Editorial Review

As the title implies, Read more

Reviews (5)

Great album, with a notable exception
Overall, a wonderful comtemporary blues album, although more in the "blues light" vein than anything real down and dirty.
Give Duke a Handy Award for this one
I have several discs from this guitar musicologist but I have never seen him live until this year at Chrome in Las Vegas. What a treat. When he debuted "Sunday Mornin'" from his latest, I was hooked on this one. This disc allows the listener to sample a wide range of styles from the greats of blues, so students....a perfect contemporary primer. Start groovin'!

Duke hits on all cylinders
I remember seeing Duke play at the old Lone Star Club on 5th Avenue in Manhattan about twenty years ago. He was opening for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and it was an unforgettable night. He opened with a perfect rendition of "Honky Tonk". You could see and feel the love in his playing that night. I have been a fan of his ever since. He put out a couple of albums with his great trio, and I still own both on LP.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Jazz Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Swing    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This is Sonny Boy Williamson II, whose 1940s Mississippi Delta radio broadcasts for Read more

Reviews (13)

Sweet purchase!
I was looking for an intro to the man that all of my favourite artists looked up to, and i found it in this album.20 something tracks of pure old school blues and soulful harmonica.A must for any old blues fan.

TheRealSonnyBoyWilliamson
Although, it's a fact that Sonny Boy did use the name, taken from John Lee Williamson who was known in Chicago around 1941, to promote some productswhen he was doing the KING BISCUIT TIME, in Helena, when J L Williamson came down south in 1942 to put an end to the imposter, it seems Big Sonny Boy chased him away from there. Every one said that Rice Miller, (the name he was known by) could play Sonny Boy's stuff better than he could play it. Sonny Boy was a crude Harp player, mostly playing acoustically, sitting down, using his feet like a drum. However, he could work a harp from high end to low end and improvise in a heartbeat. Unfortunatley his recording career started late, which is the main ingredient in this collection, "HIS BEST". It covers almost 10 years of some of his best songs, giving the listener some what of a history lesson on a man who came around last and went away first, leaving some unbelivable music, that is still being copied by present day artists. The late Paul Butterfield said, one of the best harmonica songs ever done was Sonny Boys, "Trust my Baby". I think that gives anyone who's been around harp players, an idea of how much of an impact Sonny Boy had on the entire Blues History and Community. A great collection of songs from a Master Musician and Showman.
Best "Sonny Boy" Single Disc Compilation Available, But....
For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in the blues needs to have at least one Sonny Boy Williamson album in their collection and you can't go wrong here.But for those of you who have a few extra dollars to spend, I strongly suggest passing this single disc release and opt for the 2 disc set "The Essential Sonny Boy Williamson" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 45 tracks an is much more comprehensive than this release. It may be out-of-print, but can be found for sale in zShops or eBay at a very reasonable price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Pop   

Editorial Review

This career-spanning box of three CDs and a DVD celebrates a legacy that looms larger than that of any blues-rocking guitarist since Jimi Hendrix.Despite fears that a series of posthumous releases had depleted the Stevie Ray Vaughan vaults, previously unreleased gems dominate the selection. Highlights extend from Vaughan's swaggering apprenticeship with Paul Ray and the Cobras to slash-and-burn concert performances from the final month of his life. There are obligatory dips into the songbooks of Hendrix and Buddy Guy, appearances on Read more

Features

• Box set
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (62)

SOLO SEIS CUERDAS PARA ATRAPAR EL HURACAN!
TALENTO, ARROGANCIA, BELLEZA, FUERZA..LA DESCOMUNAL GUITARRA DE STEVIE SE PUEDE PALPAR EN CADA TEMA..EXCELENTE BOX QUE RECORRE TODO EL CAMINO DE ESTE VENERADO MUSICO, QUE EN MUY POCOS AÑOS DERRAMO SOBRE EL BLUES UN HALITO DE JUVENTUD Y ESPERANZA.

