Editorial Review

Recorded for a television program of the same name back in 1983, Read more

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Reviews (109)

A Classic...
This is a classic jam performance by two masters of the Blues.
Albert King In Session
I heard the song, "Don't Lie To Me" on a local blues station one night and was blown away.I don't typically write reviews, but this album is superb.I will boldly state that I think Albert King is better than B.B. King, and I am not alone in this belief.Stevie Ray Vaughn and Albert King create magic on this album.I enjoy Albert's playing so much that I typically skip past the SRV song (second song on the album) and continue on with Albert.Do NOT miss out on the enjoyment this album will give you.The sound quality is absolutely top notch, and the songs are great.Buy it and enjoy!

Mutual Admiration Society
It is clear that these 2 men liked each other and enjoyed trading solos. However,it is alsomuch more of an Albert King showcase, with standout performances of Ask Me No Questions, Don't Lie To Me , and Stormy Monday. What I like most about it is that it sounds so much better (i.e. dynamic and modern) than most of the old Albert King albums. This album really captures thehigh energy and power of a remarkable singer and guitarist(Albert King), and you canhear the musical roots of where Steve Ray's sound came from. It was misleading to list 11 cuts on the album , since 4 are simply fragments of conversation between the 2 guitar heroes. However the songs are lenghty, for example, Blues At Sunrise runs over 15 minutes,andthose conversations add to the overall feel of a live concert , even though it is a studio recording., Theonce in a lifetime combination of these 2 icons on the same album make this a real collector's item for blues fans ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

It would be wrong to pigeonhole Derek Trucks as a southern rocker despite his ongoing day gig as the Allman Brothers Band's second guitarist. On his fourth solo album (actually recorded before his third, 2002's Read more

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Reviews (26)

Eclectic Synthesis?
I read most of the reviews and the words 'jam band' crop up way too often.And to try to pigeon hole this stuff as jazz/fusion/southern rock doesn't do it justice."Derek should use his fingers to play".Believe me, he uses his fingers!He's obviously 'cut the umbilical' to Warren and the ABB.He stays with them because he loves it.I believe he can play/sit in with anybody.To say it's 'courageous' is not quite accurate either, since the ABB has fooled around with Soul Serenade quite a bit; not to mention some jazz licks, etc. Words that come to mind when I listen to this album: range, eclectic, inventive, stretching, synthesis, experimental.I listen to it and imagine this may be very similar to what Duane would have done.My only concern is that Derek throws in licks from Mountain Jam a little too often.The ensemble is tight and this CD has a laid back feel.A righteous effort.A definite 'buy' rating.

continued growth by a prodigy
Derek Trucks continues to blur the lines between jazz, blues, and world music.His slide playing, always among the best around gives several standards a new twist and the bands playing is first rate.
Derek, it's time to make your move.
Derek, you're doing so well, and playing great.. but it'stime to cut the cord, and put all of your eggs into your -own- basket. You're name is not Allman, man, and you're soon to bethree years older than Duane ever was. Do your thing. Aside from that , I hate Warren's playing, and don't think you should be anywhere near him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Contemporary Jazz    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. World Fusion   

Editorial Review

Marion "Little Walter" Jacobs is perhaps the most influential harmonica player on contemporary blues, and his collection is a great place to start. He was trained by Muddy Waters, but brought a more swinging feel to blues. Muddy and his band accompany Little Walter on many hits, as do Robert "Jr." Lockwood, the Aces, and other Chicago greats. In the 1950s, Little Walter's popularity eclipsed even Waters', his style a little more relaxed and pop-oriented. Walter's versions of many songs are the standards: "Blues with a Feeling," "You're So Fine," "Juke." Great stuff. Read more

Reviews (18)

