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Jimmy and Friends eager to please
In the pursuit of my passion for the Blues I sought out this CD due to hearing the cut "Blues in D-Natural". It is a riveting track that stuck in my mind long after I heard it. It was attributed to Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, but fortunately Amazon led me to find the Jimmy Rodgers title and overall disc. This is a live recording in Germany that is a celebration and restrospective of Chicago Blues in both sound and feel. Containing classics like "Got My Mojo Working" and "Shake Your Money Maker", based upon Jimmiy Rodgers time as a bandmate of the great Muddy Waters, this is a living tribute to an influential blues player. Jimmy leads the show but allows the respective players plenty of time in the spotlight to show their expertise. It is apparent that everyone is having a good time and the intimacy of the players comes through. I felt good listening to this offering and return to it often. In addition to Ronnie Earl's strong guitar work, both Sugar Ray Norcia on harmonica and Dave Maxwell on piano provide outstanding contributions. In summary this is a fun and spontaneous effort that is sure to please.

The best blues guitar solo ever recorded!
I confess that when I bought this CD I didn't know anything about Ronnie Earl. I bought it because I was (and I still am) a fan of the great Jimmy Rogers. The fist track impressed me lots; whaoo I thought this guy can play! However it was the second song "blues in D natural" that drove me nuts! I still believe that it is the finest blues guitar solo ever recorded! The only one in my collection that could compare it is SRV version of "Texas Flood" from the collection "Blues before sunrise". My music collection includes more than 500 blues CD and about 300 LP, I think you could trust me. Just for that second track alone you should buy this records. The rest of the CD will not disappoint any true Chicago blues fun. A great Chicago blues album, great guitar playing and as always Jimmy's great voice. 5 Stars!

The best blues guitar solo ever recorded!
I confess that when I bought this CD I didn't know anything about Ronnie Earl. I bought it because I was (and I still am) a fan of the great Jimmy Rogers. The fist track impressed me lots; whaoo I thought this guy can play! However it was the second song "blues in D natural" that drove me nuts! I still believe that it is the finest blues guitar solo ever recorded! The only one in my collection that could compare it is SRV version of "Texas Flood" from the collection "Blues before sunrise". My music collection includes more than 500 blues CD and about 300 LP, I think you could trust me. Just for that second track alone you should buy this records. The rest of the CD will not disappoint any true Chicago blues fun. A great Chicago blues album, great guitar playing and as always Jimmy's great voice. 5 Stars! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Pop   

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ETTA LIVE AND IN HER PRIME
I do not know about you but every once in a while I need my Etta. No, not the material she did when starting out in popular music -essentially `bubble gum' music in accord with the teenage tastes of the times- but, the bluesy, gospelly material as presented in this cd. That said, this cd, as all cd's, which present live music, is a little uneven technically. However, the selections presented are fine especially when they allow Etta to go the full range of her voice. I recently saw Etta live in Boston. Although she has lost most of her edge she can still belt out the classics. Stick-out selections here include I'd Rather Go Blind and Born Blue- ya, those are fine, indeed.
Sugar on the Floor
Sugar on the Floor...She Sung It...She Meant It...I Believed It...A POWER HOUSE SINGER...
Etta Live from San Fran
For a woman who is wonderful live (Watch her special on Austin City Limits) This was a tepid at best performance.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Pop    4. Soul-Blues   

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Reviews (1)

The Real Stuff
Rhett Tyler just rips. Plain and simple, this CD delivers 110% pure blues energy.Tyler's as good as any in the studio, but when he's playing for a live audience, a whole new set of gears seems to magically appear on the shift handle.Those of us who love the blues will miss NYC's legendary Manny's Carwash, but Rhett Tyler gave it one hell of a send-off! ... Read more