I guess there is profit to be had!
I'd like to be clear that the lower score has nothing to do with Stevie and the guy's five star quality playing.The lower score is the product it's self. Another essential SRV set for collectors
I own most of the SRV catalog including this set and I must say that this is a marvelous compilation but it may not be the best set to buy if you are a novice or just beginning to "get into" his work. "The Essential SRV" (2 disc set) or "Greatest Hits V-I & II" (separately packaged single discs) may be the best way to go, IMO. The 3 CD, 1 DVD boxed set is beautifully packaged and presents a lot of live cuts and previously unreleased material to fill gaps in his catalog collection but by no means represents all of his well known titles. The DVD consists of a shortened version of his "One Night In Texas" DVD and gives a fine overview of the raw talent he presented on stage. Like Hendrix, SRV belonged on stage where his work excelled. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Box Sets (Audio Only)    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Texas Blues    6. Guitar Virtuoso    7. Modern Electric Blues    8. Modern Electric Texas Blues    9. Pop    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Texas Blues   

Editorial Review

Mac Rebennack took his stage name from the voodoo healer Dr. John and became a '70s pop star by recasting New Orleans's myth and music in his own psychedelic image. At 63, he's again revamped the Crescent City sound, minus the acid-trip trappings, for his best album in decades. With its string, horn, and Afro-Latin percussion sections and its slate of re-imagined classics, Read more

Reviews (12)

My New Fave Mac Recording
I've enjoyed this guy for ages. He epitomizes NOLA music. He did learn at the knee of one of the giants of NOLA musicians, after all (the immortal Professor Longhair). This CD is the Doc's greatest expression of his N'Awlins (OK purists, quibble with my spelling and usage) thus far, and that is saying something.
Good stuff
A good, solid album of the Doctor's music. I never thought St. James Infirmary could make me want to dance, but this one with Mavis Staples does.

Excellent
it's a fantastic album!I've been playing it over and again ever since I received it. I'm so happy with my choice, not only Dr. John is superb, but the instrumentals, the back up singers and the talented performers that are also given the chance to sing by themselves. This album also features great songs like "When the saints go marching in" in a rendition that's brilliant and not often heard, as well as "Lay my burden down" with Dr. John and Mavis Staples that is all soul. The piano solos are superb, and I can truly say that there's not one song I don't like or that I like less. B.B.King and Willie Nelson are also featured. In my opinion this album is a real treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. New Orleans R&B    5. Piano Blues    6. Pop    7. R&B    8. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Adelmo Fornaciari, aka Zuccero (Sugar), was born in 1955 near Reggio, Italy and grew up fascinated by American blues and R&B. Like so many of his countrymen and women, he exhibits a rare knack for fortunate and widely diverse collaborations. He has worked with Randy Jackson, Narada Michael Walden, Eric Clapton, Brian Auger, Luciano Pavarotti, the New Orleans Gospel Choir, Johnnie Johnson, Pat MacDonald of Timbuk 3, Jeff Beck, Stewart Copeland and Sting, among others. Given this background, it is thus not surprising that the present album, an international multi-million seller, is a star-studded affair guided by the motto "United in diversity, in blues we trust." More comfortable in English than most European singers, the headliner easily holds his own with a roster that includes Sheryl Crow, Macy Gray, Miles Davis, Vanessa Carlton, B.B. King, plus Sting-sponsored Algerian Rai idol Cheb Mami and Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries. From the opening, fate-haunted duet with blues legend John Lee Hooker to the closing classically-influenced, heavily orchestrated flight of fantasy sung with both Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, Zucchero keeps the hits coming. --Read more

Reviews (16)

