Reviews (6)

Make you wanna move
HIs guitar playing is incrediable, his other band memeber can carry their own!!! You don't know if you want to dance or sit and listen as not to misss a single note

Blues bearing repeating
I know what you're thinking: a blues-meister from Coral Gables, fabled haunt of the idle rich?Singing about being on a chain gang ("Big Toe"), for crying out loud (literally)?Ultimately, such questions matter not.This one's the real deal, and the richness is in the music.First off, this is not a one-man band.The rhythm section is very capable, particularly the hard driving playing of Steve Gaskell on bass.And Albert does not overwhelm his bandmates.When I first heard him play, the guitar stood out more than the vocals, but this CD holds up to multiple listening.Albert's craft is evident on each of his many styles of playing, from the excellent straight ahead wails of "Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt" (backed by some impressive piano work by Jerry Mascaro and drumming by Bob Amsel) to the raucous clamoring of "Big Toe" (which has justifiably gotten a lot of air play) and especially the slick slide work on "Walking Blues".Speaking of which, it's gratifying to see someone resurrect the slide guitar, which for no good reason seemed headed toward obscurity (even Clapton only used it once, briefly, in the blues-drenched Cream reunion concert at Madison Square Garden, October 24, 2005).
Exciting New Release to put Castiglia on top of the blues world.
I have known Albert Castiglia for over 10 years and have heard him play countless times. I have heard all of his CD's and feel that this one -"A Stone's Throw" - places Albert at the top of the heap.Often I've been asked to review blues CD's - but more often than not, I return them unable to even write a review.With the Albert Castiglia new release, I could easily write about each cut on the album. I was must touched by "Youth Wants to Know" and his "Hurricane Blues," - both are touched by his own reality and he makes them very real indeed in today's uncertain world.He sings from the heart with an expert accomplished style that is more and more becoming his own.In concert he plays the hurricane blues along with The House of the Rising Sun about New Orleans.This CD has several references to the tragedy that we have endured - and these were written before the 2005 hurricanes but Albert living in South Florida has already experienced the grief from these storms and it is as if he was being a predictor of what was to come, he is playing the blues to all of us who have to live through these times.He says that his guitar and his voice is what he has to move forward and I say that is more than the truth inside his head and his heart and it reaches out and touches all that listen. Bravo Albert - this is a real winner and I give it 5 Stars!!!!!!!!!I also want to recommend that anyone who can, get ahold of Albert's self-released 1st CD, "Burn," they will not be dissappointed - it is also a great CD that was released in 2002."A Stone's Throw," is on Blues Leaf Records and they had the foresight to take him on - they will not be dissappointed nor will anyone who buys this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bass    2. Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Drums    5. Guitar (Electric)    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Piano    8. Pop    9. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Like the titular automobile, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Sue Foley is dependable, road-tested, and economical. Through sheer tenacity, the Canadian has become an experienced and respected veteran in the limited but fertile genre of female blues-guitar-slinging bandleaders. On her tenth album, Foley finds a cruising lane between her tougher early work and a slicker, more R&B-influenced sound. She sticks to her blues background while shifting gears to a moderately more commercially oriented soulful approach that should appeal to old fans and create some new ones. With an instantly recognizable voice that can be sweet one moment and biting the next, Foley shows that being fashionable and rootsy aren't mutually exclusive. She's as comfortable with a Stonesy "Beast of Burden"-styled ballad such as "Do It Again" as digging her wheels into the album's high-drama, torchy showpiece "Absolution." While not all of the material--eleven of these tracks are written or co-penned by Foley--is up to those standards, her malleable voice, tough yet tender spirit, and subtle but sure guitar find the guts in even the less stellar tunes. The evocative front cover shows a glamorous Foley staring down the listener with an expression of steely resolve. It's a similar mixture of grace and danger that fuels this album, where she hugs the curves of the blues while careening around the corners of rock and soul. Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Canada    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Roots Rock   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Very good remastering work
Impressive edition of the best hits of Robert Cray. The remastering work is very good. With this special edition the tracks come in better life! you can appreciate all the musical details. good dynamics and overall listening experience. Use a good audio system and you will not believe about your continue little volume level increasing...Good the bass response and the Robert voice too.

