Editorial Review

"I've been to hell and back, I'm still looking good / I've found the fountain of youth, I've got the blues in my blood," sings Guitar Shorty on "Blues in My Blood"--one of the more autobiographical tracks, albeit one he didn't write, on his second Alligator album in three years. After working for decades with little to show for it, Shorty makes up for lost time, charging through unapologetically tough blues rockers such as "Sonic Boom," "Can't Get Enough" (not the Bad Company tune), and "What Good Is Life?" with the rough-and-tumble enthusiasm of someone half his 67 years. There are few surprises here--Shorty's throaty voice pummels through these tunes, pausing only long enough to make room for his fat, fluid leads to slice into the powerhouse rhythm section. Subtlety is not Shorty's strong point, and even when he accompanies himself on "Cost of Livin'" with just guitar and a tapping foot, it sounds like he's a caged tiger before feeding time. The title track concerns the average laborer's tough life, but this is primarily a blues album tied to the usual subjects of nefarious women doing Shorty wrong. In fact, his ex's phone prefix in "I Got Your Number" is 666. But nobody need look for profound lyrical insights when Shorty slings his molten guitar, pouring his psychedelicized solos like lava over anything in his path. Just push play and get out of the way. Read more

Reviews (3)

He is what he is.
GS is what he is. Either you like him or you don't. Or you think he's ok. That's my point. If you like his previous music, buy this disc right now, you won't be disappointed. If you don't like his previous work, don't buy this disc. If you think he's ok, wait until someone puts up a used copy on Amazon for half price. Follow my advice and you will be happy whichever group you are in.

Where'd the blues go?
Somewhere along the line Guitar Shorty lost the meaning of the word 'subtle" when he hooked up with Alligator records. He just pummels through just about every song - loud singing, guitar playing, smashing drums, etc. Where's the blues? This is a rock CD.He has had some fine releases this past decade that mixed blues and rock but now he's moved to almost all rock. This is not his forte and this big change in his sound might gain him some new fans but leaves old fans like me puzzled.GET BACK TO THE BLUES!

Shorty Stands Tall Among Blues Guitar Gunslingers
I stumbled upon Guitar Shorty's previous release 'Watch Your Back' and I have been hooked on him ever since. Couldn't wait to get my hands on his new CD 'We the People' and a 1st listen confirmed my urgency. If you like testosterone drenched blues guitar, this recording won't disappoint. The cuts are raw, the musicianship stellar and the lyrics are contemporary to the difficult times we find oursleves in. I saw him lives at Buddy Guy's club in Chicago this past April and was blown away by Shorty's Guitar playing and the talent of his band mates. An interesting note on Guitary Shorty, he helped school Jimmy Hendrix in his early days. This CD won't disappoint, you'll get more than your money's worth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. Texas Blues    7. United States of America   

Reviews (3)

great, but...
This smells like a "She's left our record company so we'll put out a best of" package.Fortunately, Susan Tedeschi has done so much quality material on Wait for Me and Just Won't Burn that this disc is a blinder.The two bonus tracks are really nice. This could have been great with a little digging, but...
A 5 Star collection...but where are the extras?
Looking over the song list, this is a fine CD capturing most of her high points in one place. It would be nice to get some early demos, outtakes, rarities, for those of us that have been with her from the outset.
The BEST from the BEST!
I first heard Susan on public radio KPLU in Washington state (www.kplu.org) on their weekend blues shows a few months ago.I was intrigued by her voice and guitar talent and quickly added her "Just Won't Burn" CD to my blues collection.This CD (The Best of Susan Tedeschi - Episode One") picks the cream from "Just Won't Burn", and adds more great tracks from other albums (which I am in the process of ordering now).Every track on this CD is great.Great variety too -- hard rocking blues, covers of old standards (Don't Think Twice, It's Alright ), fantastic slide guitar on "Looking for Answers", incredible vocals on "It Hurts So Bad", "Gonna Move" - a catchy tune that brings a smile to your face, and a sweet tender song (In the Garden).I have listened to this CD over and over on a just-ending week-long driving trip and it's just great every time I listen.This CD has now joined my "desert island CD collection" as one of my top three picks (other two are "Kind of Blue" and "Time Out").I'd hate to have to pick just one of these three - I can listen to all of them over and over and over! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Mississippi John Hurt recorded 13 country-blues songs for the Okeh Electric Records company in 1928. Then he vanished. Actually, he never went anywhere. Indeed, he never strayed from his hometown of Avalon, Mississippi. He simply put the guitar down. It was the Great Depression, times were tough, money was scarce, and he needed to work. Nearly 30 years later, a blues enthusiast tracked him down, took him back to Washington, D.C., and suddenly Mississippi John's musical career resumed as quickly as it had finished. He recorded again, but these first songs from the late 1920s--with John's melancholy voice and hypnotic guitar playing at its most inspired--are his greatest musical accomplishments. Read more