God said, Let Zucchero be! (and there was light)
I picked up this CD, "Zucchero & Co." from the Los Angeles public library by chance, mainly because I saw names such as Sting, Pavarotti, BB King, Miles Davis and Cheb Mami etc. on it. I have remained a devout fanatic of Zucchero ever since.
Hauntingly beautiful!
Musical tastes are so different that it is hard, if not impossible, to give a definite opinion about a particular record. If you enjoy light jazzy groovy tunes with some good vocals in English, Spanish and Italian with occasional stronger percussion you will LOVE this record! The big American names accompanying the Italian artist should be a good indication of the quality of the music. Fortunately, Amazon allows us to listen to bits of every track on the CD, so one can make their own mind about it before buying.
Soothing and relaxing CD!
I heard about this CD, along with a few excerpts, on NPR, and purchased it a few weeks later. I was very touched by Zucchero's story. If American musicians from Eric Clapton to BB King are fans, I had to hear him myself.And now I am a fan, too. I love having music like this in my collection. The sounds are relaxing and engaging without being overwhelming, and the collaborations with people like Sheryl Crow, Sting, and Mile Davis have a great mix of classic and new.I love it, and I hope it eventually gets the attention that it deserves! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Int'l & World Music    2. Italian Pop    3. Italy    4. Latin Pop/Rock    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Political Folk    7. Pop   

Editorial Review

A harrowing classic, Billie Holiday's personal favorite among her '50s albums captures the singer 17 months before her death, her once honeyed voice, scarred and weakened from punishing life, its ravages highlighted by the 1958 session's crisp sonics and the contrasting "satin" of Ray Ellis' sleek string arrangements. Yet it is that very contrast that explains the power of these performances: In revisiting its torchy standards, Holiday reduces them to their core of pain and longing, transforming "I'm a Fool to Want You," "You Don't Know What Love Is," and "You've Changed" into naked declarations as mesmerizing and unsettling as a horrific accident.Any postrocker that presumes pop standards and string sections automatically translate to "easy listening" hasn't listened to this. This 1997 version adds unreleased takes and a beautiful 20-bit digital transfer to extract every shivering pang of Holiday's music. Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (74)

Lady Day without the extras
This classic album lives completely up to expectations to the extent that it contains all the original material.But, the only people I know that appreciate the tacked on alternative versions are the techno-fanatics.

Lady's Swan Song
The first time I heard the distinctive timbre of Billie Holiday's immortal voice which somehow speaks to us from the deepest haunts of the soul, I believe I was somewhere in the vicinity of my mother's apron strings, and remember her remarking to the effect, "Now, that's a tragedy - she was so great . . .a mere shadow of what she was - terribly, terribly self-destructive", echoing the common sentiment.Lady Day was still alive at that time.And I remember the furl between the eyebrows of her original producer with Columbia, John Hammond Sr., when, some twenty years later, he recalled what is referred to on the copious liner notes of this awesome 1997 Sony reissue of the 1958 original as "the more lurid elements of the Billie Holiday saga".And since her death 17 months after this recording, the discussion has raged around that curious question: "Who was greater (or, in our abstracted experience of the media, unfortunately, "which"), the early Lady, or the later?"The early Billie - with her spectacular range, her unmatched phrasing, cadence, her youthful charm - adored by her sidemen and audiences alike - or the later - in her finest hour - on this recording - the heart-broken, broke, haggard, dispossessed junkie - in the words of her primary collaborator (by request) on this effort, Ray Ellis - " When we began recording and I heard the first playback, I was quite shook up.The quality of Billie's voice had really deteriorated.It was very noticeable to me after listening to all her early records".
Satin Doll's Swan Song... It Was Never Her Voice But Her Swing
Heartfelt throughout..Sad,georgeous arrangements and tunes for Billie's last. The feeling of despair and the bad weather before the storm is felt on this her last offering.
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Subjects:  1. Ballads    2. Classic Female Blues    3. Jazz    4. Jazz Music    5. Jazz Vocals    6. Pop    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop    9. Vocal Jazz    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Yes, Read more

Reviews (17)

Great CD!
I loved this CD!I've only had it for a few days and have already about worn it out.Anyone who loves the blues will more than likely love this album!Keep them coming, Mr. Seagal!