The best of Robert Cray
If you love Robert Cray, you'll love this album.It's the best bang for your buck and includes great like 'smokin gun' and "i was warned'.there is not one bad song on the album and this is really Robert Cray at his very best. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

4.5 stars.
I must admit I had always thought Keb Mo was a little generic as a blues artist until I came across this CD in Scorcese box set.Put it in the CD player just to get a little better idea about where Keb is coming from and man was I surprised.This is really good.His cover of Robert Johnson's "Come In My Kitchen" is probably the best cover of this song I have ever heard."Henry" is probably my favorite, just a nice smooth relaxing song.This is a good CD to listen to on summer night, it just sounds like summer to me.All in all I'm glad I gave this CD a chance because now I see Keb is a really great modern blues artist and there aren't many of those around now.

PURE BLUES AND AWESOME!!!
I love blues and believe it or not, its my first Keb' Mo' cd.Where have I been and what was I thinking?This is one of the greatest blues cd's I have EVER heard.Its just blues in its purest form - simple, yet soul-ful, and so much meat it in, it takes time to digest it all.The arrangements are excellent - the piano or electric guitar will come in to enhance the mood or the lyrics.Its so wonderful that you HAVE to pay attention to it!You'll find that he pulls you in from whatever you are doing, to stop and listen. And what a voice - he was born to sing the blues!I'm overwhelmed - excellent musicians, great song choices, clever arrangements.This cd has it all!Next time Mr. Mo' is in town, I will be front and center!This cd is a fine wine, so sip it slowly and enjoy! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

An outstanding collection
This is another CD that I found in my friend Regina's shop, Art and Soul.It is a collection of Blues, with 14 cuts by different musicians/vocalists.It has:
As Good As It Gets!
Congress has designated 2003 as the Year of the Blues, and both PBS and Public Radio are producing related series'. This CD is the perfect complement, featuring blues tracks by some of the legends (e.g. B.B. King, Taj Mahal, Ruth Brown, Henry Gray) and some of the rising stars (e.g. Keb' Mo', Robert Cray, Eric Bibb, Susan Tedeschi) who keep the blues alive and thriving. Whether you're a student of the art, or just like to listen to great music, this CD is for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. V/A Compilations    7. World Beat Collections   

Editorial Review

Singer-trumpeter-guitarist Olu Dara has been knocking around New York City's jazz circles for almost 20 years. On "In the World" he embraces Caribbean rhythms, African highlife/socca riffs, and gut-bucket blues. Vaguely reminiscent of Taj Mahal's fanciful integration of world music and the blues, Dara consistently straddles urban and rural artistry. Sophisticated yet irresistibly down-home, this collection is festive, tuneful, and engaging. Songs like "Rain Shower" and "Natchez Shopping Blues" are clearly based in the American folk-blues idiom, while "Okra" and "Your Lips" are closer to an Afro-Cuban aesthetic. Dara's warm voice is limited but expressive, and his guitar playing fundamentally percussive. On the other hand, Dara's trumpet is unique and extremely lucid. This album comprises a fascinating tour of several musical cultures. Read more

Reviews (19)

Groove music for Grownups
This is a rich mature effort from an artist who understands the connections between the various genres of music (blues, jazz, soul, etc.) that evolved from the African-American south. Listen closely and hear a horn player's phrasing in the vocals. The songs brim over with his sense of humanity, knowing and not without a sense of humor while his band is a groove monster. Highly reccomended.

Splendid
This album starts off on a soulful and catchy note, which continues throughout the album. The last track, KIANE, is beautiful. Dara's collaboration with his son Nas is awesome. My favourite would have to be YOUR LIPS. Buying this album will not be a regretable action- Dara blows all those other fish out of the water.

In The World is a high quality album you won't regret owning
This truly is a great album.I'm already a fan of artists like Muddy Waters & have a decent amount of Jazz albums from Coltrane and Miles.But, I'll have to honestly admit I picked up this album after hearing him play the horn on Nas's "Life's A B****", "Dance" & others.This album is a LOT better than I expected it to be.
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Subjects:  1. Blues Music    2. Jazz    3. Modern Acoustic Blues    4. Modern Creative    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Oldies    7. Pop   

Editorial Review

For all the laudatory work he's done in rediscovering a panoply of artists fromroots-based musical genres, Cooder's attempt to pay homage to influences closer to home,namely '50s rock and R&B, on Read more

Reviews (22)