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

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When Mistakes Go Right!
So you order one CD and then receive another. Usually a hassel of returns, yes? Not this one! Talk about a mistake bringing fortune. This is a great blues CD for all the reasons a blues CD should be great - titles, interpretation, musicanship, and sequence.
A Surprise Discovery
I have a lot of respect for Robben Ford but this CD dazzled me.Recorded in 1972 this work showcases a brilliant performance by a man who must have been all of 21 at the time.Many songs in this collection are filled with jazz chords against which Ford plays a distorted guitar.There is a lot of solid Fender Rhodes work here as well and the combination gives the CD a '70s feel. Searing Hot Early Ford
This is the companion piece to Avenue Jazz's 1997 release, Discovering The Blues.Tracks for this CD were selected from the same 1972 performances as Discovering the Blues, as well as some from the Marquee Club in London.This collection leans quite a bit more towards Robben's jazzier side, but as always, the blues still runs deep.For my taste, the music here is more interesting and varied then on the previous release.There are slow simmering moments but there are boisterous ones as well.When playing in a more jazz-based framework, the band sounds freer and more adventurous.Ford shows great maturity in his playing that belies his young age.His beautiful tone and flawless technique are always present, but never at the expense of the song.He allows the band alot of breathing room (in particular keyboardist Paul Nagle, who adds a tremendous amount to the performances) and shines when it's his moment in the spotlight.At maybe just 21 years of age he proves to be smooth, soulful, intelligent, and electrifying in every note he plays.To showcase his Saxophone chops, Ford and the band pull off a supercharged version of Miles' Eighty One.Certainly no John Coltrane, Robben nonetheless shows he's amazingly talented, and the Coltrane influence is strongly evident.Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Crossover Jazz    3. Fusion    4. Jazz Music    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop    7. Rock   

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Seminal Soul and Legendary Covers
If you like soul, blues, and/or funk, buy this disc.No questions, just buy it.And go buy the follow-up from 1990 too.King & Evans, with help from Ry Cooder, put out some of the best music of its time period and their covers of the standards "Just a Little Bit" and "Dark End of the Street" are the best renditions ever done.Trust me on this!

if you find this, do yourself a favor
Four and a half, actually, and docked a half star only because they don't keep the brilliance up for the entire album. this is a must have!!!
these songs will make you laugh, make you cry, and every emotion in between.If you ever want to share the blues with someone who has never listened to it this is a 'must' to recommend to them ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop    3. R&B    4. Soul    5. Soul/Reggae/Rhythm & Blues   

Editorial Review

This powerhouse set of live recordings from early in Robben Ford's distinguished career boasts solo-laden 10-minute-plus versions of B.B. King's "Sweet Sixteen" and John Lee Hooker's "It's My Own Fault." Ford, who has worked with Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, and George Harrison, plays surprisingly sweet, agile saxophone on Don Raye's jazz ballad "You Don't Know What Love Is." His voice--if still that of a very young man--is throaty and melodic on the King and Hooker cuts. But it's his guitar that takes centerstage. Owing heaps to electric bluesmen B.B., Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Albert King, and Mike Bloomfield, Ford's rich tone, deliberate lines, and tuneful bends were world-class even in 1972. Read more

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A Young Robben Plays It Slow And Simmering
This collection of old live cuts by Robben Ford is the first of two releases on Avenue Jazz's new Vault Classics label(the second is 1999's Sunrise).Recordings were culled from performances at the Ash Grove in Hollywood, and the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach (both in California) back in 1972.At the very green age of 20 or 21, Robben displays unbelievable ability on both guitar and sax.Though he would certainly improve over the years, his mastery of the guitar in particular should be painfully evident to even the most jaded listener.Tone; control; phrasing; technique; it's all there, albeit in its embryonic form. A Quintessential Blues Album
First of all, disregard pfinegan's review.If you like tasteful blues, this is your ticket as a listener and player.I'm a huge Eric Clapton fan, and right about the time I felt I was good enough on the guitar to start tackling some of E.C.s blues tunes, my teacher told me about Robben Ford.I picked up this album and immediately shoved Clapton aside and began learning these tunes.I will admit, some of the songs get a little redundant; they're very long, he uses a lot of the same licks and changes, and just about every song is in the key of C.But these songs are perfect templates for learning the blues.He uses a lot of licks that can be somewhat easily figured out and incorporated into anyone's playing.His playing is just so smooth and tasteful and passionate, some of the songs almost bring me to tears, especially It's My Own Fault.Whether you're a player or just love to listen to the blues, a blues enthusiasts' collection surely wouldn't be complete without this album.This is definitly one of my desert island CDs.

If you had heard it back then
You would have seen it coming. This guy is the most tasteful and enjoyable guitarist to listen to today. This is basic stuff compared to his current work. However, it is still a blast to listen to. I am buying everything by Ford. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Rock   

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It Doesn't Get Any Better Than Albert Collins LIVE
Mr. Collins is without a doubt my favorite guitarist.If you want to play in Texas, you have to play music people can dance to, and this influence is evident in Albert's live music.His Telecaster set up produces a more powerful sound, and his sense of humor can be detected in all his CDs.His potent blues riffs cut "way down deep into your soul".
A Blues Legend Makes His Guitar Sing!
Albert Collins unleashes the soul of blues guitar on this album! From beginning to end this recording cuts to the listener's core, as Collins' guitar performs musical surgery with a master's skill! All of the songs are great, but the real gem is "Stormy Monday." Collins' version is simply outstanding! In this song Albert Collins truly pierces the very soul of the listener, and lifts it to a higher place!The guitar solo is breathtaking!This album is full of great music, and should be owned by every real fan of blues.Buy it now and experience the depth of a blues legend.

