January 2008
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January 2008 |
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Rating System... ***** Classic, Essential Purchase **** Very Good. Majority of songs above average *** Good. Solid disc with little filler ** Mediocre. A few above average cuts- mostly filler * Avoid it. Reviews added throughout the month so check often NEWEST REVIEWS LISTED FIRST
Arthur Alexander "Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter" (Hacktone)
LISTEN Arthur Alexander "Lonely Just Like Me: The Final Chapter" (*** 1/2). It's common practice for artists to re-record their hits after their commercial heyday is long past and the late Arthur Alexander did just that back in 1993...and unfortunately proceeded to pass away a few weeks after it's release (much like Roy Orbison did following his comeback CD). "Lonely Just Like Me", released on Elektra Records, featured faithful renditions of Alexander's timeless Country Soul songs like "If It's Really Got To Be This Way", "Everyday I Have To Cry" & the title track. Alexander had been working as a bus driver when producer Den Vaughn contacted him about doing the record as part of Elektra/Nonesuch's "American Explorers" series of projects. It's a solid album but superfluous compared to the originals. For this reissue Hacktone tacked on Alexander's appearance on NPR's "Fresh Air", four songs recorded in a hotel room (including Neil Diamond's "Solitary Man") and a cut from his 1991 performance at New York City's Bottom Line ("Anna"). The bonus material is interesting if hardly revelatory which will appeal to collector's and fans only. The rest should check this out if they don't own any of the man's music. This will do quite rightly. Sean Costello "We Can Get Together" (****). Former teenage guitar prodigy Costello is at the peak of his powers now on this Delta Groove debut. A strong throaty warble of a voice and sharp, short guitar licks with originals songs to boot. On "Same Old Game" he sings "I got a brand new angle on the same old game". While that doesn't go for his style (there's not much more you can do and still call it "Blues" anyway) , he seems to cover all the angles on this set. Being a soulman at heart Costello's Chicago Soul touch On "Can't Let Go" impressed the heck out of me. This one deserves Triple A airplay. Fans of dirty, blistering Blues/Rock needn't worry with cuts like "Anytime You Want", "How In The Devil" & "I Feel Like I Ain't Got No Home") showing up with Rory Gallagher's sweaty shoes. But you can't pigeonhole him in one category as he can deliver a convincing Southern Rock ballad as good as The Black Crowes ("Have You No Shame") and throw a curveball like the Joe Cocker in New Orleans, dirge-paced "Told Me A Lie". That's what Costello does to you- causes you to tax your brain to name the influence. Can't always be done but whatever the cases he's doing it as good as those who inspired him. Expect this one to show up on year end Top Tens. John Alex-Mason "Town & Country" (****). Based on his youthful appearance on the cover I was expecting yet another young Blues guitar swirl of hype but when I heard that big, bellowing voice on "Shake 'Em On Down" coming out the speakers I had to investigate the booklet further. That didn't help but further research revealed he was once known as "Big John" back in South Carolina 'cuz of that thick Southern voice. Since moving to Colorado and releasing his debut in 2000, he's proven himself an acclaimed traditional acoustic Bluesman playing them 20s and 30s Robert Johnson, Son House and Charley Patton Blues- only mostly from his own pen. To be honest I can't say much more other than he does it mighty convincingly. This isn't my bag but I couldn't turn it off. The cat is good. I need to revisit this era. Little Arthur Duncan "Live At Rosa's Blues Lounge" (**). Delmark continues it's campaign of live CD & DVD releases with this modest show by Little Arthur Duncan recorded at Rosa's Blues Lounge in 2007. It's your typical Windy City bar show with lots of Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter & Jimmy Reed covers. Duncan has a thin, nasally voice that is vintage old school Blues. Though he only has a handful of album releases he's been in the scene since 1954, even living in the same apartment building as and befriending Little Walter. I can't recommend the CD as none of the performances are remarkable but seeing the DVD makes it worth the purchase. Bottom line: CD mediocre DVD really cool.
** 1/2 The hits keep coming for Malaco's Willie Clayton. "My Tyme" boasts one of Clayton's best Soul/Blues numbers in some time. "A Woman Knows" sounds like pre-mainstream R & B-leaning Willie- the Bluesier Willie from back when he was with Ace Records. 1996's "Ace In The Hole" remains his masterpiece. While his most recent albums seemed more aimed at Urban Adult Contemporary markets rather than "Southern Soul Blues", "My Time" is in a sense a "return to the Blues". A great promise indeed but a mixed bag nevertheless. Clayton updates two tracks from "Ace In The Hole" ("Happy Time" & "Three People") but neither exhibits the immediacy of the predecessors. The mildly funky "Young Blues Man" comes from the same era (the original can be found on the import compilation "Midnight Doctor: Greatest Hits"). Then a cover of Z.Z. Hill's "Down Home Blues" is as pedestrian as I've ever heard Clayton on record. Even some of the new material feels tossed together. The Al Green-inspired "Gotta Love" is an inferior retread of his own "Going Crazy", which ruled airwaves two years ago. "Angel" and "Give You My World" are sumptuous ballads, however, and "Back 2 The Good Ole Days" is an instant classic- one of those lift up your cup and wiggle Southern Soul bumpers. Gotta be the next single. "My Tyme" will sell a ton and keep him all over radio and the charts but it smells of contractual filler. Being that his last few albums have been so superb it's easy to forgive this mediocre effort.