Chicken skin feel allover this CD. Cooder`sk magic
The sound. The voice. In other word this is magical and overcool, and very relaxable music. Ry Cooder made this in the year 1979, and it still stand`s out as a CD which gives you the most. The "chicken skin" atmosphere kicks in already on track 1 Little Sister. It`s moody, with an atmospheric chorus, with great plinking on the guitar`s.
"Toilet seat blue..."
...was the way I think Ry described his Fender's finish in an old Guitar Player interview. Part of Cooder's genius was/is arranging electric and acoustic instruments in a way that's satisfying to fans of both. Granted, "Bop" is not a blues record and neither is the music it reinterprets. Still, Ry's open D and G comping is a pleasure to hear and learn from. But, for a guy whose prior records just "sounded" so terrific, the digital production sheen on this one was a disappointment at the time and, while fun to hear again after so long, for my taste, "Bop" can't quite take its place among his best.

Wonderful music all the way through
I've been a Ry Cooder junky since the early 70s, and wish we'd seen more of him in the last 10 or 15 years.Not that I don't like his "world music" dabbling -- it's really an extension of what he did for American musical traditions during the first half of his career.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Most live blues recordings have a feeling of intimacy, as if the concerts took place in some out-of-the-way venue for an audience who not only know all the lyrics, but know the performers personally as well. Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (31)

really good. good as any live album.
this is a really good live album. some of the songs he sings are first timers for him like Superstition or I'm Leaving You (Commit a Crime). but all and all, a really great album.

Not His Best
Stevie's contract mandated that he produce another album.He was so strung out on drugs at the time that he was unable to produce new material.A live album was all he was able to come up with.The available material (mostly the Montreaux performances) evidently didn't meet the highest standards of quality so a lot of overdubbing was done.Stevie's drug induced monologue at the end of Life Without You was an embarrassment to many of his friends and colleagues.
****1/2. Much underrated
The late Stevie Ray Vaughan rocked on stage. His rendition of Howlin' Wolf's "Commit A Crime" may lack the raw punch of Wolf's original, but that's a minor complaint...most of this album is simply excellent, filled with gems from Vaughan's first three albums.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Electric Texas Blues    4. Guitar Virtuoso    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Modern Electric Texas Blues    7. Pop    8. Rock    9. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (9)

Joseph Byrd and Ry Cooder make magic!
Yes, Ry is a wonderful guitar player.And, yes, the material is well chosen.Yes.Yes.Yes to all the other reviews.But let's give a hand to the arranger, as well.Within the first few notes after placing the 12" LP of Jazz on my turntable many years ago, I was scrambling to find who did the arranging!
CLASSIC!
I have owned this since 1978, first vinyl, then CD.It is one album I will never be without.I defy anyone to listen to "We Will Be Happy" without believing it, or to keep from dancing to "Happy Meeting in Glory", and I've already requested "Face to Face That I Shall Meet Him," be played at my funeral, when that regrettable event becomes necessary (in the far distant future). This is joyous music, and highly evocative of a simpler though imperfect era.This is one of Ry Cooder's best!

Great music
I bought this album years ago (I have it on vinyl) after watching a special with Ry Cooder on PBS playing this music.I was hooked.I love all the songs.The gospel quartet is awesome.At the end of the TV show, he sang "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer"and I wish it was on this album.Otherwise, I highly recommend you get this CD and if you know where I can get a recording of that last song, let me know. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Ry Cooder may have been an in-demand session guitarist in the late '60s, but what set him apart in his early solo career was his extraordinary, if eccentric, taste in songs. Here he explores the repertoires of everyone from Johnny Cash to Bahaman folk master Joseph Spence to Leadbelly with enchanting results. While Cooder's vocal skills are no match for his slide guitar and mandolin talents (the latter showcased splendidly in "Hey Porter" and "Billy the Kid"), he's an amiable singer who resists the temptation to camp it up, even when essaying such antiquated oddities as "FDR in Trinidad" and "Taxes on the Farmer Feeds Us All." Read more

Reviews (7)