Mojo Priest
This is a surprise from Steven Seagal, who would have thought that he could produce such wonderful music. Thank-you
Bluesmaster
One of the best blues I've heard in a long time. It is very powerful and soft at the same time. It is much feeling in it. More of that kind of music, thank you.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Duke Robillard and Ronnie Earl are among blues guitar's hottest pistols, but their first studio union is no showdown. Although Robillard is steeped in all aspects of technique and Earl is a pure "soul" player, their styles overlap in the Texas and Chicago schools, which grant both giants plenty of space for elegant and biting single-note solos, daredevil string-bending, and chugging rhythms. Robillard sings two numbers and "Mighty" Sam McClain, whose red-clay voice is the perfect foil for their emotional fretwork, guests on Earl's heartbroken epic "A Soul That's Been Abused." The real mojo, however, is in the instrumentals, where these virtuosos who emerged from the New England scene to achieve worldwide acclaim maintain a beatific dialogue. They both swing like T-Bone Walker on "Two Bones and a Pick" and trade sliding chords and slide guitar licks on "Zeb's Thing," which dips into down-home Mississippi grit. The highlight is "My Tears," on which Robillard sings sad and dirty, Earl turns sustained notes into Zen koans, and both players stretch their flair for dynamics and brilliant, unhurried, lyrical playing to its limit. Fans of blues guitar need to hear this album. Read more

Reviews (18)

T-Bone's Spiritual Sons
If you've ever liked the T-Bone Walker style, or drooled over the pure T-Bone licks that both Ronnie and Duke have graced us with over the years, "Two Bones and a Pick" is eight minutes of pure jump-blues-guitar-heaven.I can, and do listen to this for hours on end.If any two white guys have got that jump-blues-guitar-thang down, it's these two.T-Bone is grinning like a Cheshire cat.

A guitar duel with production and quality music to back it up
Unlike some artists who get together and try not to outplay each other, i.e. not show each other up, these two planned the session well ahead that allows each to show their virtousity against each other without the latter.
Royal Rhapsody
This disc combines the considerable talents of two premier guitar players within the Blues genre. The Duke (Robillard) and the (Ronnie) Earl demonstrate why they are deserving members of Blues guitar royalty. It has been well documented that this effort is not a showdown between rivals or a stage to demonstrate one-up-manship but rather two friends kicking back to jam back and forth and effectively intertwine their extensive expertise. I can only offer that this fine effort is seamless, seeming to be an overall masterpiece versus a collection of individual songs. The instrumental flow and sequencing of the songs is superb. The songs don't seem as lengthy as they are, avoiding the tediousness that sometimes befalls such efforts. Quite to the contrary, the hour plus of excellent music contained within seems to fly by leaving the listener wanting more. The two players pass the baton back and forth in an effortless manner, almost overly conscious as to not dominate the other's time. Ronnie and Duke demonstrate they are passionate craftsmen and worthy members of the upper class. Mighty Sam McClain's plaintive plea on "A Soul That's Been Abused" will only leave you wanting more. Ronnie Earl's slide guitar work on "Zeb's Thing" is also worth special mention. This is a can't miss addition to anyone's collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Guitar    6. Jazz Blues    7. Modern Electric Blues    8. Pop    9. Slide Guitar Blues    10. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

"Sounds nice," Bo Diddley tongue-in-cheekily observes of his music in "The Story of Bo Diddley," one of three self-named tunes on this 20-track examination of his classic '50s and '60s Checker Records sides. Not only was the former Ellas McDaniels rhythmically sharp enough to have a beat named after himself; he had a great guitar sound and a seemingly endless supply of shaggy-dog stories, lover-man boasts, silly jokes, and complaints with which to fuse them. Read more

Reviews (15)

Excellent
Bo-Didley's names says it all? Best collection of his music. I will recommend to anyone who is fan of people who have tried Bo's style like Stones, Eric Burden etc., to give a listen to this. An excellent investment for your music collection.

Go Cat Go!
I am shocked that more haven't given a review. Bo Diddley is a master!Same as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, this guy can rock like no other.

Shave and a haircut, two bits
The first time I heard this cd I hated it; shelved it away for YEARS. Then one day I was looking for something new to listen to and figured I'd give this another shot... and it stayed in my player for WEEKS.
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Subjects:  1. Blues Music    2. Electric Chicago Blues    3. Guitar    4. Oldies    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Rock    8. Rock & Roll    9. United States of America    10. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (3)

"Cat" is a must-have for anyonewho likes jazz
Cat Russell accomplished all she set out to do on this CD, singing with an accomplished ensemble a variety of songs that make the listeners want to dance.I can't wait for a follow-on.