This sure is blues!
Little Walter had an amazing harmonica sound and style that was all his own and could never be duplicated. Man, is this some hot stuff. His first record, "Juke", an instrumental is just, to quote another title of his, "off the wall." Yeah, there is a number that's called that which is on this CD. Absoultely what the blues is all about. Songs like "Sad Hours" and "Off the Wall" are practically Little Walter and the band sittin' around and jammin'. Check out the guitar lick at the beginning and the through the whole of "Sad Hours"; classic blues lick. Some other cool stuff is "Tell Me Mama", "Blues With A Feeling", "You're So Fine", "Mellow Down Easy", "My Babe", "Hate To See You Go", and especially "Boom, Boom Out Goes The Light." That one's a regular jam session, too. This is how music was made and appreciated to these guys. They just played as and what they felt. If you're learning about the blues, don't forget one of the supreme harmonica players of the genre: Little Walter.

Best 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 Little Walter album in their collection and you can't go wrong here. Another option is Chess's "The Best Of Little Walter" which features only 12tracks compared to the 20presented here (personally I give a huge nod to this cd based on track slection, overall sound & price on zShops). But for those of you whohave a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest passing on both single disc releases and opt for the 2 disc set "Essential Little Walter" on the MCA/Chess label. "The Essential" boasts 46 tracks and is more comprehensive than either single disc release. It may be out-of-print, but well worth the find.

Almost 5 stars!
Great collection, but I am missing Little Walter's cover of Willie Dixon's "Dead Presidents" which is on the Chess Box Willie Dixon Collection - why wouldn't it be here? Chess owns the rights to the song, and it's a magnificent representation of Little Walter's powers as a blues musician. Other than that omission, it's perfect! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Pop    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Californian Etta James decided against accepting filmmaker Martin Scorcese's personal invitation to sing at The Blues gala in New York in early 2003. The well-celebrated soul and blues queen makes amends here with what is one of the most blues-centered recordings in her expansive discography, bringing her big, no-nonsense voice and her feisty, proud woman's point of view to bear on classics, many identified with Chicago. The likes of Howlin' Wolf's "Smokestack Lightnin'," Jimmy Reed's "Hush Hush," and Muddy Waters's "Got My Mojo Working" may be hackneyed choices, but she seizes each of a dozen as her own, and clearly, as she says herself, these are the blues songs that touch her the deepest. No argument here. Read more

Reviews (12)

Top Notch Blues Package
A really movin' blues collection by Ms. Etta.Found myself toe tappin' to all of the tunes.As always, she is top notch with her range, and the musical accompaniment was superb. I highly recommend this CD to all who love the blues.

Still Queen of the Blues
I attended a live performance of Etta James in Washington, D.C. in the early 1960's.I've enjoyed her music since. I was delighted when Amazon placed her latest CD, Blues to the Bone, on the market.Etta is right on, ranging from a plaintive "got my mojo working but it don't work on you," to a sultry "Lil' Red Rooster" and "Crawlin King Snake," and closing with a jocular "Honey Don't Tear My clothes."The voice is deeper but the range of expression is still there.

This lady is just simply one of the best!
This is one of Etta James' best recordings.She does more for the blues than just sing them, she makes the listener feel them.Girlfriend still has "it" and it's such a pleasure to hear her wonderful voice! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

As authentic as the lines on his forehead and his droopy eyes, veteran bluesman Charlie Musselwhite gets better with age. (At 62, he's a respected survivor with dozens of albums to his credit.) On Read more

Reviews (1)

Blues Lovers Must Not Miss This CD!
As anyone who truly loves the blues already knows, the music of Charlie Musselwhite is as authentic as it gets!I've loved Charlie's music for well over a decade, and I have to say I am really excited that this CD captures his "Mississippi roots" better than any CD he has released in years!For those who are new to Charlie's music, this is the one to buy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Delta Blues    3. Electric Delta Blues    4. Harmonica Blues    5. Juke Joint Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Jeremy Spencer was part of the creative heart of the original, pre-Buckingham/Nicks Fleetwood Mac--a talented songwriter and slide guitar foil to the estimable Peter Green, blessed with the sweet, high voice of a teen idol. Thirty-five years after his departure from the band to find God, and twenty-seven since his last solo recording, Spencer still has that angelic voice and a touch on slide guitar that makes Read more

