through ten genuine blues tunes without applying so much as a smear of rock commercialism.

The trio lays down a furious "Rollin' And Tumblin'" and an aggressive take on "Mean Town Blues", and if I am to complain a little, one or two of these songs actually seem a little bit too furious, sacrificing groove for high-octane propulsion.

Most of what is here is excellent, though. I'm particularly fond of the two acoustic numbers, "Broke Down Engine" and "Bad Luck And Trouble", genuine Delta blues which feature Winter's National steel guitar, and also see him playing harp and mandolin. But there is something here for everyone, and Johnny Winter's renditions of B.B. King's slow blues "It's My Own Fault", and Howlin' Wolf's ominous "Forty-Four" are among his best blues covers. His playing is excellent and varied all the way through, and the lean arrangements are virtually perfect.
A very good early effort, and one of Winter's best blues records (alongside "Nothin' But The Blues", "Johnny Winter", and "White, Hot & Blue").
4 1/4 stars - highly recommended.

Truly a classic blues album
This was my introduction to Johnny Winter in 1969. His later stuff then came as a bit of a disappointment to me--as much as I admired his sincerety and incredible technical mastery. This album stands as one of the best of the blues revival-era recordings by anyone. The spare sound, range of styles and idioms, and just plain soulfulness are truly amazing and reveal this guy's incredible talent. I'd worn my LP's grooves away and thought the recording was lost. So it was with immense joy that I found this CD. A must.

Johnny's got the blues
The Progressive Blues Experiment (1969.) Johnny Winter's first(?) album.

In the seventies, the Winter brothers, Edgar and Johnny, would go onto become two of the biggest rock and roll stars of the decade. Although it would be Edgar who would achieve the higher level of fame, Johnny was no slouch either. He was an excellent musician, and demonstrated this point a number of times. Many people think that Johnny's career started with his first album on a major label, which was self-titled. In actuality, this is not true. Johnny's career got its true start in 1969, when he released a little-known record entitled The Progressive Blues Experiment/ Read on for my review.

If you like blues rock, this album is going to be right up your alley. If you're a fan of what Johnny did later on, though, this album may leave you confused. Despite the title, there's really nothing "progressive" about this record at all - it's straight-up blues rock by Johnny Winter. As the album progresses, Johnny serves up a mixture of his own blues rock compositions, as well as a series of covers. Every song on the album manages to maintain a sense of individuality. Also, Johnny's guitar skills here are nothing short of excellent. Unfortunately, though, Johnny hadn't quite found his singing voice, and that's a flaw that shows on every song. Still, the excellent instrumentation manages to make up for this. From start to finish, this is blues rock at its finest. If you're a fan of the genre, don't overlook this album.

This album has been reissued a few times over the years, but the most common issue of the album (as of June 2, 2004) would have to be the Nice Price reissue. Sadly though, this reissue doesn't have much in terms of liner notes, and it seems like it was a rushed reissue. For instance, the sticky strip at the top of the CD case binding it shut misspells Johnny's name as Jonny, and it even calls the album Progressive Blues Experiment - the proper title is THE Progressive Blues Experiment. Oh, well. This doesn't change my opinions of the album.

Should you buy The Progressive Blues Experiment? If you're a blues rock fan, or you want to hear Johnny Winter before he got popular, then don't hesitate to add this little number to your collection. If you're just a casual Winter brothers fan who leans more toward what Johnny did later on, in the seventies, you may want to think twice. This is an excellent blues rock album - Need I say more?

The Best
It's almost sickening how many times I've listened to this CD. Back in the albumn days, it was out of print for about 10-15 years, so I went hog wild when it came out on CD in the late 80's. Johnny at his best with his original three-piece power band, Tommy Shannon and Uncle Red Turner. Apparently Johnny was hard pressed for work in the 60's and straight blues was out of style. Red Turner told Johnny that blues-rock was becoming popular at various festivals, so in '68 they recorded this self-produced albumn. Johnny said when he started playing this stuff live, the audience was fallng down crying. Listen to "It's My Own Fault Baby" and you'll hear why.