Tony Drake "Touched By An Angel" (Rockhouse)
LISTEN Tony Drake "Touched By An Angel" (****). He's blind. He's autistic. But what you are about to read is in no way a sympathy review! Tony Drake is the real thang. This discovery for Roy Roberts is a slick guitarist and soulful singer to be reckoned with. The 19-year-old blind and autistic blues musician has been performing around the Cookeville area and quickly gained a following in the area. "I saw him play and knew instantly I wanted to record him", said Roberts.
Sure, this is a great story to write about but the fact he's a great
musician makes it inevitable. Drake wasn't even suppose to live,
having been born prematurely (24 weeks) and weighing 1 pound, 8
ounces. He was adopted by his grandparents, Gordon and Diane Drake,
just before his first birthday. Vocally, it's hard to believe he's nineteen. Unlike all those other Blues prodigies out there Drake has arrived full grown musically. Don't believe me? Then take a listen to "What Should I Do?", reflecting a timing and phrasing that only comes from the Soul (and lots of experience). The moving "Anniebell" instrumental gives Drake a chance to show off those fast guitar fingers. Noodles good enough for your finest Italian restaurant. He plays his instrument with it lying on it's back like a piano! Check him out now. Larry Nath "Live It!" (*** 1/2). Pittsburgh's own Larry Nath is a hard-hittin' Bluesman with a flair for American and John Mellencamp-like Rock. In fact, the Artist Formerly Known As Johnny Cougar would do well to pen a tune like Nath's "Without You". More interesting though are Nath's stomping houserockers like "Bone Dog Blues" and the raucous title cut. Two of eight Nath originals. Real mainstream appeal here. "Angel In Disguise" belongs at Triple A. (wouldn't that be nice?) The set was recorded with the great Bone Dog Records house band (the Bonedog All Stars: Jimmy Britton- keys, Brandon Barnes- drums, Mighty Lil' Johnson-bass, Jim Relja-guitar). Master songwriter Mike Sweeney adds to his growing catalog of Soul & Blues gems with three contributions. Most notable is the hilarious "The Killer And The Kin", which spins a yarn about a drunk Jerry Lewis headed down to Graceland to snatch (by fisticuffs) the King Of Rock & Roll's crown from Elvis Presley. "Elvis was kickin' and watching TV/askin' who's that out there waving his pistol at me...the guards at the gate called on the phone. Elvis said 'Tell him to leave me alone. Either kick his ass or call the police!". What happens next? Buy the record and find out. Big Woody "Goin' Home" (***). This is the latest offering from Eugene Smiley Sr's K-City Records. And it sounds much like Smiley's own output (and that's a good'n). I've already reviewed and thoroughly dug two other releases from the record label (Smiley's "Legends" and bassist James Gilbert's "Best Kept Secret") and Big Woody gets a thumbs up as well. That's 3 for 3 for K-City. Lowdown Memphis-minded Soul Blues pieces like "I Believe" are extreme honey to me. A horn-drenched back drop (Dewey Rucker, Kevin Hoover), tight rhythm (Smiley Sr, Gilbert, Woody) and Soulful, restrained vocals. My favorite is the gorgeously melodic "Someone To Love", which reminds me of "Since I Lost My Baby" mixed with blue-eyed Soul by Paul Carrack. Hey how's that for a reference? Great song- a real for hit for somebody if not Woody! I could hear the uplifting "Ooh Baby" exploding in the Carolina beach music circuit. Finger-snapping feel good Soul music! Toni Lynn Washington "Live Favorite Flower" (***). An entertainment live set from Boston's Queen Of The Blues. Not as well known as she should be, Washington's career dates back tot he 60s with Atlantic Records' owned label Conti Records, for whom she recorded a couple Southern Soul singles. It wasn't until the 90s, however, that her recording career hit full swing courtesy of Tone Cool Records. From 1995-2000 she released three LPs for the label, followed by her well received 2003 LP "Been So Long" on Northern Blues Records. "Live" is very much a local club show mixing familiar covers ("Unchain My Heart", "We Don't See Eye To Eye") with songs from her recorded catalog ("I Don't Hurt Anymore", "Backwater Blues", "I Don't Want Nobody (To Have My Love But You)"). The longtime veteran is almost indistinguishable vocally from another great singer, Trudy Lynn. This if you like Trudy you'll like...