The Return to the Purple Valley.
Ry Cooder has shown us a wide variety and diversification of musical influences since this 1972 release, but to me, this is his best effort. I love the broad range of musical influences that he has taken over the years, including the commercially successful Buena Vista Social Club, however, Into the Purple Valley is where he is at home. Frombeginning to end, this album carries such a magical feel, particularly the struggles of the poor and oppressed from a long ago era, however, seems to give us an indication that maybe our own "blues" maybe waiting around the corner for us all. ( You must remember that Nixon was in office when this was released...need I say more?). My personal favorites are "FDR in Trinidad", " How Can a Man Stand Such Times and Live", and the ever amazing rendition of "Vigilante Man". I love Mr. Cooder's travels into the realms of other cultures and rhythems. Through these venture, he has broadened our knowledge and appreciation for the sounds and rhythems of our world through the eyes and ears of those who we would have otherwise never known or heard. However, I feel that there is more for him to explore and interpret from The Heart of America and to give his own special stamp of originality. To those of you who have never heard "Into the Purple Valley" have no hesitation in going out immediately and purchasing. It will become one of your very favorites. And To Mr. Cooder, when you grow weary of world travels, come on back to the Purple Valley. We will all be waiting for you.

I wish I had this CD
I purchased this CD a year ago, right about the time when I was, coincidentally, doing a history project about the Dust Bowl. It provided the perfect backround music for it, and I have loved it ever since. In my mind there are no weak tracks, with the possible exception of Teardrops Will Fall, which I did not care for at first, but has grown on me. What amazed me the most about this album was the diversity within the particular style of music Cooder is dealing with. I normally group music like this under the term "down home," but on this disk that can range from folk to blues, or even a bit of calypso. I unfortunately lost this CD, along with Chickenskin Music, on a Continental Airlines flight this summer (and was rudely accomodated too), but I am sure that I will own it again in the near future.

The essential Ry Cooder
My brother brought this album home in the early 70's on vinyl.There was a production problem with this album and it seemed every copy we bought (must have been 3 or 4) skipped badly.You can tell we enjoyed the music.Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Roots Rock    9. Slide Guitar Blues   

Reviews (4)

An overlooked masterpiece
Of all Robert Cray albums, over a career that has now spanned 20 years, this is the one I keep coming back to time and time again. I Was Warned is not one of Robert Cray's more critically acclaimed or commercially successful albums, yet for me it's a handsome, undemanding record that is full of great songs and superb playing. As a practitioner of the blues, Cray has been instrumental in it's re-emergence as a popular art-form in the 80's and 90's, however he has never considered himself to be a 'bluesman' - preferring to call his sound a blues/soul/rock hybrid. I Was Warned tends towards soul and rock. There is a definite feel-good factor to 'Just A Loser' and 'I'm A Good Man', both carry an irresistable groove and Cray clearly revels in his everyman tales of love and life. 'The Price I Pay' is a meditation on fading love, it is one of Cray's finest ballads - a side of his music that seems to get overlooked. 'On The Road Down' is blisteringly good also and showcases some fine guitar-work. Blues purists may find I Was Warned a little too slick, but I love the mood that these taut, polished and wholly enjoyable songs put me in.

Never gets old
I have to say that this CD is a very cool Cd that any true fan of music should have in their collection. "Strong Persuader" was the first Cd of Robert Crays that I owned and from there I have built up my collection. My favorite song on this disc is the title track, to me it is down and dirty blues music at its best. "The Price I Pay" is another slow blues tune that is also worth a good listen to. Other stand out on this disc are 'Just A Loser", "Won The Battle",and "He Don't Live Here Anymore" If you own any other Robert Cray CD, add this to your collection.

Soulful
This is Robert Cray's most soulful and heartfelt CD among the eight that I own, the one that I reach for over and over again whenever I cravequintessential Cray. The first Robert Cray song I ever heard was "IWas Warned", and it sent me running to the nearest music store. "He Don't Live Here Anymore" is so raw that I sometimes have toskip over it. Just technically, emotionally, viscerally a wonderfulcollection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans sings like a baying basset, drawing the tongue-in-cheek misery of tunes like "Hard Times" and "Check Writing Woman"out in long, dry-mouthed syllables. But it's the slide guitar on this, his third album, that really howls, whether he's playing smooth and shimmery on his original take on the Robert Johnson myth "Devil's Cadillac" or drawing on the ghost of Elmore James on "Hard Labor." That blend of humor--always delivered from a skewed autobiographical perspective--and raw-boned backwoods virtuosity makes this one of the year's more colorful blues albums and should elevate Slim from the genre's underground. And while his backing trio, the Workers, are a crack outfit whose spare accompaniment beautifully frames Slim's laconic musings, the solo "Folding Money Blues"--just Slim moaning along with his acoustic guitar--is a high point, with Slim telling his complaints to all the "dead presidents." He deserves our ears, too. Read more