Amazing First Album
This album was a real eye-opener when it was first released. Duanne Allman considered Mr. Winter the best slide guitarist in the world. His combination of slide and lead was never duplicated. I found many of his other recordings repetitive and sloppy. He appeared at Woodstock 69' and was deleted from the movie..a pity...the right exposure and management might have given us better product from this fine musician. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Blue Stones
A good but not consistent CD consisting of Rolling Stones' tunes as performed by blues artists. The blues is supposed to strike emotional chords with the anger and sorrow and self-mocking of its lyrics and tone, but this CD in several places falls short of this requirement. Or maybe it's because the Stones' biggest hits have become such standards that new expressions seem trite. Certainly "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Junior Wells and "Honky Tonk Women" by Taj Mahal pale in comparison to the originals, while lesser known (to casual Stones fans at least) tracks such as "Sway" by Alvin 'Youngblood' Hart and "Heart of Stone" by Joe Louis Walker have a grit that brings a guttural reaction from the listener. In fact, "Heart of Stone" will remain on my play list for a long time, along with Otis Clay's wrenching "Wild Horses." I would have loved to hear "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Paint it Black" (ironic that that last is not on the CD given the CD's title), but ultimately I'm not too disappointed with the track selection.

One last thing. While I know the Stones still claim to be an active band, I think they should nevertheless put out a compilation CD of all of their best blues tracks, including both the hits and the obscurities. A full CD of the Stones playing their own raunchy blues would be a treat.

gots to have it
Some of the songs are done better than the originals (Sway, Moonlight Mile, Ventilator Blues). This cd is a must have for a Stones fan. Albert Collins? Johnny Copeland, Gatemouth Brown? It don't get no better! The Stones must have been truly flattered.

On the Cover of the Rolling Stones!
On this CD premier blues men like Luther Allison, Junior Wells, Johnny Copeland, Holmes Brothers and Taj Mahal cover some of the Best Rolling Stones Classics and adds it a twist of Blues. The first song on the CD seems to be the absolute best and the most refreshing - Luther Allisons version of the 1969 hit "You Can't Always Get What You Want". Sadly this version came to be Luthers Last studio recording ever, recorded short before his sudden death i 1997 - But truely at the Peak of his career.
An Overall great CD, worth buying for Luther Allison it self!

Umm....yeah!!!
Ok. Just think about this....

Stones? Blues? Rock 'n' Roll? What else do you need? Exactly, a nice beer and you are set. Enjoy this cd forever. It makes the blues and rock and country come together like never before. "You Can't Always Get What You Want" is simply the best rendition of any song that I have ever heard. Unfortunatly I only have enough money to buy 1 for a present or else I would buy a thousand to give to everyone. It's perfect. As a Music Educator, a Music Theorist, and a Composer, this is the finest CD that one could ever buy. Enjoy!

Dim bulbs please take note
This is just a note for all the Stones fans who don't get the blues, or even the Stones, for that matter. Love in Vain IS a blues song, written by Robert Johnson. The Stones covered it (briliantly I might add), but they didn't write it. And the artists on this album already have well developed styles of their own. Real artists take something from someone else and make it their own, exactly as the Stones did with blues tunes. The complaints below might sound more valid if they were also complaining that the Stones cover of Love in Vain didn't sound the way Robert Johnson did it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

Another fine recording from the genre-bending multi-instrumentalist, Standing My Ground finds Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown turning a hand at guitar, vocals, and fiddle as usual, as well as piano on the jumping "Never Unpack Your Suitcase" and some great drum breaks on "She Walks Right In." There's a stellar swing-jazz piece, appropriately titled "Cool Jazz," and a blues-zydeco mix on, yep, "Louisiana Zydeco." The high point, though, is Gate's take on "What Am I Living For," as tender a blues ballad as has ever been recorded. In addition, Gate breathes new life into "Got My Mojo Working," which has got to be one of the most frequently covered blues songs on record. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Refined,with rare competency!!!
This is for me one of the most refined cds,of my entire collection.The competency of Clarence to sing and play is a constant in all this work.He plays fiddle magnifically,mixing cool-jazz with blues,rythm &blues,zydeco,extending all the concepts we have about a good music.This cd is for that people who loves the perfection,extremely worked here.Refined like less others!!! So,what we can do is to recomend!!To recomend!!To recomend!!!

