BLUES REVIEWS
BY BYRON BAY FM 'S -THE HONEYDRIPPER
MARCIA BALL. PEACE LOVE & BBQ. ALLIGATOR. 2008. FEATURE ALBUM.21.8.08.
Marcia Ball seamlessly fuses the musical styles of Texas and Louisiana. Her rollicking piano style, husky voice and song selection contribute to this fusion. This is Ball's 12th album her last 4 with Alligator. The album sits well with her past catalogue with this perhaps more in the funky New Orleans style. Perhaps due to the fact that Dr John, Terrence Simien and Wardell Quezergue contribute. However the fact remains that the invitation comes from Marcia Ball which reflects the regard the music world has for her.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1. PARTY TOWN
" 4. WATERMELON TIME
" 5.DOWN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
" 7. MY HEART AND SOUL
" 9. MARRIED LIFE.
" 10. FALLING BACK IN LOVE WITH YOU.
" 11. RIGHT BACK IN IT.
thehoneydripper
Janiva Magness. What love will do. Alligator.2008.
Feature Album.31.7.08.
Janiva Magness' first two albums demonstrated she had the determination & ability to cover the standard blues formats and show she wasn't afraid of a challenge. On 'what love will do' the tradition continues. A change of labels to Alligator & changes in production have given the album a smoother, funkier, Memphis soul feel. Magness doesn't oversing but nor does she go un-noticed. She is confident in her self and her material. On this album she draws songs from Annie Lennox, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Little Milton, Bill Withers & Tina Turner. Magness as she has in the past co-produces as well. Quiet, strong, confident, funky that's what love will do.
Featured Tracks.
" 2. I WANT LOVE.
" 4. BITTER PILL.[ANNIE LENNOX]
" 6. GET IT, GET IT. [TINA TURNER]
" 7. ONE HEARTACHE TOO LATE.
" 9. DON'T WANT YOU ON MY MIND.
" 10. DON'T DO IT.
" 12. FREEDOM IS JUST BEYOND THE DOOR.
thehoneydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. MESS O' BLUES.22.5.08.
JEFF HEALEY BAND.RUF RECORDS. 2008. www.rufrecords.de
IT IS 8 YEARS SINCE A JEFF HEALEY RELEASE & EVEN LONGER SINCE A BLUES RELEASE. THIS IS APPROPRIATELY TITLED MESS 0' BLUES AS THE SELECTIONS COME FROM A REPERTOIRE WHICH IS EXTREMELY DIVERSE. A MIXTURE OF CROWD FAVOURITES & SONGS THE BAND ENJOY.UNASHEMEDLY A TIGHT ROCKING BAR BAND PUT TOGETHER TO PLAY AT HEALEY'S OWN CLUB. BAND MEMBERS GET EQUAL BILLING & A CHANCE TO PLAY & SING ON NUMEROUS TRACKS. KEYBOARDIST DAVE MURPHY ROCKS WITH THE BEST OF THEM IN ANY STYLE & GUITARIST DAN NOORDEMEER COULD EASILY FRONT HIS OWN BAND. MAKE NO MISTAKE THOUGH HEALEY STEALS THE SHOW WITH A ROARING VERSION OF THE SONNY THOMPSON TRACK 'I'M TORN DOWN' & A KILLER SLOW BLUES VERSION OF THE LEONARD FEATHER CLASSIC 'HOW BLUE CAN YOU GET' WHICH DEFINES THE ALBUM & HEALEYS FELL FOR THE BLUES. SADLY HEALEY PASSED AWAY JUST BEFORE THIS ALBUM WAS RELEASED WHICH MAY CAUSE A RE-RELEASE OF SOME OF HIS BACK CATALOGUE MEANWHILE GET INTO THIS TIGHT ROCKING SET WHICH IS FAR FROM A MESS OF BLUES.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1. I'M TORN DOWN
" 2.HOW BLUE CAN YOU GET
" 5.THE WEIGHT
" 6. MESS O' BLUES.