Reviews (26)

Mellifluous early blues recordings!
Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm.Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground").The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era.A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.
Avalon Blues; Complete 1928 okeh recordings
If you like to hear Mississippi John Hurt, this is a very good
sweet sweet blues
This is simply the smoothest blues i've ever heard. His incredibly fluid and smooth playing style is like a steady flow of water. Im also amazed at how one man could create such a sound with a guitar and sing at the same time. This music is also incredibly happy sounding for blues, the lyrics are rather sad, but the pretty way he sings them makes it very sweet sounding. This music reminds me less of the old delta blues (even though thats what it is) but sounds more like music from the hills, almost as if there is a folky feel to it. This is definately a great addition to anybodies blues collection, and i thoroughly suggest anybody who is interested in the blues to check this out. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Pop    9. Prewar Blues    10. Prewar Country Blues    11. United States of America   

Reviews (2)

More of the songs that got our parents through the war years
Agreed, this second volume of "Songs That Got Us Through WW2" is not as strong as the first effort.However this one does have the virtue of featuring the world's most popular song of the war, namely the German version of "Lili Marlene" by Marlene Dietrich.Again, the mix is of songs that actually referenced the war, such as "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To," "Ration Blues" and "When My Man Comes Home," as well as those that came to have deeper meanings for the greatest generation.On this album that means catchy songs like "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" and "Mairzy Doats."Even if most of these songs are new to your ears you will certainly find this collection representative of the times, especially if you pick up both albums.Besides, if you have never heard Jo Stafford sing, this is your chance to be introduced to one of the best singers of her generation who has pretty much been forgotten these days.

Heavens to Betsy
Another great collection to follow up on volume one, although this doesn�t quite measure up to the first. However, owning this second volume is a necessity to complement the first volume! Read more

Subjects:  1. 40's    2. Ballads    3. Big Band    4. Classic Female Blues    5. East Coast Blues    6. Easy Listening    7. Harmony Vocal Group    8. Jazz    9. Jump Blues    10. Pop    11. Popular Music    12. Standards    13. Swing    14. Torch Songs    15. Traditional Pop    16. Vocal Collections    17. Vocal Jazz    18. Vocal Pop   

Reviews (12)

The quintessential Christmas recording
This recording seems to elicit universal and heartfelt praise.Who am I to dispute that?The performance is terrific, just as described by the other Amazon reviewers, no doubt about it.
A Top List Christmas CD
I bought this cd long ago, and have enjoyed it immensely each year.It is the perfect blend of celebration and meditation. Orchestra and choir combine in four distinct groupings, and a capella arrangements complete the masterful collection.The orchestral arrangements will make the hairs on your neck stand up, and your stomach quiver with all the excitement you ever felt as a child at Christmas. Adeste Fidelis is performed as few other ensembles have ever come close. The a capella arrangements will all, without exception, be on your yearly list of must-hear holiday arrangements.Truly a top list Christmas CD, essential for every family who celebrates this feast.

The best
I own approximately 35 Christmas choral CDs - including choirs and groups such as the Cambridge Singers and the King Singers.I also own two Christmas albums with Robert Shaw and the Atlantic symphony.This performance with the Robert Shaw Chorale is old but it is still my favorite.The arrangements are magnificent, the sound is brilliant, and the choir and orchestra are precise with wonderful volume control.Buy and enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Choral    2. Christmas    3. Christmas / Chanukkah    4. Christmas Music    5. Classical    6. Easy Pop    7. Miscellaneous    8. Miscellaneous Music    9. Piano Blues    10. Sacred Choral Music    11. Texas Blues    12. Xmas Classical Vocal   