Blues, Zydeco, Jazz, Take Your Pick
This is one of the CD's that I never get tired of listening to. Gatemouth can do it all. He is as comfortable playing jazz as he is singing the blues. He is one versital musician, at some point during this record he plays the guitar, fiddle, piano and drums. I'd be happy beong able to play a single instument as well as he plays any one of those. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This track is very, very good to say the absolute least!
I can listen to it over and over because the music and the lyrics are just that good. I feel that the set up of the songs were artistically listed on the track. The slow ballads are soothing and the fast ones get you up and on your feet! jubilant and ready!!! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Addiction is fun!
I first became aware of Toni Price through a piece I heard on NPR on my way to work (side note: Thank God for NPR! Death to Clear Channel!). I was immediately attracted to her lean, soulful voice. It has that sophisticated West Texas thing going, where a voice can express space and freedom without descending into a twang. Later, I checked the sound bites from this page, and hesitated before buying the album. I'm very glad I went forward with the purchase. You need to relax and listen through the whole thing to really get it. The best thing I can say about this album is that it has resided almost full time in the CD player of my car since I got it. The second best is that not only do *I* love it, but so do my three kids (they are preteens, and NOT always receptive to anything as subtle as this music!). Try it. You'll like it.

Music to live to
This is a tremendous live album (and, if you write to Toni, you can order the 4 song video shot at the club where the album was recorded). Not only is Toni in fine voice, but her awesome band of Champ, Scrappy Judd, and Casper fit every song perfectly. There are songs that will make you laugh and dance and make love and there are songs that will bend your heart back into place. One song, "What's It Take?" is so soulful and candid that you know Buddy Holly wishes he'd done it. Get this cd and tell AUSTIN CITY LIMITS to get Toni and her band a full hour.

I Love This Album!
The first I ever heard of Toni Price was track 4, Like the Sun on a local radio station. That one cut made me want to buy the cd. On my first listen I was just luke warm with the exception of track 5, Freeway, which really got my attention. But after I gave it another listen, the spell was cast! This is such a great album. There are one or two that I like less than the others but it's still worth five stars. I liked the album more each time I played it for the first 10 or 15 times, and now it is like an old friend. Please come to Omaha, Toni!

Sol POWER says it all.
The prior reviewer states the case precisely. If this is what is her typical performance, perhaps I should relocate to Austin. To support such wonderful singers as Toni, Sue Foley, LuAnn Barton, and Angela Strehli, there must be something special in the Austin water.

This CD captures the living essence of Toni Price.
This wonderful CD was recorded live in a small club in Alpine, Texas and recreates the feel of the live performance without sacrificing the fidelity of a studio recording. Toni is in full voice pulling all the emotional strings with her expressive and heartfelt style. Featured on the CD is her usual band, guitarists "Scrappy" Jud Newcomb and Casper Rawls, and fiddle player (and sliding on guitar, too) Champ Hood. If you have ever been lucky enough to witness Toni at "Hippy Hour" at The Continental Club in Austin you will cherish this CD as the next closest thing to being there. Check out Toni's CD "Hey," too. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Buy it for "Further on Down the Road"
If the only song on this CD were "Further on Up the Road", it would still be worth twice the money. This song features King and E. Clapton in dueling guitar mode. The interplay of these two guitar masters, in a live format, is one of the most glorious guitar spectacles you will ever experience. Crank this one up, close your eyes, and sit back. The crowd goes crazy, and so will you.

A GUITAR MASTER!
For those of you who love the blues (Texas and Chicago style), this CD and Freddie King is for you! Freddie King is one of the most influential guitarists of his time. Truly a musician's musician! King's technique on the guitar is amazing. However, it's not his playing that makes him complete. It's his voice! Freddie sings with so much power and feeling that it sends chills down your spine. If you like the sound of B.B.King's "Lucile", wait until you hear Freddie on his Gibson 335!

A tremendous Blues-Rock Album
I really don't care what the critics said about how King spent the 70s as a mediocre Blues-Rock artist; these songs don't lie. Listen to the 2 live cuts broadcast on Texas radio in 1976. This was my first Freddy or Freddie King CD (he changed his name during his career) and is still my favorite. I agree it is much more Blues than Rock, but certainly gives us a glimpse as to what he was capable of; sadly, King died in December of 1976 of a heart attack. Enjoy this CD and turn it up as loud enough so King can hear you up in Blues Heaven ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simply the best of the best.
I have been a big Freddie King fan and have most of his albums on vinyl. When I was looking to add some Freddie King disks to my rapidly growing blues CD collection, I decided to go with this one and 'Best of the Shelter Years'. This disc really offers the best of Freddie Kings earlier works. Sure, it's missing a lot of stuff that should have been included...but if you are looking for that ONE Freddie King disc to add to your collection, THIS IS IT!