Explosive mix!!!
This cd is really an explosive mix,blended with the great presence of this power trio in one of perhaps, the best "Live"performances ever released.Casey Jones on drums;A.C. Reed on sax and the "Iced-hot Man" Albert Collins is really an explosive mix you must try on!!! ... Read more

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

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Just good,live blues
I wish I could find some more stuff from these guys, but it probably wouldn't have the kick if the live set.A music reviewer at a newspaper told me about this album way back in 1992 and I still listen to it regularly.I feel like it's the "find" of a lifetime.I listen to all kinds of stuff, but this is my favorite live blues, hand down.

Red Devils Rule!!
Being a musician in 2 blues based bands, I'm rather hard on reviews!! A harp-player friend of mine gave me this cd 10 years ago and it is still in my top 5 cd's!!This is just a blistering set, most notably, singer/harp player deluxe, Mr.Lester Butler!! Not as technically advanced of a harp player as Rod Piazza or Rick Estrin, but this guy could blow down a brick wall!! It sounds like he also sings through his harp mic!! Awesome! This is the album that made me a serious blues harp fan!! RAW RAW RAW!!!!!!! Ya-Man!!!

In your face Blues
This CD came out in 1992 but I still play it often. Whenever I go on a long road trip this CD is always along for the ride. It's basicly one set of a gig at the King King Bar. One of the amazing things to hear is at the start of the show the crowd noise is competing with the band. But half way through they've started to shut up to hear the hot music coming from the stage. The band doesn't break any new ground with most of the songs covers of old tunes. But when all is said and done, you wished you'd been there in person to witness it. Especially now that Lester Butler, the singer/harp player, has passed on. If you like this then also check out Lester with the band "13" for more of the same. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Modern Electric Blues   

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A funny and truly original collection of trailer life
Good stuff buy it if you've paid Uncle Calvin the money you owe him. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Novelty    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Spoken / Comedy / Radio Shows   

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Reviews (2)

Listen to the clips once, think twice
I wish anybody had mentioned this about this album before I bought it, so I'm telling you: this edition has been post-processed with a reverb that surely wasn't there when Lomax recorded it. Sometimes it's not especially intrusive, but sometimes it's aggressively metallic and artifical. Serves me right for trying to cheap out, and failing to listen to the clips. If this bugs you as it does me, do yourself what I'm going to do next time, buy the Rounder edition of "Prison Songs (Historical Recordings From Parchman Farm 1947-48)".

Great music, no liner notes
This is an excellent recording with almost no context. The liner notes (all of two paragraphs) don't say anything about when the songs were recorded of how Lomax got access to the prisoners. The sound is excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Country Blues    4. Folksongs    5. Pop    6. Prewar Blues    7. Work Songs   

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A Must!
This album is actually two separate recordings in different places.Although I own this album on vinyl, this is the first I have ever see of it on cd.Side one of the LP, or the first five tracks, are deffinately the smoother and in general, a cooler venue.It has some of his cool early guitar riffs as it's right out of the sixties, and LIVE at that!The quality on vinyl, although not as crisp as something recorded digitally, has kind of a club sound to it so it sounds actually live."Please Accept My Love" is deffinately a must listen to!