" 8. LIKE A HURRICANE.
" 9. SITTIN' ON TOP OF THE WORLD.
" 10. SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL.
FOR OTHER TRACKS FEATURED FROM JEFF HEALEY'S CATALOGUE SEE PLAYLIST CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN 22.5.0
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN.NINE LIVES.8.5.08
STEVE WINWOOD. NINE LIVES.SONY.WINCRAFT MUSIC.2008
stevewinwood.com columbiarecords.com
As a teenager the voices, songs and talents of Ray Davies [Kinks], Alex Chilton [Box Tops] and Steve Winwood cut me to the soul and as I was to find out later they were not much older. Such was the energy, passion and soul in their voices I thought they were much older. Not much changes with Steve Winwood's voice on his latest recording "NINE LIVES". Also still a familiar sound are the power grooves and funk of the B-3 which reappeared on Winwood's 2003 album "ABOUT TIME" where the band emerged as a semi-acoustic 3 piece. The collaboration continues on this record capturing an afro-latin percussive groove. This is an album for reflection as well as some hip shaking. Steve Winwood has got his groove back. Long may it stay.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 3.RAGING SEA
" 4.DIRTY CITY featuring ERIC CLAPTON
" 5.WE'RE ALL LOOKING
" 8. AT TIMES WE DO FORGET.
thehoneydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN.CITY OF DREAMS.1.5.08
A COLLECTION OF NEW ORLEANS MUSIC. 4CD SET.
ROUNDER RECORDS.2008
SINCE HURRICANE KATRINA THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASED AWARENESS OF THE PLIGHT OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW ORLEANS. MANY MUSICIANS WERE DEEPLY AFFECTED LOSING THERE HOMES, INSTRUMENTS, MEMORIBILIA AND ABILITY TO EARN A LIVING.CITY OF DREAMS IS A 4 CD ROUNDER RELEASE CELEBRATING THE MUSICAL TRADITIONS OF THE CRESCENT CITY. EACH CD FEATURES A DIFFERENT MUSICAL TRADITION. CD 1 BIG EASY BLUES. CD 2 STREET BEAT. CD 3 FUNKY NEW ORLEANS. CD 4 PIANO. SOME MAY BE SURPRISED THAT A FEW NEW ORLEANS LEGENDS DON'T APPEAR. BUT THIS IS A ROUNDER RELEASE THAT FEATURES ARTISTS THAT RECORDED FOR THAT LABEL AND IT IS AN OUTSTANDING LIST. MARCIA BALL, IRMA THOMAS, JOHNNY ADAMS, CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN, BO DOLLIS, SOLOMON BURKE, PROFESSOR LONG HAIR, REBIRTH BRASS BAND, ALVIN 'RED' TYLER, EDDIE BO JAMES BOOKER AND ART NEVILLE. THE SURPRISES ARE DAVELL CRAWFORD'S BLEND OF NEW ORLEANS AND JAZZ ON "SPRING CAN REALLY HANG YOU UP" AND "GUMBO PIANO". THE GEMS ARE FOUND ON THE STREET BEAT CD A ROUSING CELEBRATION OF BRASS BANDS AND THEIR FUNKINESS.
thehoneydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN.DOWN IN NEW ORLEANS.1.5.08.