Reviews (4)

A fresh-sounding take on the blues
Bill "Watermelon Slim" Homans sings about misery and treachery, but instead of just going to the well and reroasting the same blues chestnuts he gives the genre a good, swift kick in the rear. "Watermelon Slim and the Workers" is the kind of CD that one should play to a group of friends assembled for a game or cards or dice on the porch. Nobody will know what is playing, but everybody will like this fresh-sounding take on the blues.
Excellent!
I never heard about Watermelon Slim & the Workers and I bought this CD just for curiosity and for the positive reviews posted below. Thanks guys! One of the best purchase so far in 2006. From start to finish this is an excellent blues album played with feeling and a great respect for the masters of the past. You could define this album as a traditional blues one with a modern twist. To me sometimes it sounds like the great Muddy Waters was back again playing his music. Very solid and tight band, excellent slide guitar playing however it is Mr. Slim singing that deserves a particular mention. His voice is just perfect for the gender and his performance is constantly strong. Really recommended to all the blues lovers.

... and don't forget to Boogie.
This would be a really solid, dependable, workin' man's blues album, except for 3 cuts: #1 Hard Times, #12 Juke Joint Woman, and #14 Eau De Boue.These 3 cuts elevate this collection towards legendary.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Contemporary Blues    4. Country Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Electric Country Blues    7. Folk-Blues    8. Modern Acoustic Blues    9. Pop   

Editorial Review

Cut during a period when Buddy Guy was rarely recorded, this blustery and breathtaking live set is full of idiosyncratic solos that dart after virtually any musical urge that strikes him. Such unpredictable improvisational impulses are more familiar to jazz than blues, but along with his whisper-to-scream singing, that's what makes Guy commanding onstage. His fevered take on the standard "Outskirts of Town" is outright incendiary. This album was originally released on Isabel, a French label named--at the singer-guitarist's insistence--after his late mother, who never had a chance to see her son perform. Read more

Reviews (17)

This is IT for Buddy Guy fans.
It is hard to compare this album with anything prior to or after. It stands alone in my Buddy Guy collection, and I have all that I can get my hands on.
A Public Service Announcement
If after one spin of "Stone Crazy", the listener still thinks Clapton is a blues guitar god, you now know that person is a no-taste clown."Me and Mr Johnson", my ass.
Blues with a blow torch
I'm not a blues expert. I'm a born and bred south Chicagoan, and a blues fan for over thirty years. Purists be damned, this IS a blues album.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop   

Editorial Review

Because of a lack of touring due to health issues (he's a diabetic who suffers from chronic fatigue as well as depression) and a recording contract with a Canadian indie label, blues guitarist Ronnie Earl is likely to remain under the radar. But on his fourth album in four years, Earl proves that he's robust enough to muscle through a set of swinging jazz (Jimmy Smith's "Blues for J"), sizzling gospel ("Walking on the Sea" with the Silver Leaf Gospel Singers), and explosive blues (everything else) with strapping aplomb. As opposed to his previous almost entirely instrumental disc, vocals are featured on about half of these tracks. Kim Wilson sings and plays electrifying harp on four songs, of which a blistering 10-minute version of Otis Rush's "Double Trouble" is a career highlight for both musicians. Earl's burning leads show both an emotional drive and a restraint that make these live-in-the-studio tracks so riveting. Although his body is ailing, his soul is still quite strong. Read more

Reviews (9)

Ronnie Earl & The Duke Excel!
For those of you who truly appreciate those East Coast Blues this is a must have album.Ronnie Earl is one of the great blues guitar players in the world as is Duke Robillard.This album is very good and shows off their distinct styles.The CD starts off great with West Side Shuffle then picks up steam with Two Bones & A Pick then Magic Sam's What Have I Done Wrong. This CD has everything you want in a blues album; two masters and a great list of songs.Give it a listen and you won't be disappointed.