Editorial Review

This impressive--and frankly, fun--musical document is still sending out shock waves almost 50 years after its original 1952 vinyl release. The Smithsonian's six-CD reissue is painstakingly researched, annotated, and packaged (even boasting an enhanced disc for the techno-capable). Unlike field recorders, eccentric filmmaker/collector/musicologist Harry Smith assembled the Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (25)

The grandfather of the reissue records
This collection led to the "re-discovery" of many artistswho had dissapeared after when the depression crippled the recording industry. Mississippi John Hurt is probably the most famous as of now, but others, like Clarence Ashley were major finds at the time - and when Folkways sent a field crew to do a new record by Ashley he requested some assist from a young friend named Doc Watson. Watson was unknown outside his home town at the time but went on to become a major star in a field which has very few stars.
Necessary.
I dont think there is a need to go into to much detail about this *6 CD* set.If you can fork over the cash, just buy it. If you have any interest in roots music, just buy it. If you thought ol' Bobby Dylan and the Band made some great weird music in the basement of big pink in '67 .. for the love of god, BUY THIS!strange, unadorned, raw music , just buy it.

Essential
Much ink & many electrons have been devoted to explaining both Harry Smith (and a lot of explanation is necessary -- very interesting man) and this wonderful collection of recordings from the 1920's and 30's, so I won't go into too much detail here.If you'd like a good treatise on the work itself as a cultural object, and how it relates to other thematically similar items, I would reccomend Griel Marcus' book Invisible Republic.Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Memphis Blues    3. Acoustic Texas Blues    4. Appalachian Folk    5. Blues Revival    6. Country Blues    7. Cowboy    8. Field Recordings    9. Folk    10. Folk & Traditional    11. Folk Collections    12. Folk-Rock    13. Folksongs    14. Gospel Choir    15. Jug Band    16. Old-Timey    17. Piedmont Blues    18. Pop    19. Prewar Country Blues    20. Prewar Gospel Blues   

Editorial Review

Throughout a near-50-year career that has seen few low points, at least professionally, Etta James has established herself as one of music's most talented R&B, blues, and jazz singers. On Read more

Reviews (10)

Etta takes a diverse chance!
Only Etta would take on a diverse song selection like this, now some of the arrangements are alittle simply but they work, Etta's voice is still strong and she brings her unigue approach to each of the songs... 'Calling You'(which has never been a favorite of mine) Etta makes it work, just listen to Etta mimic a trupment and then ends the song on a funny note, "Purple Rain" a tough choice is turned into slow blues number, "Stop On By", "Strung Out", "Holding Back The Years" are the best cuts on here, "Somewhere" is good but ends to soon. I hope Etta sticks with this direction but on the next cd have the arrangements more R&B\Soulish.

Still got the voice - And still needs a good producer
Etta never fails to deliver in the vocals. Gutteral bombast, sweet soul, gospel, blues, the lady is a living legend. But this album, like the last album "produced" by her son, is a nightmare. Chessy arrangments, tinkly bass, poor sound all around. She is a fierce mother and I'm sure she thinks her kids know best, but there is a reason why labels pair vocalists with the right producer. Should Etta get the chance to work with a fresh ear at the deck, she wouldn't need the novelty of some of the song choices.
ETTA MEETS PURPLE RAIN
Since my youth I have had an ear for roots music, whether I was conscious of that fact or not. The original of that interest first centered on the blues, then early rock and roll and later, with the folk revival of the early 1960's, folk music. I have often wondered about the source of this interest. I am, and have always been a city boy, and an Eastern city boy at that. Nevertheless, over time I have come to appreciate many more forms of roots music than in my youth. The subject of the following review is an example.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary R&B    3. Pop    4. Quiet Storm    5. Smooth Soul    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

In the history of recorded blues and spirituals, there is no greater singer and songwriter than Blind Willie Johnson. With a vocal delivery ranging from raw rage to tenderness wedded to his talking guitar, Blind Willie's recordings are as powerful today as when he made them, from 1927 to 1930. Listen to monuments "Motherless Children Have a Hard Time," "I Just Can't Keep from Crying," "It's Nobody's Fault but Mine," and the otherworldly "Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground," and try to find equally visceral conviction any other place or time. His "If I Had My Way I'd Tear The Building Down" which got him arrested when Blind Willie unknowingly sang it in front of a U.S. government building in Dallas, became a '60s icon. Years later, he caught pneumonia, but when treatment was sought, he was told the hospital did not treat blind people, so he returned home and died. Read more