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA. PROPER RECORDS.2008
blindboys.com proper-records.co.uk www.theplanetcompany.com
IT TRULY IS AMAZING THAT AFTER 70 YEARS OF PLAYING, PERFORMING AND RECORDING THAT THE BLIND BOYS ARE STILL RELEVANT MUSICALLY. IT DUE IN PART TO THE FACT THAT THE MUSICAL COMMUNITY HAVE A MIGHTY RESPECT. IN FACT ARTISTS SUCH AS BONNIE RAITT, PETER GABRIEL, SOLOMON BURKE, LOU REED, MICHAEL FRANTI AND BEN HARPER HAVE PERFORMED AND RECORDED WITH THEM. THIS RATHER THAN REJUVINATING THEIR CAREER HAS INTRODUCED THEM TO A WIDER AUDIENCE. GOSPEL HAS UNTIL RECENTLY EXISTED AS A SEPARATE MUSIC STYLE. THE LINKS BETWEEN BLUES, ROCK'N'ROLL AND SOUL AREN'T AS DISTINCT AS THEY USED TO BE. HERE THE LINK CONTINUES WITH A NEW ORLEANS JOURNEY. IT IS THE NEW ORLEANS FLAVOURED TRACKS THAT MAKE THIS A SPECIAL ALBUM. THE HOT 8 BRASS BAND, THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND AND ALLEN TOUSSAINT GIVE TRACKS SUCH AS 'FREE AT LAST', EARL KING'S 'MAKE A BETTER WORLD', YOU GOT TO MOVE, I'LL FLY AWAY AND DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE A FUNKY SECOND LINE FEEL. RECORDED AT THE PIETY STREET STUDIOS THIS IS ONE PIOUS, RIGHTEOUS, FUNKY OUTING.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1.FREE AT LAST
" 2.MAKE A BETTER WORLD
" 5.ACROSS THE BRIDGE
" 7.DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE
" 8.IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY
" 9.UNCLOUDY DAY
" 12.I'LL FLY AWAY
thehoneydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN: ROAMIN' & RAMBLIN'.
FEATURE ALBUM.24.5.08.EARWIG.2007.www.earwigmusic.com
DAVID 'HONEYBOY' EDWARDS IS ONE OF THE LAST REMAINING LINKS TO THE EARLY BLUESMEN SUCH AS ROBERT JOHNSON. HE IS WELL INTO HIS 90'S AND STILL PLAYING. THIS HIS FOURTH ALBUM FOR EARWIG TEAMS HONEYBOY WITH HARP PLAYERS SYMPATHETIC TO THE EARLY, EARTHY, HONEST BLUES OF CHICAGO. BIG WALTER APPEARS ON TRACKS FROM THE 70'S AND BOBBY RUSH, BILLY BRANCH, SUGAR BLUE AND JOHNNY 'YARD DOG' JONES PLAY ON TRACKS FROM 2007. THE ALBUM IS THE BRAINCHILD OF MICHAEL FRANK LONG TIME FRIEND, MANAGER, MUSICAL PARTNER AND OWNER OF EARWIG RECORDS. THIS ALBUM ENCAPSULATES THE SAYING 'THE BLUES IS THE ROOTS. THE REST IS THE FRUITS'. THERE IS WARMTH,CHARM AND FEELING IN ALL THE TRACKS. LET'S HOPE THIS IS NOT THE LAST WE HEAR FROM 'HONEYBOY' AS HE STILL HAS A LOT TO OFFER AND HE SURE CAN PLAY THE BLUES.
FEATURED TRACKS:
" 1.APRON STRINGS
" 3.TROUBLE EVERYWHERE I GO
" 4.I WAS IN NEW ORLEANS LAST NIGHT
" 9.TALKIN ABOUT LITTLE WALTER
" 10.SMOKY MOUNTAINS
" 12.LOW DOWN DOG
" 14.FREIGHT TRAIN TALE.
" 15.RIDING THE RAILS.
" 19.JUMP OUT
OTHER TRACKS.
" 3.ROBERT JOHNSON STORY.
" 7.CROSSROADS
" 8.TOO MANY DRIVERS
" 12.SWEET HOME CHICAGO.FROM THE WORLD DON'T OWE ME NOTHING.EARWIG.1997.
" 8.GAMBLIN' MAN BLUES. FROM ERIC SARDINAS.DEVIL'S TRAIN.EVIDENCE.2001.