Collection of the best performances of Freddie King.
This is a collection of the best performances of Freddie King. Freddie King shares his last name with B.B. and Albert. Unlike B.B. and Albert, Freddie's blues guitar play is more straight. Freddie's early year performance is purely 'blues'. It has no influence from other genres, while B.B. is influenced from gospel and jazz, Albert from funk. Excellent recording quality, too.

Classics of Texas blues.
Classics of Texas blues. Freddie's sensual bending notes slice your heart. One of the best blues performance ever recorded. So I say go for it.

7 stars...
Since the tragic death of Freddie King almost 30 years are going to pass... After he passed away he was gradually recognized as one of the essential roots of rock. This straight texas blues of his younger days is the first music young guitarists must listen to and learn.

The greatest texas blues CD.
Freddie is one of the kings of the blues together with B.B. and Albert. Freddie has many albums but the people with educated ears must agree that this CD is the finest texas blues CD by master Freddie King. The performances contained in this CD are of Freddie's early years. Later Freddie got bad influences from rock 'n roll and his blues died. This is the only CD in which you can find the real Freddie texas blues. 'click' ... Read more

Amazon.com

Back in the 1980s, Kim Wilson was merely one member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, a quartet that was as much a showcase for its never-waste-a-note guitarist Jimmie Vaughan, and its lean but rock-solid rhythm section, as it was for its lead singer and harmonica player. But Vaughan exited in 1990, bassist Preston Hubbard in 1994, and drummer Fran Christina in 1996. In 1997, the T-Birds are Wilson plus anyone he hires for a particular album or tour. On the road, that includes guitarist Kid Ramos, keyboardist Gene Taylor, bassist Willie Campbell, and drummer Jimi Botti. In the studio, the band is drummer-bassist Steve Jordan and guitarist Danny Kortchmar, who are Wilson's co-writers, co-producers and co-players on High Water. Best known for their work with Keith Richards and James Taylor respectively, Jordan and Kortchmar come out of rock backgrounds and tilt the T-Birds' blues-rock formula in that direction. In various combinations, Wilson, Jordan and Kortchmar wrote all dozen songs on High Water. The spare but muscular grooves are still there, but the catchy chorus melodies and rootsy flavor are both missing in action. Wilson's still a fine blues-and-soul singer, but he has too little to work with here. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (6)

spare, groove-based bluesy r'nb
Now that the Fab T's are (is?) just Kim Wilson plus backing band, I'm a little surprised at the changed sound on this release, probably in part due to working with different musicians to his usual working band. Very different to his solo traditional blues albums under his own Cannonball label.

For a start, there's a definite hip-hop, almost drum-and-bass feel throughout, as if Kim's been listening to a few G Love or Little Ax albums. Repeated drum and keyboard loops are used, lead guitar is minimal, and the harmonica doesn't solo conventionally, rather the riffs mesh with the overall groove.

This has both benefits and drawbacks - in songs such as "Too Much of Everything", the incorporation of hard-edged rhythms and swampy blues work well. Likewise in "Do Right by Me", the repeated keyboard figure give the track a brittle funk, while "High Water" has a dignified, powerful gospel feel, here the harmonica wails and bubbles under the groove, answering the righteousness of the lyrics.

But the downfall is a reliance of too-similar beats and songs which occasionally sound half-finished. Too often the song choruses are merely the title chanted over and over, and few bridges and rhythm changes are used - even rap and hip-hop have breaks to mix-up the beats. Also the spare feel asks much of the vocalist, and Wilson, although one of the better white blues/r'nb singers around, is found lacking in variation once or twice - and to my ears, he often "over-souls" a little too much, his melismatic touches often sound contrived.

That said, the ballad "Promises" has a gorgeous feel, helped by a fine guitar figure and heartfelt vocal - when he hits that final falsetto he sounds like a man brought to the edge.