Reviews (5)

Precious is right....
Precious Little is simply a wonderful blues album.The slide guitar work on it is amazing and Jeremy Spencer's voice has held up remarkably well.After all these years, Spencer seems inspired again.I hope this album is a taste of more good things to come.
worth the 35 year wait !
Amazing.35 years after literally dissappearing from the music scene, Jeremy Spencer pops up with a brilliant new album. His voice hasn't suffered and his slide playing is better than ever. Mellow and bluesy, these songs will transport you back to the late sixties when Fleetwood Mac ruled the British blues scene. Reminds me of the Kiln House album and Spencers solo record from the late sixties.The backup band does a great job on all the tracks, but it's Spencers slide guitar and vocals that take center stage. Some blues, some 50's style rock, all Jeremy! One can only hope he decides to tour.

Closed my eyes and I was young again
I read that Jeremy Spencer released a CD and I couldn't wait to get to the store.It exceeded ALL my expectations.The slide and that voice, I closed my eyes and heard, with excitement, the sounds I heard when I first got turned onto Fleetwood Mac in 1969.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. British Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Editorial Review

As the voice behind such frothy oldies as "Runaround Sue," "The Wanderer," and "Ruby Baby," Dion doesn't spring to mind when one thinks of great blues interpreters. But this stripped-down session--the singer accompanies himself on acoustic guitar with just a hint of percussion--shows the former teen idol to be a convincing and affecting folk-bluesman. While nobody will confuse Read more

Reviews (8)

The King of the New York Streets sing the Blues
This recording shows what a man with a voice and a guitar and years of attitude can do with a collection of honest to God blues songs. I've been listening to Dion since I was 10 years old and Dion was a teenager in love. Living in UK I lost sight of him for a long time, but the Yo Frankie album brought him back to my attention. Since then I've bought everything he has issued and a fair bit of back catalogue. Bronx in Blue is an arresting project. Simple arrangements, guitar stings so sharp you could cut yourself just listening and the voice of a master craftsman at work. Big city blues.

Great Album
This is Dion like never before.A great set of evocative blues songs and gifted guitar playing.Every tune a winner.All classics.Even my husband loves it.

Blues Sapphire
Dion's "Bronx in Blue" is like a blues sapphire, a strong acoustic blues CD.He does a good job in mixing up the toe tappers from the slide guitar weepers.Rory Block & Eric Clapton have both recorded "Terraplane Blues"; and Dion's version stands shoulder high with those great versions.Dion's guitar on this famous Robert Johnson song coaxes the emotions out of the melody like an oil pump in the Texas panhandle.Dion sasses his way through Hank Williams' "Honky Tonk Blues."Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" was a classic that spun on my turntable regularly.The "You got me running, you got me hiding, you got me run hide hide run," line has been sung by Dion & the Belmonts, Everly Brothers, the Astronauts, Fontella Bass, Doyle Bramhall's tasty version, Albert Collins, Etta James, Elvis Presley, Johnny Rivers & John Mayall.On Dion's "Bronx in Blue," it rolls delightfully.My favorite cover of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" is still by Chris Smither, but Dion gets a nice groove on with it.My 3 favorites on this VERY strong set include the opener "Walkin' Blues" that liner notes credit to Son House, "Been mistreated, don't mind dyin'."Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love" is set on fire by Dion's wild rhythm guitar.Robert Johnson's "Crossroads" has a burning tension that Cream tapped and Dion also nails here."Bronx in Blue" is a delightful acoustic blues set.Dion's in as good a voice as he was on his classic recordings.The liner notes are like a blues history lesson.Bravo! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Modern Acoustic Blues    2. Oldies    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A slew of albums by young white men out of their minds in love with music made by older black men came from both sides of the Atlantic during the mid-1960s, but two records really laid the groundwork for the decade's blues revival--the self-titled releases by John Mayall's Bluesbreakers out of London and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band out of Chicago. Both bands were led by harmonica-blowing vocalists; both featured ascending guitar gods--Eric Clapton with Mayall and Mike Bloomfield with Butterfield. Butterfield's ensemble, however, came of age closer to the roots of the music. The rhythm section heard on the group's 1965 debut was hired away from Howlin' Wolf, and Butterfield, while still in his early 20s when the album shipped, was already a familiar face on the Windy City's club circuit. "Born in Chicago" opens the album on a gritty note that never flags through this 11-track landmark. The slashing duo guitars of Bloomfield and Elvin Bishop and Butterfield's flash harp helped make Muddy Waters fathomable for a new audience and, decades later, it's still easy to understand how. Read more