" TRAVELLING RIVERSIDE BLUES.FROM HELLHOUND ON MY TRAIL.SONGS OF ROBERT JOHNSON.TELARC.2001 thehoneydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN.FEATURE ALBUM.17.5.08
EDDY "THE CHIEF" CLEARWATER. WEST SIDE STRUT.
ALLIGATOR.2008. www.alligator.com
EDDY "THE CHIEF" CLEARWATER PLAYS THE 12 BAR AS TOUGH AS ANYONE. WITH ASSISTANCE FROM HIS NEPHEW RONNIE BAKER BROOKS AS PRODUCER AND A GREAT BAND EDDIE SLAMS 'EM DOWN JUST LIKE IT HAPPENS ON THE SOUTHSIDE. THERE IS LITLE SUBLETY IN 'A GOOD LEAVIN ALONE', 'HYPNOTISED', 'WALKIN THROUGH THE PARK' [MUDDY WATERS],'DO UNTO OTHERS' AND 'BLUE OVER YOU' AS THEY ARE HEARTY 12 BAR ROMPS. 'TOO OLD TO GET MARRIED' IS A ROLLICKING FUN FILLED INTERPLAY BETWEEN EDDIE AND LONNIE BROOKS. OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS ARE BILLY BRANCH, OTIS CLAY AND JIMMY JOHNSON. THE SURPRISES FOR ME COME FROMM THE ACOUSTIC 'CAME UP THE HARD WAY' WHERE EDDIE AND RONNIE BAKER BROOKS PAINT A PICTURE OF THEIR DIFFERENT BEGINNINGS.'A TIME FOR PEACE' IS A GOSPEL TINGED OUTLOOK ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD TODAY AND REVEALS ANOTHER SIDE OF THIS REMARKABLE MUSICIAN. ONE OF MY FAVOURITES THIS YEAR.
thehoneydripper
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1. A GOOD LEAVIN ALONE
" 2. HYPNOTISED. RONNIE BAKER BROOKS - LEAD GUITAR
" 4. WALKING THROUGH THE PARK
" 5. DO UNTO OTHERS. RONNIE BAKER BROOKS - LEAD GUITAR AND OTIS CLAY, JIMMY JOHNSON CO - LEAD VOCAL.
" 6. BLUE OVER YOU
" 8. TOO OLD TO GET MARRIED
" 9. CAME UP THE HARD WAY WITH RONNIE BAKER BROOKS.
" 11. ROCK - A - BLUES BABY
" 12. A TIME FOR PEACE
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM. 20.9.07
DUKE ROBBILLARD'S WORLD FULL OF BLUES. STONY PLAIN. 2007
www.stonyplainrecords.com
Yet another fine release from T Bone Walker's disciple Duke Robbilard. A double disc release of classic blues and Robbilard originals. Covers of Dylan [Every Thing is Broken], T Bone Walker [Treat Me So Lowdown], Bo Diddley [Who Do You Love?], Eric Bibb [Too Much Stuff], Jimmy Reed [Bright Lights, Big City] and Memphis Slim [Steppin' Out] are reworked to reflect Robbillard's feel on how the songs should be recorded. His originals are also reflections of his favourite guitarists or blues genres. Nobody can swing and jump like the Duke but for me he is at his best when he stretches out with his band on slow blues scorchers. Great release and I'm sure there's still a world full of blues to come.
The Honeydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM 27.9.07
JAMES BLOOD ULMER. BAD BLOOD IN THE CITY. THE PIETY STREET SESSIONS.
www.hyenarecords. www.myspace.com/jamesbloodulmer
Like your blues with an edge to it then get into this. Funk, soul, jazz and traditional blues fused with the gravely vocals of James Blood Ulmer. He served his apprenticeship in the 80's with jazz visionary Ornette Coleman. Lately he has combined with producer Vernon Reid to release some classy blues albums. This album sees Ulmer developing his writing skills and it his original songs that are the grits and gravy for this album. "Survivors of the Hurricane" and "Katrina' are self explanatory as is "There is Power in the Blues" it is the unusual arrangements, guitar solos and use of jazz instrumentation that provide the unexpected twists. Versions of Son House "Grinnin in Your Face", Hooker's "This Land is No-ones Land", Wolf's "Commit a Crime", and Dixon's "Dead President's" cause you to think deeper about social consciousness and politics. Great album go out and get it and put it so repeat you will hear something different each time you play it.