Reviews (29)

Most Excellent, But . . .
First of all, I now know who Bob Dylan's been trying to sound like for the past 10 years!Now back to Blind Willie: This double CD set is excellent and I give 5 stars to Willie and his songs and the way he pulls them off.His phrasing and his guitar playing is outstanding, but the overall recorded sound quality is horrible.Yes I know, these songs were recorded around the 20's so I wasn't expecting a surround sound experience by any means.I own a number of CD's by early blues players, all recorded around the same era and I must admit that nearly all of those were cleaned up to a great degree with an enhanced sound quality before being released.I wish they would have done the same with this.The hissing and scratching and static becomes nerve racking after awhile.It sounds like they took an old "78", played it and recorded it by holding a hand-held mic in front of the speakers.What a shame to have such great songs by such a great artist take a back seat to the static and hissing of an unrefined sound.However, after saying that, I'd still purchase the CD again if got damaged.The Blind Willie experience is priceless.

makes me want to go to church
well, not really, but if blind willie johnson was preaching, i'd be there. this man had such unbelievable depth in his music, the first time i heard "soul of a man" i listening to it 15 times in a row! i just couldn't believe what i was hearing, such conviction and emotion. if everyone listened to his complete recordings the world would be a better, more beautiful place. i can't fail to mention the unknown female vocalist who adds extra depth to some of his most profound pieces.

Unbelievably beautiful
Every fan of slide guitar, or the blues, or old-time gospel, should own this. At times I wonder why people think of Robert Johnson as the greatest of his generation; Blind Willie wouldn't have considered himself a blues singer but he was a greater composer, guitarist, and singer. He was simply amazing. The world is poorer for his tragic loss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Texas Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Gospel    4. Blues Music    5. Blues Traditional    6. Pop    7. Prewar Gospel Blues    8. Slide Guitar Blues    9. Texas Blues   

Reviews (9)

Brings Back Memories to the Old (and Young)!
'Good For What Ails You' is a great set of cd's with old songs that were sung at old medicine shows. I remember some of those songs from records and radio programs from my childhood - songs that I had totally forgotten!
Priceless anthology
This element of American history should never be forgotten, and this anthology ensures that it won't.The accompanying booklet is a textbook of fascinating anecdotes and photographs, and it even includes a small, helpful insert of "spelling errata" to guide the reader through the language of the time.The music itself transports the listener to a time that seems like ancient history, populated by snake oil salesmen who employed fast-picking, fast-talking one-man bands to make their product more appealing to the desperately poor.But this collection also reminds us that times haven't changed all that much since those days of the Great Depression.After all, when was the last time you heard a trendy, catchy song in a commercial trying to sell you something as basic as toothpaste?

Don't let the cover put you off
Folks, don't let the cover (with a perfomer in blackface) put you off. This is good ole fashioned swing your partner do-se-do type music good for a hoedown and slapping your thighs with delight. Most of these tunes are funny story songs and yes, there is static, but as with silent movies, old fashioned recordings like there are an acquired taste for modern audiences. Jim Jackson, Emmett Miller, Old Uncle Dave Macon (my favorite banjoist), and my homeboy from Spartanburg, SC Pink Anderson (I know his son pretty well) bring much old-fashioned delight to the proceedings. There is an essay in the liner notes about W.K. Kerr another Spartanburg product who was the Ed Sullivan of medicine shows. Overall, this is a history lesson that makes you wanna clap your hands, stomp your feet and say YEE-HAW! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Appalachian Folk    3. Blues    4. Blues Collections    5. Country Blues    6. Harmonica Blues    7. Jug Band    8. Minstrel    9. Old-Timey    10. Pop    11. Songster    12. String Bands    13. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (4)

Totally satisfied and totally tickled too!
Aahh yes the Taj!! I've been searching for the track "Satisfied and Tickled too" for years. The original album from the mid 70's just doesn't seem to be available anywhere on cd, so what a surprise when an old friend returns from a holiday in Florida and presents me with the Essential cd and yes folks this really is an essential album.As a previous buyer said there is something about the track Satisfied and tickled too that just makes you want to play it over and over again.Mind you there a quite a few tracks on this collection that also merit the repeat button.This is a great 2 cd compliation, there is a more comprehensive3 cd set called "In progress and In motion" but basically if your new to the Taj this Essential collection is the perfect start. You really will be satisfied. Long live the Taj.