So a flawed effort, but often compelling enough to be worthwhile.

rockin' roots blues
Yeah, we all miss Jimmie Vaughns contribution to the T'birds. But I miss Kim Wilson's turban too! However, neither one of them detracts from the fact that this an outstanding CD. This version of the band provides a solid rythym section and Kim Wilson's harp playing and vocals are some of his best.If you like the 'birds and their brand of boogie blues you'll like this CD! OK, maybe I do miss Jimmy's guitar a little bit.

ignore the negative reviews
This is one of the best roots rock efforts I've heard in a long time. Kim Wilson recorded some demos with drummer Steve Jordan (formerly with Keith Richards) and guitarist Danny Kortchmar (James Taylor, Jackson Brown). The demos were so strong that he just put them out. Good idea! Jordan and Kortchmar wrote most of the songs and mixed blues and soul influences with an occasional touch of reggae to set up Wilson's vocals, which are typically strong. Highly recommended.

evolution of the "T-Birds"
I hear that same old the Thunderbirds use to be stuff all the time.All I can say is most of these people haven't followed every album/CD like I have and seen the evolution of Kim(and the T-Birds).Kim is a possessed musician always willing to take a risk with style yet always placing his stamp on the sound. If your expecting one of those bands that plays there greatest hits until they die your looking in the wrong place.Check this CD out and you won't regret it.And really listen!

Outstanding
Outstanding cd ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great album here
Folks, stop comparing him to SRV and stop saying this is not a very good album! WHO CARES?!? This is great music. I was pumped when I saw this. It's got some killer blues and some good rock songs. This is one of the best albums out right now. Supports musicians like this that are actually playing good music. Not many of them left. Get this record...killer.

Gettin' There
I, also, was excited by Corey's first album. It had great sound and musicianship. It Reminded me a lot of SRV, but was also very original.

It seemed that Mr. Stevens was scared off by the SRV comparisons/criticisms, because the next two albums moved progressively further away, stylistically. They also became progressively less enjoyable, to me.

It's probably tough to follow up as outstanding a debut as "Blue Drops of Rain". This album is a step back towards that original blues sound, and I welcome it. I hope it's a sign of things to come.

BTW, I have to agree on "It's Over". Absolutely killer song.

best album since blue drops
after a couple of years off from recording corey has come back with probably his most original album.the songs go from standard shuffles and slow blues to hendrix style songs like your evil which is excellent. also my blues are turning red is a great rocker along with the c.d.s opening cut. highly recommend this c.d.

Creative artist takes the next step
Corey delivers great "heavyweight texas-style blues licks" on "Bring On The Blues" Sonically "Bring On The Blues" packs a lot of punch but all the audio details are ready for one to enjoy. This album gets better with each listen.

Better, but not Blue Drops
I fell in love with Corey's music on Blue Drops of Rain, a five star album. Road to Zen, the follow up, was good but a slight down turn. Getaway had a couple of good songs but that was it. Bring on the Blues is better than Getaway but still doesn't reach Road to Zen or Blue Drops of Rain. The reworking of the song Getaway is great, and the highlight of the album. Great guitar tone here. It is much better that the version on the album Getaway and seems to have better recording quality. Triple Jack is also a highlight along with the album's opener. I have to say that Corey spent too much time on slow acoustic tunes which are not my favorite. He still has yet to write a slow blues song that is nearly as cool as It's Over from Blue Drops. A step in the right direction but I hope to see something closer to Blue Drops in the future. A good album, however, and I am glad I bought it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of our greatest singers at the height of her powers
Big Mama Thornton boasted one of the most electrifying voices in the history of recorded music, and this CD is the perfect introduction. Hound Dog - The Peacock Recordings is cheaper easier to find, but this collection has seventeen of Hound Dog's eighteen tracks plus five more essential ones.

Tracks such as Hound Dog, I Ain't a Fool Either and I Smell a Rat show off Big Mama's marvelously fierce, attitudinal side. She was probably the one 50s singer as fiery as Howlin' Wolf, and her work predicts all of the "Angry Woman" singers of the past several decades. Nightmare and How Come reveal an aching vulnerability. I can't recommend this CD any higher. Big Mama deserves to be far better known than she is. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Culled from three 1980s Alligator albums--Serious Business, Guitar Slinger, and Third Degree--this deluxe edition finds Texas gun-slingin' guitar wildman Johnny Winter coming at you hot, nasty, and gnarly on 14 strong cuts. Starting off with a blistering nod to Elmore James on "Mojo Boogie," Winter whips a slow shuffle into slide guitar frenzy, and the dizzying blizzard of barbed-wire notes and flashy runs is just beginning. On "Route 90," "Master Mechanic," and, particularly, "Good Time Woman," Winter mates raucous licks with gruff, humorous vocals to sweaty, roadhouse effect. On "Third Degree" and "It's My Life, Baby," the tempos slow down enough for Winter to testify convincingly, though the virtuosic guitar solos continue unabated, featuring convoluted torrents of notes fired off at a bewildering pace. On "Bad Girl Blues," Winter displays his command of acoustic, country-style slide playing and along with his throaty, distinctive voice, he proves as compelling as his more electric self. --Wally Shoup ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A GREAT REMASTER
If you were into Johnny's Alligator recordings, you will love this cd. The songs have never sounded so good. Digitally remastered in 20-bit audio, these songs are crystal clear. After hearing this Alligator release, you wonder why BIG SONY didn't do a better remastering job on the 2002 Best Of? There are also two songs that have not been released until now. Another must have from the master of guitar.