Bobby Wayne "Soul Station" (Bonedog)
LISTEN Bobby Wayne "Soul Station" (**** 1/2). I've been looking forward to the new Bobby Wayne ever since I first listened to his ridiculously good last disc "Hit That Thang!". That masterpiece would be hard to duplicate in terms of song, sound and soul and while "Soul Station" isn't a duplicate, it's simply splendid and an essential purchase for fans of real Soul Blues by a great excess. Even with a street date of January 1 2008 it will endure as one of the best of the year. That locomotive bass, smacking drums, blaring horns and Bobby's unassuming voice on the title track (and opener) instantly brought a smile to my face. Stax Records lives. Lyrically fitting, the song is an ode to his oldtime soul radio (9-Volt) airing DJ "John R's" picks on WLAC. The hook: "soul station/southern R & B/soul station/that was for me!". There you have it. Can I get an Amen? It's one of eight cuts penned by guitarist Mike Sweeney, who offers up another heavy bottomed Soul Blues thumper with "Leaving Signs", my pick for radio for sure. Of course on my Internet radio stations I've also been playing the hook-filled floater "This Amazing Thing", the Northern Soul roller "Knowing You've Been Loved" and knockout slowie "Right About The Rain". I should also mention this would serve as one hella good party disc with funky ass Rhythm & Blues jams like "Diggin' What You Do To Me" and jumpers like "Soul's Got A Sound". To sum up "Soul Station" for you in two words: TUNE IN. Al Lindsey "So In Love" (*** 1/2). Back in 2005 husky-voiced Al Lindsey appeared out of nowhere with a fresh (and refreshing sound) for the Southern Soul genre with "Caught". Despite being independent and on a shoestring promotional budget Lindsey was still able to attract plenty of attention by virtue of strong material and tight production by Simeo. His Marvin Gaye homage 'Candlelight" was such a charmer I even recommended it to another singer as a cover just to give it another run. It was this and another slow song from that album that convinced Lindsey to focus more on that sultry balladry and "So In Love" does just that. The tracks are mostly original but the centerpiece of the record is his dynamite cover of Leroy Hutson's "So In Love". Great arrangement. Lindsey sings it like he's been doing it since childhood (actually he has). Another slow jammy, Lindsey's own "Call Me", ain't no punk either. A gentle creeper, synth strings and a sexy vocal to boot. Hey when you're singin' a song about a "Nubian queen wearin' those painted on jeans" you know you're gonna sing it with feelin'! Deserves to be a hit. Would fit on mainstream R & B radio too. On the dancefloor tip comes "Let's Take A Chance" and "Pop It Shake Work It", featuring producer Simeo's knack for bass bottomed bumpers. Initially Lindsey wished to call the album "Versatility" as he stretches out a bit on the Jazzy "Carletta's Groove" (dedicated to swing Jazz legends like Cab Calloway). He also crafts a fine melodic Pop song with "Can't Keep Running Away". Good job Al. Donnie Ray "You've Got Me" (***). For the third January in a row we are graced with a new Donnie Ray album courtesy of the prodigious Ecko Records. It offers no surprises but that's a good thing! It's just what you're used to. Above avergae upbeat Southern Soul dancers, ballads and a lil' Blues. Actually, as for the latter style, "You're Leaving" is his first stab at Downhome Blues to my memory. In my opinion his voice is too pretty for Blues and is perfect for sugary slowies like "You're My Angel" and "I'm Getting Too Close" or energetic bumpers like "Two Heads Are Better Than One". Lots of hit potential. In addition to the aforementioned "Two Heads" & "You're Angel" , Ecko writers Raymond Moore and John Ward mine more gold out of that "Booty Scoot"/"Hoochie Dance" formula with "Can You Hoochie Dance?". As a wildcard I'd pick "She's Got My Vote" since it's an election year. Sweet Angel "Another Man's Meat On My Plate" (** 1/2). Okay, so the back album cover features a big fine woman crawling on a bed in front of a plate of steaks. Um, I have no further comment on it I just thought I'd mention it. Let your mind run with that. Anyway, "Meat" is an Ecko Records-type set (it was recorded at Ecko's recording studio) featuring a notable singer christened "Sweet Angel". The title track is an exceptional Blues number along the lines of David Brinston's "Somebody's Cuttin' My Cake"., which in itself is a distant cousin of "St James Infirmary" as respects mood and pace. It's a "Dear John" letter to a no good man. "Stop! Wait! I got another man's meat on my plate". Sorry Charlie. You lost her. Another memorable track is the midtempo dancer 'Mike's Place", a tribute to an actual hole in the wall located in Memphis. Though it nearly steals the keyboard hook from Lee "Shot" Williams' hit "Meat Man". Hmmm, a "meat" connection? Again, recommend for fans of the Ecko sound. At seven songs plus three alternate versions a couple more good tracks would've gone a long way.
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Willie Clayton "My Tyme" (Malaco)