Taj Mahal in Eastern Europe
Everyone who likes the Blues must listen to this CD; particularly "senor blues" is one of my favorites. All the songs from this man from blues, reggae, and other tunes you will like. I introduced his music to some of the Eastern blues fanatics, and they were impressed with his style. We listen to him all the time in the cappuccino bar court yard during our Cuaba smokers club meeting nights. This is a good compilation of his music and style. If you like different styles with the blues this is the CD for you.

Satisfied and Tickled
On a recent NPR segment, they asked people on the street what song they would choose to listen to, if they had to listen to it for 24 hours straight. My song, I think, would have to be "Satisfied N' Tickled, Too"...Don't what it is, but I have a nearly insatiable craving to hear it again after the final notes fade...
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Country Blues    5. Folk-Blues    6. Modern Acoustic Blues    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Jam Nation hero Ben Harper tones down his lap-slide guitar flash in favor of the holy spirit for this blend of originals and gospel classics, his first full-length album with the historic singing group. They've worked together before, on the Blind Boys' excellent Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (23)

HOLY moly this is good
What a combo!Ben Harper, road warrior, jam master and granola hero, teams up with the ageless grammy award winning gospel warriors.....this has the potential for 2 outcomes: 1) something that just flat out won't work or 2)something very very special.
Funky Gospel
Bought this CD because I heard the track "Satisfied Mind" on public radio and just had to have it!!This CD is well worth the money just for this track alone.The rest of the CD is great if you are into the origins of funk.Some of the tracks get a little too Gospel for my taste.There are some sweet guitar solos and truly excellent blues riffs scattered throughout the more upbeat tracks.I would definitely suggest buying this CD after buying it I am very intersted in checking out more Ben Harper and more Blind Boys of Alabama fare.
4-1/2 stars -- Religious, nutritious
This is my first time picking up a Ben Harper record, as well as a Blind Boys of Alabama record. To me, Ben Harper has always been talented, and the Blind Boys of Alabama have always been known for making great songs (STUPID videos, but great songs). But now Ben's funky, light rock and the Blind Boys' spiritual flavor joined forces on There Will Be a Light, and as another reviewer put it, this marriage works.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Blues Gospel    3. Jam Bands    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Soul   

Editorial Review

While Frazey Ford of the Be Good Tanyas spent the year raising her new baby, band mate Trish Klein had time to record a second record with her other group. Like on their first record, Po' Girl takes the Tanyas' kitchen-sink mix of rustic sounds and adds a blues tinge. Musicians have always fused music from different genres, but now a full generation has grown up barely aware of musical boundaries. The age bracket that spawned Po' Girl is equally at home with country, rock, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and punk. They are even able to seamlessly add a rapper to the half-time country tune "Take the Long Way" without a hint of preciousness—-a rapper that name-checks Patti Smith no less. Read more

Reviews (1)

Po' Girl. Astounding
Well. I stumbled onto Po' Girl on emusic, and am just blown away by this, their second album. Can't stop listening to "Take the Long Way, with CR Avery rapping gently through the middle of the song. Bliss. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    2. Folk    3. Modern Acoustic Blues    4. Pop    5. Rock   

Editorial Review

The third album from guitar phenom Derek Trucks resounds with joyful noise indeed, and amazingly, it seems as though Trucks and his band run through (at least) 10 distinct genres across these 10 songs. Trucks may venture all over the musical map--blues, soul, jazz, Eastern music, to name a few stops--but he does so with a confidence and assertiveness usually found in much older musicians. Then again, he is the nephew of Butch Trucks (a fellow member of the Allman Brothers Band, Trucks's moonlighting gig) and is married to fellow guitar wiz Susan Tedeschi (who guests on this album), so it's not surprising that he seems experienced beyond his years. Read more

Reviews (32)

The best of what a great band can do
If you've heard some of the Derek Trucks Band's music, perhaps you know what to expect.That is you don't know what to expect!DTB plays rock, blues, jazz, and world music, sometimes at the same time.This album has a lot less blues than some of their others, but lots of mind-expanding jazz-rock, some world, some great R&B with Mrs. Trucks (Susan Tedeschi) and with soul legend Solomon Burke... What more could one want?There are no bad DTB albums, but this one is probably the best.