Reviews (28)

All Killer, no filler!
This is the one album, (I got it in the 60's), that you never skip a track. Every song is great. Turn it as loud as you can handle it and really listen to the beat. There's nothing like it! Bloomfield is the best at making the guitar resonate and bite. Every note is purposeful and exactly played. The album is the template for all other blues since then. I'm always listening for the next Butterfield band. Haven't found it yet, still looking!!
One of My Favorite Albums
This music lives on.It is as impressive today as it was in 1965.This is a must-have album for any blues fan, along with the even more astonishing and undeniably seminal blues-rock-jazz fusion album, East-West.
CLASSIC MIKE BLOOMFIELD! GREAT OLD CHICAGO BLUES!
This is the first album from the classic chicago blues band "The Paul Butterfield Blues Band". The group was an all star line up of blues musicians which featured Paul Butterfield on harmonica and vocals. The spectacular Mike Bloomfield on lead guitar, Elvin Bishop on rhythm guitar, Sam Lay (drummer for howlin' wolf and various other blues bands) on drums, organ/pianist Mark Naftalin and bass player Jerome Arnold. This is early Bloomfield, his licks are searing and his guitar stings throughout the album. Butterfield's classic harp wails and cries ferociously. The album opens up with the gritty "Born In Chicago". They then do a cover of "Shake Your Money Maker." The third track and one of the best, "Blues With a Feeling", has Bloomfield biting and chomping through the song. "Thank You Mr. Poobah" is a great instrumental with a bit of a jazz swing. They cover Muddy Waters "I Got My Mojo Working" solidly adding new energy into the song. "Mellow Down Easy" is a little weak but still good. They come back with the instrumental "Screamin'" which cranks. Bloomfield's licks and solos spew out of his guitar like magma. "Our Love is Drifting" is another K.O. slower blues number with more fierce guitarmanship. "Mystery Train" and "Last Night" are a little weaker but they make up for it with a cover of "Look Over Yonders Wall".
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Electric Harmonica Blues    6. Harmonica Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop    9. Popular Music    10. Rock   

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Reviews (1)