Live AND Well: What An Interesting Concept!
Although "Live & Well" is a rather unique and dynamic work of art which contains ten tracks, it's actually two sides in one...no, make that two ALBUMS in one, being that the first five selections make up the "Live" part, while the latter half of this disc features studio cuts - the "Well" half. There's no comparing or contrasting both halves of this CD, as the live material and the studio material compliment each other quite nicely, and without any major flaws, too. The only minor flaw on the studio tracks which feature blues legend Al Kooper on piano, is his playing, although quite masterful, comes across as being barely audible for the most part. Kooper's piano digitry is somewhat drowned out by the heavy-bottom bass playing featured here, which is why a remastered version of "Live & Well" is so desperately needed, complete with bonus tracks. As for the upstanding compositions on display here, B.B. King is up to his usual guitar playing virtuosity, especially on the "Live" versions of "Don't Answer The Door" and "Sweet Little Angel". The lone "Live" instrumental, "My Mood", contains lots of soul-searching, power-driven down-to-earth chords. The studio tracks have a lot to offer as well. "The King of the Blues" really "Gets Down To Business", as he provides some down-home primo licks on the effervescent "I Want You So Bad", the utterly demanding "Get Off My Back Woman", as well as on the "run the gamut-like" studio instrumental "Friends". But, it is on "Why I Sing The Blues", where B.B. really cuts to the chase, as he gives his fans a major clue as to why he's in the business of performing in the first place (besides his mastery and his love of his "girl" Lucille). Besides the work of Al Kooper on the studio-based "Well" selections, Hugh McCracken provides some top-notch guitar licks as well. It is due to the musical talents which come to the forefront in grand form on "Live & Well", that makes it a must-have, must own CD, and is one title that every B.B. King fan definitely needs to add to their collection - no ifs, ands or buts about it!!!

Mix of studio and concert material is mostly thumbs-up
"Live and Well" features a blend of concert material from the late '60s with tunes recorded in the studio. The material is not uniformly brilliant, but there are enough high points, both in B.B.'s singing and hisplaying, to make this a worthy release.Read more

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

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Even Better than Club Caravan, last year's best blues CD.
When Cat Head Presents released Big George Brock's Club Caravan CD last year, it struck with the force of an atom bomb . . . was it really possible that a modern blues recording could sound this real? This gritty? This great? Well, I'm pleased to report that George's follow up, Round 2 is even better. This is the sound of pure blues, unadorned by gimmicks or overly slick production. Just George and a sizzling band (including the incomparable Bill Abel and Lightnin' Malcolm) playing powerful, direct songs that deliver a wallop. The addition of Hubert Sumlin on two tracks only adds to impact. Hubert hasn't sounded this good since his days with Howlin' Wolf. Essential listening. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

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Long Live MAGIC SAM...!
SO HERE HE IS...MAGIC SAM...LIVE...AS WELL AS NOT LIVING...ANYWAY YOU HAVE HIM HE IS A GREAT MAN OF THE BLUES...SO WHAT IF SOME OF THE TRACKS ARE NOT PRODUCED UP TO THE LEVEL OF OTHER RECORDINGS....THEY ARE THE BLUES....AND THAT IS WHAT IT IS....THE BLUES IS A FEEL...LIKE A BLESSING FROM HEAVEN....BLUES COMING THROUGH MAGIC SAM IS A WONDERFUL THING TO BE AROUND....DIG HIS LIVE TRACKS...IT SAYS IT ALL...RAW ...ROLLICKING...AND REAL...THAT IS WHAT THE BLUES IS ...WAS....AND WILL ALWAYS BE....THANK YOU MAGIC SAM...YOU ARE MUCH MORE THAN MAGIC...YOU ARE A MIRACLE...HOLLYWOOD JOE http://www.hollywoodjoe.com http://www.hollywoodjoe.8m.com hollywoodjoe@usa.com212-989-6193

Great show,Bad sound
Magic Sam was magic.One of the greatest blues talents ever.This was one hell of a show,great guitar and great vocals.The setlist was also very good.The only problem is the sound,it's really bad.Save your money and buy one of his studio albums.I suggest either West side soul or Black magic.You won't be sorry.

Horrible sound quality, fabulous music
I'm not kidding, this one is NOT for audiophiles. Considering that these performanced were taped in the 60s using ordinary tape recorders it doesn't excactly come as a surprise, but, really, the sound is awful.
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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   

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b.b. king, you dog
for anyone who has watched an older and more tired b.b. king perform the last couple years the younger generation might wonder what all the fuss was about. well this album from 1978 will give anyone a textbook lesson on b.b. king. his guitar tone is biting and nasty and this is a time when he really cared about playing the guitar. he makes his guitar sing, his makes multiple bends on one note and even shows some fast licks which is not normally a b.b. trademark.also on the album is johnny winter who does a marvelously restrained lead on the song going down slow. if you only own one b.b. king album this should be the one.