inventive, invigorating
Very rarely do I get "the feeling".You know the one I'm talking about.Something comes on the radio and the chill runs up your spine.You either pull the car over because you've got to hear it, or it's so exciting you speed up. Look down and you're going 85 in a 55 mile zone.I used to get that feeling often.Aretha, early ABB, the first time I heard the harmonies on Suite:Judy Blue Eyes.Lately I've been more likely to get it from songwriters like Guy Clark or Rodney Crowell where the lyrical images are so strong and the storytelling so good, I shiver.
Judge Not But Listen
Joy....all you need to do is read the liner excerpt from the great writer and philosopher Krishnamurti on the cd and know where their head is at.. freedom from the known is still freedom within limits..the many styles displayed here are the past with music that has freshness and tightness that pays homage to the roots of it all...some Jazz Fusion,Funk,Latino,Blues and Soul...even shades of China Cat Sunflower for your Dead Heads..with some twists on the sounds of the east..people have a need to classify...don't..you have a right to because it is your money but if you spend it on jam bands and desire a smart band that sounds old and new at once these guys are it. I have noticed that their other cd's are all different in style...they are like leaves blowing in the wind...let the wind take them where they go.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock    3. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (31)

Worthy of Dylan
The problem with these 2 disc multi-artist concerts is that they're often bloated with lesser performers and lesser performances.Here, not so, KK says at the beginning of the concert that "backstage we have assembled one of the greatest group of perfoming artists ever" or something like that, and it's no exaggeration.George Harrison, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Eddie Vedder, Stevie Wonder and on and on...
One of the Greatest Concerts of all time
Bob Dylan over the years has influenced many people, and now its time for those people to give something back.
3 and a half stars
Not bad.The definite highlight is "My Back Pages" where Harrison, Clapton, Dylan, Neil Young, McGuinn, and Petty all take a verse.McGuinn sounds even better on "Mr Tamborine Man" and overall a great effort by all the artist covering some well known and not so well know Dylan songs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Album Rock    3. Bar Band    4. Blues-Rock    5. Contemporary Country    6. Contemporary Folk    7. Country-Folk    8. Country-Pop    9. Country-Rock    10. Folk-Rock    11. Funk    12. Hard Rock    13. Heartland Rock    14. Modern Electric Blues    15. Motown    16. Outlaw Country    17. Political Folk    18. Pop    19. Pop-Soul    20. Pop/Rock   

Editorial Review

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

Reviews (12)

A...blast (pardon)
Count Basie's problem is he started off great then declined; from his immortal Decca and lesser-but-still-great Columbia days his band degenerated into something loud, slick, and forgettable -- a Vegas band with a heritage.Neal Hefti stopped that decline, for a little bit; if the band's still loud and slick it plays with renewed purpose, energized by his first-class charts.(The only minus is Hefti's insistence on ending nearly every song with a flatted-fifth, an annoying shtick of those days.)And we see in spots why the Count was still such a marvelous piano player, even this late in his career: his one-finger stride, his James P. Johnson and Fats without the ornamentation, is among the most effective ways any jazzman ever communicated.If the public knows this album only through "Fantail" (the song the infamous Chuck Barris had Jim Lange inanely blabber over on "The Dating Game") it should know more of it -- and the other regal entertainments of the Count.

An Esential Basie Album
Speaking from a Dj's point of view, this Album's sound quality is great and the songs are some of Basie's best. A must have for any Basie cd collection.

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

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Swing   

Editorial Review

Culled from the Columbia Records reissue packages, variously released under the multivolume Quintessential Billie Holiday umbrella, this package goes straight for the love songs, the heart of Holiday. Ranging from such playful lyrics as "Let's Do It" and "Them There Eyes" to such essential Holiday as "You Go to My Head," "The Very Thought of You," and "Easy Living," this set is guaranteed to keep the home fires burning brightly. Lay this one on your lover next Valentine's Day. As was so frequently the case with Holiday, the ensemble support is impeccable, including many of the swingers from Columbia's Read more

Reviews (23)

Great Collection of Billie Holiday Songs
There are so many fabulous reviews for this CD and I have to agree with them. I've been a Billie Holiday fan for years and own many discs of her music, but I find myself reaching for this one a lot. It's a great collection of songs and her voice is so sweet and true here. She's in top form and the arrangements on the songs are all excellent. Whoever put this CD together knew what they were doing. This is definitely Billie during the earlier part of her career and there's a real lightness to this music. (Her later music is great too, but very different.) Most of the songs on this CD are classics and even if you're unfamiliar with her, you'll probably still recognize many of them. There is some crackling background noise on some of the songs, since they were recorded back in the late thirties/early forties, though it's not that bad and most of the time you barely notice it. Some of the stand outs are "You Go To My Head", "The Very Thought of You", "Let's Do It", "The Way You Look Tonight", just to name a few. I think this would be a great introductory CD for someone who is curious about her and would like to hear some of her music.