Homecoming
Australian, Jeff Lang was a fellow traveller of Chris Whitley and the inspiration derived from Whitley dates back to when he first toured Australia in the early 1990s. The chilling, sinuous reworking of,'Stagger Lee' leaves a pall over this wonderful epitaph to Whitley's art. With Lang on lapsteel and Whitley as witness to a bloody crime barley capable of redescription, we're immediately entranced by the pitiless menace of Lee's dark deed. Mostly Lang defers to Whitley's sonorous authority but shows on,'12,000 miles' how well he's assumed the Whitley sound. Dylan's,'Masterpiece' is more statley, even statuesque, given the casual rendition by its author and the carnivalesque treatment by The Band. The prescience of,'Rocket House' is perfectly complemented by Lang's,'Road Leads Down'. Then comes the title track with its quest for a homecoming denied the heretic. Even the vapour of sweet and sour nectar or vaccination ultimately fail the narrator. Lang and Whitley trade vocals on the other Dylan number,'Changing of the Guard' in a countrified reading. At his prime sensual centre, Whitley proceeds with,'Motion Bride', a succinct mantra, breathlessly announcing the recognition of perpetual spirit. It's a sequel or salve, if you like to the dislocated heretic of the title track. The two unlisted songs round out the disc. A live recitation from Sydney of Johnson's,'Hellhound' is a brilliant finale from a superb Bluesman. Congratulations to Jeff Lang for seeing this production to fruition. Again, their call and response rendition hones the song with a keening grace. It's followed by,'Kick The Stones' which, one could presume, one or both men might have considered Whitley's own legacy to the Delta sound. It's free of the anguishing self-doubt, even the brash anger, of its initial recorded appearance on,'Living With The Law', the guitar wheeling in ascending gyres above the foresaken roadhouse. Touching too that Lang left in Whitley's mutual admiration as the CD terminates. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

The cover of this holiday classic pictures Ray Charles with a sleigh-full of gifts. That's an appropriate image, since he's so generous with the soulful sounds contained inside. Ray's gravelly growl may turn sweet on such merry romps as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town," but he doesn't fully hit his groove until he delves into the set's more grown-up material. He gives "Winter Wonderland" a soul transfusion the likes of which you won't see on many televised Christmas specials, and really lights a fire under "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now that's the spirit! Read more

Reviews (14)

mediocre
blah stuff

Great all year long.
I have had this CD for about 15 years and it never gets old and it never will! This is how Christmas music should be played.

Ray Charles singing Christmas songs?What's not to like?
This album is beautiful.It's pretty much what you'd expect; classic Christmas songs done in Ray's ever-soulful style.It's a nice change from the typical Christmas albums, and it's one everyone can always seem to agree on (the traditionalists get to hear the songs they like, but the anti-traditionalists get a jazzy twist on them).Wonderful! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Holiday    5. Pop    6. R&B    7. Soul    8. Xmas Vocal   

Reviews (11)

Not for everyone, but a great CD just the same
Contrary to popular belief, The Night Tripperhad more good songs than just Right Place, Wrong Time, sadly the only Dr. John tune most can identify. For starters, the stripped-down voodoo music (no better term) I Walk on Gilded Splinters does a better job of sending chills down my spine than anything death-metal has to offer (that crap makes me laugh, but that's off-topic). That tune is easily one of the 100 best songs ever recorded. Incidentally, the chorus of the song is not "Till Alberta" but "Till I burn out". Anyway, I'm also a big fan of Right Place Wrong Time Such a Night, Junko Partner (I especially get a laugh out of that opening line), Wash Mama Wash, Loop Garroo, Iko Iko, Tipitina, Qualified, What Goes Around (Comes Around), Honeydripper and Goin' Back to New Orleans. Each of these tunes can go toe-to-toe with virtually every radio hit by the much more-famous Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd. Dr. John's music is very niched, a combination of funk, blues, jazz and voodoo grooves, but it's great stuff just the same and should be heard by all music fans. Granted, it might just be too left-of-the-center for you. Only one key track was left out: Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya-ya, which could've easily replaced Mos' Scocious. The Doctor's vocals and piano are strong through the album, and every song is good. Why not?

Les' Scosious
Cut down from Rhino's 2CD anthology Mos' Scosious from the previous year, this 18-track non-chronological collection manages to weave its way through the various styles of Dr John's albums in such a way that they seem to fit together despite their disparate nature, from the mystic voodoo of the Gris Gris album and the New Orleans roots of his piano playing to the lushness of the two tracks from In A Sentimental Mood. Most of the most popular singles are included (missing are Wang Dang Doodle, Let The Good Times Roll, Rite Away, Let's Make A Better World and a few others), as well as some illuminating album tracks made for Atco (to 1974), for Warner (1989-1992), including the Grammy-winning duet with Rickie Lee Jones, Makin' Whoopee; and the Baltimore-based Clean Cuts (a solo piano tour-de-force found on Joe Liggins' Honey Dripper)(1981)