A voice of pure gold
Catherine Russell sings and swings effortlessly with a truly beautiful timbre.Her versatility and range of voice and style is astonishing.She has paid her dues supporting other performers:watch her take her place with the best.

Don't miss it....
Catherine Russell has the all too rare ability to cut across a variety of song styles in a single recording and make them all sound cohesive, organic, smart and full of connected feelings. This disc has echos of everything from gospel to jump to bluesand back through Bob Wills for good measure, yet it all makes sense. To my ears its her Sam cooke allusions that work most transcendently: "Put Me Down Easy" is pure pleasure and simple moving artistry. A great talent finally stepping out front. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Blues    2. Jazz    3. Pop   

Reviews (48)

Great Album
The two opening cuts are great!Deja Voodoo sold me on this album it's self.Kenny was a lot younger at this time, and you can tell he was still trying to find his identity as a picker (he found it on the Live On album IMO).
BUY IT!
You will love every song on this album.It could be a greatest hits, except I don't beleive we've seen all the greatest from Kenny...yet.He plays, you listen, pure perfection!

Change can be good
Okay everyone before you go slamming someone for making changes in their style and sound I suggest that you strap on a guitar yourself and try playing the same thing over and over and over again and try to remain enthusiastic about it..
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Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Features

• Import

Reviews (5)

A New Phenom
Xavier Rudd and the unique style of old Australian instrumentation, make this a CD you will be thrilled with. Reminds one of the lyrics of the early Ladysmith tunes. Great.

Great New Cd
Xavier Rudd is my new favorite artist... After living in Australia for a year I discovered this one man band spectacular...I reccommend this CD very much and solace too... you will not be disappointed, I had the privlage of meeting him after his show and he is the nicest guy too!!

The best Xavier Rudd album
If you like Xavier Rudd, this is the best album in my opinion. No need to write a long review, if you're checking this cd, you already discovered xavier by his other albums. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Blues    3. Indie Pop    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Features

• Gold CD
• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (22)

las leyes deben cambiar..TUS OIDOS NO!!!!!!!!!!
el viejo john nos tiene acostumbrados a sus constantes divagues por la ruta del blues, dejando siempre algun genio en el camino.... en esta placa nos sorprende gratamente, enriqueciendo su musica con sencillez y sensibilidad, en una nueva direccion, como explica en el booklet..no se realmente si logro cambiar algo, lo que es seguro que nos regalo una rato de musica perfecta.

I Saw Mayall Live at the Fillmore
But it was the show at the Fillmore West, and "Room To Move" knocked everyone off their feet. Well, they were already sitting on the floor (no chairs, then!). They say that if you remember the 60's, you weren't really there, but I think this show was SO memorable, it made it through the filter of time. You didn't have to be there. You can just buy this, and .... imagine.

John Mayall's The Turning Point
This is one of Mayall's first and best CDs or records a we used to say.I never tire of listening to Mayall's harmonica and voice.His music has lasted through time.He's as popular as ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Revival    4. Blues-Rock    5. British Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. England    8. Leader    9. Pop    10. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Guitarist and vocalist Keb' Mo' seems to be continuing in the direction suggested by his previous album, Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (57)

I'm Hooked
I saw Keb Mo for the first time on a rerun of Austin City Limits. He was playing the song from this CD - "As Soon As I Get Paid". On the strength of that song alone, I went out and bought the CD the next day. It did not disappoint. I've been playing it over and over for months now. Keb Mo's is a consumate guitar player, song writer and story teller. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this CD, grab a cold beer and enjoy some great blues.

Keb Mo Slow Down
This CD is fantastic.Every song is wonderful.I bought one as a gift for a friend and I have other friends requesting copies.I never get tired of listening to it.