Oh, Billie!HOW DIVINE !!!
This CD is an excellent collection of great songs performed by the incomparable and legendary Billie Holiday. Billie could conquer any song--from the most vulgar to the most sublime with an electric performance that rivals the best singers of the 20th century.
Fine CD
This CD is a beautiful selection of classic Holiday. I really enjoy Holiday's voice.It is so natural and simple. Buy it. You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Pop    7. Standards    8. Swing    9. Traditional Pop    10. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Keb' Mo's 1995 Grammy-winning eponymous debut firmly lodged the Los Angeles-born singer-guitarist in the contemporary blues pantheon. His sophomore effort, Read more

Reviews (36)

review of a few reviewers
while not all of hardly any album or submission by an artist can be expected to please 100%, some of the negative i'm picking up in some reviews seems to come from the fact that Keb' doesn't sound like he "did," or "should."an artist is just that, and should be reaching out and pushing their limits, style and range.that doesn't always work out at the "box office," but it should be recognized for what it is and considered within that context, not some preconceived narrow definition based on art in the past.it's ok to dislike a piece or to feel indifferently about it.i think it's important to dig inside ourselves in order to have a meaningful sense of why and/or how we are affected by a piece.that is our responsibility as the viewer or listener of any art form. keep reaching, stretching and trying Keb'----i'll be there for the exploration.
Keb PLEASE NO Mo Like This Again!
His 1st disc was full of promise for a great future, but like MANY other supposed talents this is a typical "I've already used all my good stuff" discs. Don't waste your hard earned cash on this! (I did and I sure wish I had 1 more wish, so I wouldn't have bought this!) If this is "Just Like You" then You should go back to where you were!
A Great Blues Album
Keb' Mo' is one of those musicians who hits you like a punch to the solar plexus.The first time I heard him, I was absolutely floored.Obviously a student of the great Delta Blues masters, Keb' Mo' also is a child of our times as well and he effortlessly blends older styles of Blues with modern production and arranging.Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Modern Acoustic Blues    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

When Robert Cray and the Fabulous Thunderbirds turned their similar combinations of Texas blues and Memphis soul into hit records in 1986, bar bands all across this land thought they had glimpsed the promised land of a long-awaited blues revival. There has been a flood of soul-blues releases since then, many of which have been respectable, even admirable, but they have lacked the two essential ingredients that gave the genre its artistic peak 30 years ago, as well as its brief resurgence 20 years later--terrific songs and outstanding singers. Delbert McClinton's Read more

Reviews (27)

Delbert always fun to listen to, here is no different
Delbert McClinton has one of those great bluesy voices that sounds so "regular" that you think you could do it, but in reality its got a depth and quality that is hard to match.On this album he really has some fun, and that howl is unmistakable.Sending Me Angels is a personal fave with him getting help from country greats Vince Gill on vocals and Lee Roy Parnell on slide guitar.Old Weakness calls to mind the fun lovin Stones classic honkytonk woman. and Leap of Faith cheesy as it might sound can perk up a dreary day with no problem.

Journeyman Texas/country rhythm and blues
Delbert has been around since forever, doing the same type of music and doing it better than anyone else.He's almost a musical genre of his own.This is as solid a collection of songs as he has ever he has made.Does it get any better than this? Grab a beer, pull up a chair and start singing along and tapping your toes.

good sutff
Trust me, if you are a music lover, you will dig this CD. This CD has extremely good song writing and a fine array of special guests.From the uplifing "Leap of Faith" to the classic "Sending me Angels" this album is sure to be a classic. This is Delbert at his best...buy it now ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (25)

A great soundtrack with noticable omissions
La Bamba (1987.) The soundtrack to the Ritchie Valens biopic of the same name.