Truly the very best
Trying to pick the best of Dr. John has got to be as hard as trying to classify what type of music he plays. But I have to agree with the decisions on what to put on this disk. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues    3. Funk    4. New Orleans R&B    5. Piano    6. Piano Blues    7. Pop    8. R&B    9. Rock & Roll    10. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

The blues master's 80th birthday gift to his fans is his third all-star collaboration. Its dozen tunes are a mix of classics and obscurities from King's past. They include commendable versions of his signature "The Thrill Is Gone," with Eric Clapton trading vocal lines and licks, and Howard Tate's "Ain't Nobody Home," with Daryl Hall answering King's gritty growl. There are obscurities, too, like "Tired of Your Jive," with a jocular Billy Gibbons, and "Hummingbird," transformed into a melodic gem with the assistance of John Mayer.Read more

Reviews (20)

B.B. Doesn't Need Help Like This
B.B King may be one of the best bluesmen alive but a collaboration album like this is not his forte'. This formula was put to much better use some years ago by John Lee Hooker with two very good albums ("The Healer" & "Mr. Lucky")with a MUCH better selection of guests.
The best
Listen to it constantly.Went to his birthday concert.At 80 he is still rockin!

In great voice... and a few songs really hit the spot.
B.B . King can pretty much do whatever he wants at this point; he really has nothing left to prove. The fact that this CD can still reach for some higher level with the obligatory guest star packaging is a feat in itself. While I feel some of the choices here lack inspiration, (Clapton or not, do we need another version of "The Thrill is Gone?")there are a few cuts that stand out and they are worth a listen.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Memphis Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Soul-Blues    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Rounder compiled this superb 50-song set to serve as an introduction to bluegrass in general and to their own catalog in particular. Obvious marketing motives aside, the collection has few weaknesses and offers a broad look at the ever-morphing genre. Perhaps more than any other label, Rounder gave exposure to the renegade progressive and "newgrass" musicians who worshipped the style despite the fact that they weren't from the mountains. Folks like David Grisman, Bill Keith, Tony Trischka, and Bela Fleck push the music in new directions while others such as Del McCoury, Don Stover, James King, Jim & Jesse, and Vern Williams represent more-traditional concerns. Still others--Tony Rice, David Grier, J.D. Crowe, Nashville Bluegrass Band among them--adeptly fuse elements of tradition and innovation. This collection also highlights the important contributions of female artists including Hazel and Alice, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, and Alison Krauss. Read more

Reviews (23)

Better than I had imagined
I was extremely pleased with this CD and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Bluegrass.

Don't buy this if you are dead set on not liking bluegrass
This is the BEST Bluegrass compilation ever... and you can't beat the price. The only problem is that you might play it too much... until you cant get the songs out of your head... but it will take a LONG time for this to happen even if you play them back to back because both Cds are so long (and there are two of them!) and ALL the songs are good! (except a couple, and that's probably personal preference)
Pick This One Up
One great album.Some great old songs, and some great new songs. 49 great songs in all.Acts range from some old Hazel & Alice to newer ones like J.D. Crowe and Alison Kraus.If a CD could wear out, I'd have to replace this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 70's    2. 80's    3. 90's    4. Bluegrass    5. Contemporary Bluegrass    6. Country    7. Folk Collections    8. Neo-Traditional Folk    9. Old-Timey    10. Pop    11. Progressive Bluegrass    12. Traditional Bluegrass    13. Traditional Folk   

Editorial Review

Ben Harper sounds good on paper. He's a 24-year-old Californian devoted to vintage acoustic guitars, original political songs and the unusual blend of calypso and Mississippi Delta blues--an inspired blend of David Lindley, Tracy Chapman, and Taj Mahal. Unfortunately, Harper's execution of this original conception on his debut album, "Welcome to the Cruel World," is distinctly underwhelming.Read more

Reviews (63)

Great songs!
Harper offers a great interpretation of Maya Angelou's I'll Rise poem.Also, you'll find "Waiting On An Angel" on the album.The song, if you don't know, was featured in the Lines in the Sand episode of the television show House, m.d.