Is there any style of Blues Keb Mo' CAN'T play?!?
WOW!This CD totally blew me away; I've loved the blues since I was twelve, listening to nighttime DJ Jimmy Rabbit on KLIF in Dallas playin' Jimmy Reed's "Bright Lights, Big City" more than 40 yrs ago, but when I heard this, it was like I was hearing the blues for the first time.Motown, Memphis, Mississippi delta, it's all here, and it's all GOOD.This is the kind of CD you can put on repeat and never get tired of it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

Heralded as one of the greatest live blues albums ever recorded, this set catches the singer-guitarist as his star was in ascent: in 1964 playing Chicago's answer to Harlem's Apollo Theater--the Regal. King's performance is visceral. He sings so hard that gravel flies even in his clearest high notes. And his trademark single-note guitar lines are sharp and steely, matching his voice with trembling vigor. He offers early hits like "How Blue Can You Get," "Worry, Worry," and "You Upset Me Baby" to what's essentially his adopted hometown crowd (by his own account, King had already played the theater hundreds of times). They give him a hero's welcome. In fact, the audience's screaming enthusiasm is distracting. But rarely has a love-fest of this magnitude between a performer and fans been documented. --Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (41)

Regally Overrated
I can't believe the touch of B.B. King. I enjoy his playing immensely. I know this album gets buried in accolades. But I don't like it. The quality is poor and, differing from other's opinions, the crowd noise takes away from the music. B.B. said, in so many words, that Live at the Regal was far from his choice as his best recording. Typically, he said he wouldn't argue with success--and left it at that. There are so many good albums by B.B. You can't go wrong for $4.65 for the "Ultimate Collection". Sure it doesn't have them all--but it has quite a few of his great songs, including a few from Live at the Regal. I would steer clear of this selection. Or I'll send you mine for free!

You Really Have To Hate Music To Not Like This
One of the first things people notice when listening to B.B. King's Live At The Regal album is that the response of the audience is rapturous, almost like the congregation at a Pentecostal church. There's a reason for this. This is simply the natural response of anyone hearing the King of the Blues at the peak of his powers.
A Blues Timemachine
Absolutely one of the finest live albums of all times.I bought this album because it was listed as one of the top 100 guitar albums of all time in Guitar Player Magazine.You get lightning in a bottle here with BB King at the height of his powers.The audience is alive and you can feel the young woman hyperventilating and swooning to BB King's rendition of some blues classics.His voice is flawless, still velvety smooth, especially when compared with later live albums by BB King.There is the perfect mixture of BB King's introductions or setups for each tune, guitar, vocals and audience reaction.The sound is immaculate, balanced and clear. His guitar playing is efficient and his timing is perfect.It makes you wonder why more recent "live albums" lack the spontaneity and quality found in this recording.The only regret is the album is not longer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Soul-Blues    8. United States of America    9. Urban Blues   

Editorial Review

This stalwart independent label, headquartered in San Francisco, began in a small Ann Arbor club and grew into one of the most important imprints in blues. Thirty-three tunes ricochet between the potent old-school Chicago stylings of Buddy Guy and Junior Wells's classic "Hoodoo Man Blues" and Big Walter Horton'ss swinging shuffle "Put the Kettle On" to the intriguing pop-folk hybrid of Roy Rogers and Norton Buffalo and the dashing retro-nuevo guitarisms of Nick Curran & the Niteflies to the brawny Texas-schooled sounds of Omar & the Howlers and Smokin' Joe Kubek & Bnois King. The label's Delta blues side is underrepresented, although James Cotton and Elvin Bishop offer two great flavors of cottonland grind. But what's truly perplexing is that Blind Pig's historic recordings by Luther Allison, Johnny Shines, Jimmy Rogers, Charlie Musselwhite, Boogie Woogie Red (the label's first artist), and other significant musicians are omitted, while ham-fisted blues-rockers Tommy Castro and Albert Cummings and the mediocre Deanna Bogart and Duke Tumatoe get entries. Which makes this retrospective decidedly hit-and-miss. Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Blues-Rock    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Harmonica Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Pop    8. Soul-Blues    9. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