Scorching Guitar Work, Great Singing Too!
I first saw Johnny Winter on tour in support of his "Let Me In" CD in the early 90's and was shocked to see this frail, ghost-like figure come out on stage, but when he cut loose on the guitar I almost fell out of my seat. The guitar he carries obviously does the talking for Johnny. The "Deluxe Edition" release, which takes cuts from his three Alligator releases, only further illustrates the illustrated man's agility with the guitar. Every song is a gem with relentless guitar work, gravelly Johnny vocals and a blues feel all at once. The guitar work is so brilliant that it almost makes you feel tired, like you played the licks yourself! This is evidenced on "Route 90","Mojo Boogie" and other blues-rockers on this collection. My personal favorite is "Third Degree", which is the title cut of his last Alligator release (that is, before this set was released). The laid back cut (laid back by Johnny's terms!) starts off innocently enough, but when the time comes for Johnny's "treatment" it takes on a whole new dimension of power. This collection is a must for guitar fans and Blues fans alike. Own it!

Nothing but the blues
Johnny Winter is amazing and this CD shows why. I am a fan of Johnny's 70's work, and I was afraid that his later stuff may not be as good. I picked up this CD and found out otherwise. This material is all from the 80's, but it is just as good as his earlier material. Even if he uses the ugliest guitar in the world, Johnny Winter is a phenomenal blues player. Anyone who likes blues guitar should check this out, and also check out White Hot Blues by Johnny Winter.

Serious Business!
Alligator Records, Bruce Iglauer did a great job of remastering these classic Winter's rockin' blues tunes. The CD features Casey Jones (drums), and Johnny B. Gayden (bass) from Luther Allison's former band as well as some guest appearances by James Cotton, the Mellow Fellows Horns, Uncle John Turner and Tommy Shannon.

Johnny Winter was at his best when playing the blues and put out some great stuff with Alligator. Best cuts are "Mojo Boogie", "Murdering Blues", "Third Degree", "Bad Girl Blues", "Nothing But the Devil" and "It's My Life, Baby".

This is not a greatest hits CD but it is a good overview of three great CD's--"Third Degree", "Gun Slinger" and "Serious Business".

If you like Blues/Rock, check this CD out and while you are at it, grab a copy of Johnny Winter's "Live in NYC 97", his latest release. You won't be disappointed with either purchase.

AWESOME
This is the definitive Johnny Guitar. If I were stuck on a desert island with only one CD, this would be the one. Johnny's Alligator years were when he was at his peak talent-wise and in the right frame of mind & motivation (blues, not R&R).

Alligator's 20-bit remastering is superb. Right up there with the former Mobile Fidelity Labs in sound quality. My only wish is that Alligator would perform this "magic" to the originals, namely Guitar Slinger, Serious Business, and Third Degree. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Louisiana-born Lonnie Brooks is an underrated blues great, capable of dishing out swamp-rock, bittersweet melodies, and fire- breathing rave-ups. The pyrotechnics won out in this 1987 live performance, recorded at B.L.U.E.S. Etcetera on his adopted home turf, Chicago. Brooks's "Two-Headed Man" and his take on Freddie King's "Hideaway"--which bookend the CD--find him plying slick, screaming string-bends and gutsy vocals that mix back-road gravel with down-home charm. It's the latter that makes numbers like "Got Me By the Tail" and "Eyeballin'" such colorful, appealing stories. They reveal Lonnie's still-vital country roots. At times the band plays with the velocity--and ferocity--of a guided missile. But Brooks is always at the controls. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Happy Louisiana Blues!
One of the most happy blues albums,this one recorded at a Chicagoan Club,reveals all of the magic of Lonnie's gutural voice and his really fast way to play guitar.The best sets are "One More Shot" and the sensational version of "Hideaway",plus the emotional"In the Dark"! You will really buy this one,and of course..... ....never will be the same! ... Read more