Tracks featured.
" Survivors of the Hurricane.
" Katrina.
" Let's Talk about Jesus.
" This Land is Nobody's Land.
" Dead Presidents..
" People Grinnin' in Your Face.
" Commit a Crime.
" There is Power.
Tracks featured from Memphis Blood.
" Spoonful.
" Little Red Rooster'
" Dimples.
" Fattening Frogs for Snakes.
" I Asked Her for Water[ She Gave Me Gasoline].
Thehoneydripper.
DOYLE BRAMHALL. IS IT NEWS. YEP ROC RECORDS.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM. 4.10.2007
DOYLEBRAMHALL.COM
The traditional blues album, especially feature album's, inevitably feature the latest by some red hot guitar player, a jump blues harmonica legend or female vocalist. Doyle Bramhall is however a drummer, percussionist, songwriter and vocalist. If you've heard the Vaughan Brothers, Double Trouble, Lou Ann Barton or Marcia Ball then you've heard either a Bramhall tune or his drumming. He rarely gets the opportunity to make his own albums such is his workload and demand as a drummer in Texas. He gets the chance on "Is It News". An album that contains all original tracks and some collaborations with C.C Adcock co-producer of the album and SRV. The band which features Doyle Bramhall 2, C C Adcock, Denny Freeman and Jimmie Vaughan tastefully mesh the strut of Texas[Chateau Strut],the soul of New Orleans[Lost in the Congo] and the honesty and humour of Bramhall's songs.A smooth, soulful and enjoyable album. Hopefully he will take time to enhance his own career.
Tracks featured
" Lost in the Congo
" Is It News
" Chateau Strut
" Tortured Soul
" Big
" Ooh Wee Baby
" That Day
Tracks featured involving Doyle Bramhall
" Dirty Pool
" House is a Rocking
" Life by the Drop
" Telephone Song
" Gonna Make It
" You Make It Hard
" Let the Tears Roll Down
" That's Enough of That Stuff
" Brothers
thehoneydripper@hotmail.com
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM. 11.10.07
POPA CHUBBY. ELECTRIC CHUBBYLAND.[LIVE].DISC 2
BLIND PIG 2006. www.blindpigrecords.com. www.popachubby.com
Initially released on Dixiefrog records as a live double album of Hendrix covers Blind Pig have re-issued as two separate discs. Popa Chubby has an interesting background which has always incorporated blues and hard -rock elements. On this disc he gives the songs of Hendrix an extended work out. Little Wing [9 mins]. Earl Hooker's "Come On' [6 mins]. For me I enjoy "Up from the Skies' which is almost a throw away track on Hendrix's Axis Bold as Love, my favourite Hendrix album. Chubby's original composition "San Catri' is a 16 minute exploration in Hendrix however he struggles to remain inventive and the track fades in originality. Chubby is a competent enough player but these lack the potency of Hendrix and fall below other covers of "Voodoo Chile', "Fire', "Axis Bold as Love' and 'Little Wing". That may not be Popa Chubby's fault but the reluctance of the reviewer to hear the originals while listening to this disc.