The title's baloney. Sure, some of Buddy Guy's most blistering guitar playing has been captured on his '90s recordings for Silvertone, but with albums like Muddy Waters's 1964 Read more

Reviews (17)

The Master of the Blues
Buddy Guy is "The Master of the Blues." He glides his fingers over his guitar like the wind showing his expertise with every note. I've seen him once in person and he made a lifetime impression on me. Buddy's Baddest will fill you with the energetic life force of a Buddy Guy concert.

nothing succeeds like success
Buddy is loved by all, from Eric Clapton to the man on the street. Why is that? Well, he used to be great, at some point previous to 1970. I guess Clapton is deafened by history. And everyone else?, well, it's a 'fun' show, I guess. To my ears, Guy sounds out of control. His vibrato, his intonation, his timing, all grating and amateurish. I know only his fans come here, andI'll get all 'no help' votes, but maybe somebody can be saved by the truth.

The #3 bestblues guitarist?
buddy guy always seems to get third billing behind eric clapton and b.b. king, but this collection of songs is certainlyan excellent sampler of why he is always mentioned in the same breath with those other 2 lads !!!!! it is an excellent introduction to one very exciting and inventive blues guitarist (go visit his nightclub in chicago and check out all the autographed guitars on the walls)
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop   

Editorial Review

Don't let the name fool you: this rare Italian songbird was born Maria D'Amato. Muldaur is to white female pop singers what Anita O'Day is to white female jazz singers--way hipper than the herd. She recorded in the '60s with the Even Dozen and Jim Kweskin jug bands and her then-husband, Geoff Muldaur, before going out on her own with this 1973 recording. Sidemen include people like Jim Dickinson, Spooner Oldham, Jim Keltner, Mac Rebennack, Ray Brown, and Dave Holland. Among the tunes are Jimmie Rodgers's "Any Old Time," Dolly Parton's "My Tennessee Mountain Home," and the album's hit, "Midnight at the Oasis." American music rarely gets better than this. Read more

Reviews (21)

Be nice to yourself
If you like acoustic country blues you'll love this Cd.
Groovy!
This is one of my FAVORITE albums of all time. This album never ever gets old. I have no idea what the style or genre is but I love it. Theres nobody like her. Every song is Excellent. She is a true romantic. She creates tones and sounds with her voice that are highly unusual. I feel totally relaxed when I hear her tunes.

One of those classic debut albums every singer wants
And by golly, Maria had herself one in 1973 (though I know that Maria had been on other albums before this, as part of a band).This album is full of contrasts.It is so much FUN, yet has a lot to offer musically.The arrangements are unusual, yet spectacular.And her voice just goes all over the place--yet it works beautifully.If I ever used the word "rollicking" to describe an album--this would be the one.I'm glad I finally found this one (or, should I say, that this one finally found me).Now I have the great pleasure of getting caught up with everything else she has done over the past 30+ years.I'm usually slow to catch on, but I'm always so grateful whenever I do.It always makes me wonder who or what else I have missed, and if I will ever find those (or, of course, if they will ever find me)... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. AM Pop    2. Blues    3. Dance-Pop    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Popular Music   

Reviews (2)

2 Years & Only 10 Songs
Let me get this out of the way right away I have been a fan of the man since the 70's (yes that makes me old)and I run to the store the moment I hear of a new disc coming out. That said this disc is just way to short on new songs and in length. I could have done without the new versions of "Midnight Blues" and "All your Love" There was nothing wrong with the originals. As for the rest of the disc I rated it only four stars because he is leaning to much on remaking other people tunes and not enough of his own originals. I know I should be grateful that they still let him make music but coming from a guy who has released so much great music in the last 25 - 30 years this would of been a whole lot better if he had "Moore" originals. Don't get me wrong this is still a killer CD just give me more "Moore" next time, and how about touring the US of A we haven't seen you over hear since '91. The best songs on the disc are Flesh and Blood, Cut It Out, & No Reason to Cry. Thanks for the music now get back in the studio and release some more tunes. Even the non-originals are good but just way to many
Gary Moore!