Another Ben Harper...
Couple of great tracks a couple hokey tracks.Great lyrics and nice melodic rhythms.Overall a good album to own.

Ben Harper rocks!!
Ben Harper combines a wide variety of music styles in order to produce his various albums. Each of his albums combine aspects ofjazz, rock, and folk. Harper's 1994 album, "Welcome to the Cruel World", was a major success. This album covers introduces listeners to Harper's aucoustic, Instrument, lite rock, and more heavy rock styles.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Jam Bands    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (4)

MUST SEE MUST HEAR
I HAVE ALL OF ALBERT'S CD'S I HAVE SEEN HIM LIVE 3 TIMES. HE PLAYES A FENDER STRAT THRU A VIBRO KING AMP.HE CREATES A TONE UNLIKE ANY OTHER. YOU CAN CLOSE YOUR EYES AND PICTURE STEVIE RAY ON STAGE. A VERY TASTEY TREAT FOR ANY LISTENER.

Mr. Cummings' best effort (so far!)
Within all the blues-rock guitarists out there, I believe that Mr. Cummings deserves to be considered as one of the best and his second album published by Blind Pig Records surely proves it. After three CDs in which the accent was stronger on the rock side of his music, this time the balance has moved towards the blues and the final result is excellent. Not a bad song to be found in here, they are all good and you will not be tempted to press the skip bottom of your CD player at any time. Up-tempo, classic Texas blues, shuffles but also slow numbers in the menu. And it is especially in the slow ones that Mr. Cummings gives his best as in "Let Me Be" and "Rumors" that for me are the two best songs of the album. I would say that Working Man is his best effort so far, so if you are already his fan you shouldn't miss a second and buy it, if you are new to Albert's music this is the best point to start from. Without any doubts a full 5 stars CD!

Another excellent blues cd from one of the new stars
ALBERT CUMMINGS seemed to capture the feel of SRV very well on his previous CD and it was excellent ( even if a bit derivative ). This one is a lot less SRV and a lot more CUMMINGS. Not one dud track and a consistenly high standard throughout. Definetly one of the best of the current crop of white electric blues man. If you like the guitar and the blues, this is a must have. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This Columbia Legacy reissue of the 1965 release is one of the few recordings available of one of the blues' founding fathers. It contains some of his best songs, which have unsurprisingly become classics of the Delta blues genre: "Death Letter," "Preachin' Blues," "Levee Camp Moan," "Pony Blues," and "Downhearted Blues" are all here. Though not as comprehensive as Read more

Reviews (14)

Mississipi blues by the master
When the Mississippi blues giant, Eddie 'Son' House was rediscovered in 1964 he was 62 years old and had given up music some 16 years previously. Practice soon restored much of his original mastery and he was signed up the following year by John Hammond for a Columbia Records session. The LP that emerged comprised the first nine of these tracks, and represented a powerful come-back, with stand-out numbers 'Death Letter', 'Empire State Express', and 'Levee Camp Moan', as well as the unaccompanied 'John The Revelator'.
Review of this CD by a non-Blues-fan.
I say I'm not a Blues fan because I'm not. I don't consider myself a fan of any particular style or genre of music because the overwhelming majority of artists representing the different genres are, in my opinion, totally dispensable and not at all interesting or compelling. I pick and choose like a connissuer among all of the artists the music world has and has had to offer.
This Is The BLUES!!!
When you listen to this you feel like you have been transported to the Mississippi Delta.So many great songs and Death Letter gets it started perfectly.Everytime I hear Louise Mcgee I can almost picture Son riding in a box car down a lonely railroad track in the dead of night with his guitar pining for Louise.That may sound corny but that just gives you an idea of how powerful these songs are.John the Revelator, Levee Camp Moan, Sundown, Pony Blues are also great.Hell, there all great.If you are just getting into the blues, specifically the delta blues you have to have this.This and Robert Johnsons King of the Delta Blues Singers vol.1 & 2(I say these volumes because I think the sound quality is superior on these two as compared to the set)is mandatory. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Delta Blues    7. Pop    8. Prewar Blues    9. Slide Guitar Blues    10. Work Songs   