Money Well Spent, Destined to be a Classic !!!
Wow, what a great album!Ronnie Earl is a great Blues Guitarist and add a Singer / Harp player like Kim Wilson to the mix and you get a phenominal album!
after all is said and done
When looked back on, the world will realize that they've overlooked the mostsoulful blues player in their midst. When otherslose trackin their quest for variety and success, Earl keeps it fresh by learning more blues, and deepening his approach. Now that there's alarge Ronnie Earl catalog to refer to, it can be safely said that he is most consistent blues player of his generation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Jazz Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

Singer-guitarist Kevin Moore, known by his slangy abbreviation Keb' Mo', has already enjoyed commercial success. He's cut radio hits like "I Was Wrong," toured with Bonnie Raitt, and won Grammys for his last two albums. Yet this time, Moore's truly nailed his blues-pop ambitions with a warm mix of sonics and songcraft. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (29)

Keb Mo continues to entertain
This is my third Keb Mo (a/k/a Kevin Moore--how about that for tongue in cheek humor--in his name, as well as his music) CD.His best was the self-titled CD "Keb Mo".His lyrics and his rockabilly, kicked back blues are always enjoyable.The 2nd or 3rd listening and you are singing along!When I saw him in concert here in Charleston, SC, it was hard to not sing or hum out loud. My First Time
I can honestly say that this has been the only CD I have listened to for the past week. I was not a big "Blues" fan until I heard the cut "It Hurts Me Too." Simply the best happy summertime joyful blues I've heard!!!!
Kevin Moore or Keb Mo was just listed as my favorite (for the time being and will hold a place in my cd player for a while. Upon hearing It Hurts Me Too, my ears almost exploded with exstacy. The voice, the groove, the happy pollyana sounds that bring back memories of great parties, and friends and good times. This cd will be told to friends to buy, and so on, I intend to purchase the others this week, I have found my groove and he is KEB MO. ... Read more

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

Features

• Soundtrack
• Import

Reviews (8)

When The Dust Settles
When Walter Hill's,'Long Rider' is but a distant memory(of surplus sprays of bullets, a great choeography of a bunch of desperados on horseback escaping through a window, and the cute ploy of having actor brothers fit the sibling sets of the story) Cooder's soundtrack will continue to resonate. He has an ear for the era. Not for the first time. Another grandly promoted film,'Paris ,Texas', has receded from its initial afflatus, while Cooder's score endures. His affection for the material is obvious. Bill Bryson's bass, Art Bouterese's dulcimer, Lindley on a variety of strings, and Keltner on drums; the ensemble is in enthralling mode. The monologue spoken by Harry Carey Jnr. is beautifully integrated between instrumentals(serving to give added 'integrity'much as Harry Dean Stanton's confession to Kinsky in 'Paris'functions). These pieces may summon images from the film, but stand self-sufficiently in their power to evoke post Civil war sentiments, rivalries and diappointments.

Music From The Wildwood
This is one great album.Ry Cooder's original compositions have the texture of finely tooled saddle leather (`Leaving Missouri' and `Seneca Square Dance' are awesome), but its the renditions of the antique ballads and rally tunes from the Civil War era that really steal the show here, particularly `I'm A Good Old Rebel,' `Jesse James,' and `Wildwood Boys (not sure if that's original, but James Keach gives a wonderful, broken whiskey glass rendition that might've drifted around Jesse's campfire had he sung it himself).'There's a nice bit of spoken word from the late lamented Harry Carey Jr., and the final arrangement of `Jesse James' is a real kicker.Most of this stuff sounds like its done with the original instruments - kudos to Ry Cooder for having the appreciation to dig deep and blow the dust of some of the best music to be revitalized in the past decade (also see `The Buena Vista Social Club').This is a man who loves and understands music and the rich history behind it. One reviewer pointed out that `Jack of Diamonds' is missing, though it was in the film.True - that's a great track.I don't know why it wasn't included or where you could track down that recording (if it exists), but the song is called `Rye Whiskey' and I know there's a Tex Ritter CD that has it and it sounds pretty good.

US Excellence (English perspective)
Brilliant stuff from musicians at the height of their powers. It speaks volumes for your history. Poignant, moving and a pleasure to listen to. Mr Cooder and Co. are masters of their craft. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Film Music    4. Instrumental Rock    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Roots Rock    9. Soundtrack    10. Soundtracks   

Editorial Review

One of the more woefully underappreciated blues artists of the last three decades, Taj Mahal has consistently made great records that combine his extensive knowledge of roots music with a refreshingly non-elitist sensibility. Read more

Features

• Import

Reviews (6)

An American Classic...just wonderful!
Giant Step by Taj Mahal is an American Classic plain and simple.It is a wonderful cross section of delta blues sung as only Taj Mahal can.The folksy blues rhythyms in this CD take you to different place.Originally released on vinyl in 1969 this album has lost none of its charm.
Sitting on the porch with Taj
This is Taj Mahal at his best -- laid back, having fun, playing a combination of blues standards and his own stuff. A classic and a standout by an artist who has consistently made great music for decades.