TALK ABOUT TALENTED-WOW
THE TALENT AND THE JUICE THAT COMES OUT ON EVERY TRACK IS BY FAR TRUE BLUES. GEORGE BENSON -EDGAR & JOHN WINTERS. MY BODY & SOUL FELT THE POWER OF THESE MASTERS AT PLAY.SO MUCH THAT I THINK I GROOVED AS DEEP AS THEY DUG TO REALLY PULL THE JUICE OUT OF IT. IF YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THIS CD THAN YOU ARE- DEFINATELY MISSING OUT ON A BLUES JOURNEY WORTH TAKING!!!!!

my favorite B.B.
just pulled this one off my shelf after a long time having not listened to it.remembered just how priceless this recording is.anybody that looks at the track listing and thinks "oh dear poo, another B.B. CD with 'thrill is gone', 'how blue can you get', and 'caledonia'", subsequently passing on this one is making a huge mistake.that's what those skip buttons are for (unless, of course, these haven't been played out for you).the tracks with the Winters and the 25 minutes of George Benson in the middle of these are indeed the meat and potatoes.I didn't expect much from Benson, but he is fantastic and brings out the best in Mr. King.their extended jams in "Just A Little Love" are worth the price of this CD alone.fans of B.B.'s guitar-playing will dig this a lot more than those just into his vocals. ... Read more

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

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Aspiring Blues Guitarists Check This Album Out!!!
This album is a literal encyclopedia, and apprenticeship for the bluesguitarist! There is no date listed as to when this was recorded, but Robbenshows who he is this night and one can only guess what an illustriouscarear he has awaiting him. He shows the importance of the minor 6th scale,and his Mike Bloomfield influence shows strongly. Jimmy Witherspoon a manwho needs no intruduction, and is missed sadly today by many, displays hisusual, dazzling charm, and stage presence.Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Jazz Blues    4. Jump Blues    5. Pop    6. Texas Blues    7. Urban Blues   

Editorial Review

Although propulsive classics such as "Boogie Chillen" and "Dimples" had already established John Lee Hooker among the most electrifying artists within the blues community, his performances at the Newport Folk Festival in 1960 and '63 found him catering to the biases of a broader, younger (and whiter) audience: folk-revival fans who preferred acoustic to electric and country blues to the modern urban strain. Thus, the Detroit-based Hooker did his best to approximate the styles he'd left behind in his native Mississippi a couple of decades earlier. The brooding narrative balladry of "Tupelo" and "Great Fire of Natchez" benefits from this stripped-down approach, and Hooker feels more at liberty to change tempos and keys throughout. But the unplugged versions of staples such as "Boom Boom" barely approach the sensual swagger of Hooker at his most musically potent. This 17-cut reissue includes three previously unreleased tracks, plus another appearing for the first time on CD. Read more

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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Detroit Blues    9. Electric Blues    10. Electric Delta Blues    11. Juke Joint Blues    12. Pop    13. United States of America   

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

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A Blues Family
Back in the early 1970s, three brothers fresh out of high school formed the Charles Ford Blues Band in San Francisco and jump-started careers that have never slowed down. The band was named after their father. As their careers blossomed, Robben, Patrick and Mark Ford found that it wasn't so easy to get together. Over the years, their separate schedules have kept each one busy, but they do find time to get together occasionally to play. With guitarist Volker Strifler and guest guitarist Chris Cain, the three brothers get together on this album in an up-tempo celebration of their heritage. Patrick plays drums, Robben plays guitar, and Mark wails on harmonica.
Great Blues, Bad Arrangement
This is another excellent outing by the Fords and their family blues band. I really enjoyed Patrick's last CD (minus Robben and Mark but Volker Strifler on guitar and Andy Just on harp are great) called "Another Fine Day".
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop   

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Buy this CD now!
The title says it all. If you want to purchase an incredible album, get this NOW. Every track is five star, all the traditional Junior hits. I guarantee that on "The Train," which is track five, you will hit the repeat button a few times. Enjoy!

A fine documentation of Junior Wells live
Admittedly, this may not be of the same caliber as Junior Wells albums like "Hoodoo Man Blues" or "Calling All Blues." Nonetheless, this album is more than deserving of its five star rating because it is simply a joy to listen to. Junior at his best! Tight back up band. He blows you away!
Was at the recording of this album. If you consider Juniors priorities, first an entertainer, second a singer, and third a harp player, than you'll realize this is junior at his prime. Rumor has it that Junior was aware ofhis illness at this time, and it appears that he is going out with a bang.from the openning tracks to the final note this album cranks. It will livein your C.D. player. This album is currently in my top ten of blues picks. ... Read more

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

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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Chicago Blues    3. Electric Chicago Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. United States of America