Editorial Review

Whether she sings string-laden pop ballads, lively soul, or gritty electric blues, James's high-powered, enormously expressive voice displays a knack for passionate blues inflections. Emotionally charged ballads including "At Last" and "All I Could Do is Cry" find James blasting through the orchestra with unearthly wails and moans. "If I Can't Have You," a duet with Harvey Fuqua, drops the orchestra in favor of horn-driven R&B and "Something's Got a Hold On Me" is a gospel-flavored romp reminiscent of Ray Charles. A live version of Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me to Do" shows her raunchiest Chicago-blues style, and "In the Basement," with Sugar Pie DeSanto, is a funky workout. Also here are three classics from her soul-drenched 1967 Muscle Shoals sessions.Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (43)

the real queen of the blues
probably the best album from Etta.She is a legend

Great Tunes
Etta is in a class of her own and she tells a story with her music
Etta James-50th Anniversary Colcection
I preferred her earlier works and CD's.While she will always be great, the quality just isn't the same.Louise London, UK ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Soul-Blues    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

John Lee Hooker used to say "the blues is a feeling," but this collection is proof that it's also a universal language. These 11 songs by musicians from South and North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are a thoroughly enjoyable summation of the genre's ability to cut through cultural barriers to touch the heart. "Slide Blues" by Argentina's Botafogo could be a Delta relic if not for its Spanish lyrics. And singer Big Mama with harp man Victor Uris beautifully blur the lines between Catalonia and Chicago. The great pianist Otis Spann and the trio of Eric Bibb, Rory Block, and Maria Muldaur provide two straight-up shots of the style. The best tunes are outright cross-cultural collaborations.Read more

Reviews (1)

A must have for blues lovers
If you love the blues, you must add this to your collection. It's fascinating and fun to hear how the blues have spread - and been adapted - around the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Pop    4. Regional Mexican    5. World Fusion    6. Worldbeat   

Editorial Review

Stinging urban blues by way of Texas and Memphis distinguish Robert Cray's major-label debut, which followed three strong independent releases. Here he fleshes out his sound with bursts of brassy Southern soul courtesy of the Memphis Horns, but keeps his pungent, steely guitar solos out front in an engaging dialogue with his plaintive vocals. Released in 1986, Read more

Reviews (32)

Robert Cray's Smoking
Robert Cray is last in the line of great bluesman. He took the torch of BB King and Albert Collins and made something special. It is a rocking blend of stax, r&b, and memphis soul. There really is no one to compare it to, today. His singing is outrageously soulful and a throwback to Bobby Bland. His guitar playing is literally unparalleled, even with his relavtively short solos. There isn't much he can't say with one note, and white blues players simply pale in comparison.
fantastic breakthrough album
Very few albums truly merit a "5 star" rating (handed out on amazon.com like they're going out of style nonetheless, but I digress). However, in the genre of modern blues and soul this is certainly one album that deserves all the credit it has received. Every track here is catchy and will get your head bobbing - the melodies and grooves are that good. On top of that you have Cray's fantastic guitar tone and licks, as well as his strong, soulful voice. Not much here is new (after all this is the blues we're talking about) but Cray manages to make each song sound distinct and uniquely attractive. Blues purists may sneer, but music lovers who value good melody and passionate vocals will love it.

O