A Great American Album
Taj at his best with a GREAT band , but -Jesse Ed Davis III- ,-alone-, is reason enough to need this cd. His perfect string bending solos and fills are backed up by his own keyboard work,(Taj himself makes -no- apparent instrumental contribution on tracks such as the classic re-working of 'Six Days On The Road'), the liner notes' calligraphy is by his hand, and the production bears a strong JEDIII sound, although uncredited . He manages to use modern effects,(for the time,such as guitar through a Leslie speaker), and still sound down-home all the while, and played impossibly difficult riffs with such grace,relaxation, and musicality that he could easily be taken for granted. Davis is a great forgotten American treasure,(perhaps best known for the fills and solos on Jackson Brown's 'Doctor My Eyes', {but even -that- was thirty years+ ago}, he was favorite of Eric Clapton and George Harrison). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Blues    2. Electric Country Blues    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

It's easy to take Robert Cray for granted, for the singer-guitarist has altered his approach so little since he first burst on the scene. Nonetheless, the changes from his early albums to Read more

Reviews (10)

One of Cray's Best!
"Surgeon General's Warning: This album may be dangerous because it is literally dripping with raw emotion and pure attitude. It contains so much good music it may cause a severe addiction to the searing guitar and vocals of Robert Cray."This cd blew me away when I first heard it and still does. "Moan" is the best song on the album but they are all really good. I enjoy Cray's previous albums with a horn section, but I have to say when it's just him and his band pared down, his voice and guitar playing are even more compelling. You really believe what he is singing about, he has so much conviction in his voice it's scary! If you are looking for music that will grab your attention on the first note and hold you there for the next 10 songs, then buy this cd! It is a must-have for any fan of American roots music.

great cd
i have a few of robert's cd's this one so far is my favorite.well produced great guitar work, exelent vocals, and song selection.a good place to start your collection of cray's music.

This record soars high!
This is the best comtemporary blues album released in years and I am grateful to own a copy (second copy, 1st was stolen) and buying for the 2nd time! Aside from the most distinct Strat tones of Robert Cray is his ability to sing in such great harmony and melody and not miss a note picking his 6-string...incredible! I like "Moan", its got alot of energy, the drums, bass, organs, notable guitar chords and vocals. It is a very richly recorded album which stood out in all avenues. The most loyaled and talented musicians incoprates such subtleness one can only find in a blues record such as Robert Cray's. "Some Rainy Morning" is a feel good album as it is in the "Blues". I can listen to this album over and over again and if it gets stolen again, I will buy my 3rd. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Retro-Soul    7. Soul-Blues   

Editorial Review

Powered by producer Jim Dickinson's sons Luther and Cody, this trio brings the hard-driving Mississippi hill-country style of blues-boogie to the jam-band generation. What's amazing is how they are able to stay true to the spirit of the blues perfected by idols (and neighbors) such as Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside while advancing the style in fresh and thrilling ways. Read more

Reviews (59)

Man, this rocks!
Great music, I love the opening track, "Shake 'em on down".
buy this now
This record really is great. No joke. Not only can these guys play, but they really write catchy songs too. They are unique and blend classic rock and funk sensibilities with their bluegrass tunes. Definately worth checking out.

Live
If you ever have a chance to see the North Missippi AllStars live, you won't regret it. They have a style unlike any. The cd does not do their talent justice. It's something that must be seen. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Trad Rock    2. Americana    3. Blues    4. Blues-Rock    5. Boogie Rock    6. Pop    7. Retro-Rock    8. Rock    9. Roots Rock   

Reviews (15)

Probably a 4.5, but brilliant nonetheless...
This is a classic Kelly Joe recording.Those familiar with Kelly Joe Phelps know that his recordings have evolved.His earlier works are dominated by masterful slide guitar work and his wonderful vocals.He later transitioned away from the slide to fingerpicking.He also abandoned his solo format for a band.Roll Away the Stone features nicely in his earlier catalogue of work.