Tracks Feature
" 6 Voodoo Chile - 5.25 mins
" 7 Up From The Skies - 7.58 mins
" 8 Bold As Love - 3.46 mins
" 10 Fire - 3.07 mins
The Honeydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN - FEATURE ALBUM 25.10.07
BOBBY RUSH. RAW.2006.DEEP RUSH RECORDS.www.deeprush.com
PLEASE NOTE THIS CD IS NOT AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIA YET
There is nothing as RAW as a man, his guitar, harmonica and his songs. This latest Bobby Rush album could also have been called Traditional. Rush reverts to his South Chicago origins with 9 originals and covers of Larry Williams "Boney Maroney", Sonny Boy's "School Girl" and Muddy's "Howlin' Wolf". The charm in this acoustic album lies in Rush's own songs," Glad to Get You Back", "Knockin' At Your Door", "You Don't Love Me" and "I Got 3 Problems" are the standouts for me. An honest, heartfelt and raw album that leaves a lot of this year's releases for dead. RAW is a pleasant surprise for all not just enthusiasts.
Tracks Featured
" 2 School Girl
" 3 Glad To Get You Back
" 5 Knockin' At Your Door
" 7 9 Below Zero
" 9 You Don't Love Me
" 13 I Got 3 Problems
The honeydripper.
CRUISIN' FOR A BLUISIN' - FEATURE ALBUM.1.11.07
NAPPY BROWN. LONG TIME COMING. BLIND PIG.2007.
www.blindpigrecords.com
Napolean Culp - Nappy Brown, what a name although in the US Diaper Brown wouldn't be such a cool name - was one of the first R'n'B vocalists starting in the 50's.It's probably fair to say he didn't have the career he deserves. He had several hits with Savoy Records and then was largely ignored until his 80's release "Someone Gonna Jump Out of the Bushes" [recommended if you can get it]. However as the title suggests this has been a "LONG TIME COMING" but it's well worth the wait. On this release Nappy Brown explores all the sources of R'n'B with powerhouse ballad "Give Me Your Love'. The rest of the album jumps, swings and rocks through some Brown classics including the title track from his first album "Don't Be Angry" recently revived by Nick Curran. Brown gets some help from Bob Margolin, Henry Gray, John Nemeth, Kid Ramos and Junior Watson as they do it all live in the studio. This is a splendid mix of soul, gospel and vintage R'n'B. Think Louis Jordan, Screamin' Jay and Charles Brown but more importantly think about buying this disc and lets hope the next one is not a long time coming.
TRACKS FEATURED
" 1. Keep on Pleasin' You
" 2.You Were a Long Time Coming
" 3. Don't Be Angry
" 4. Give Me Your Love
" 5. That Man
" 7. Who
" 9. Aw Shucks Baby
the honeydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN - FEATURE ALBUM. 8.11.07
SHARON JONES AND THE DAP - KINGS. 100 DAYS 100 NIGHTS.
www.daptonerecords.com
Sharon Jones makes a mockery of the term "overnight sensation" as she has been treading the boards since the 70's. She has gained recent wider acceptance due to her 2005 release "Naturally" and a killer performance at the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival out front of the old school retro funk outfit the Dap - Kings. The Dap - Kings are reminiscent of the old black and white "Soul Train" days and would fit perfectly on Motown or Stax. This release "100 Days 100 Nights" on Daptone Records continues the funk grooves with the highlights being the title track 100 Days 100 Nights, Nobody's baby, Be Easy and the gospel track Answer Me. I suppose a small criticsm would be the shortness of the album [around 34 mins] but Daptone records also operate in the vinyl market as well. Perhaps you could consider the bonus disc "Binky Griptite's Ghettofunkpowerhour " as some consulation. It is a novel way to produce a Dap Tone sampler however I would prefer a straight sampler as Binky's self promotion tends to detract from the artists. These are little annoyances in what is another fine example of retro - funk. Long may the Queen of Funk reign.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1 100 DAYS 100 NIGHTS
" 2 NOBODY'S BABY
" 4 BE EASY
" 6 LET THEM KNOCK
" 8 SOMETHING'S CHANGED
" 10 ANSWER ME
" BLINKY GRIPTITE TRACK 3
" 1 HOW DO I LET A GOOD MAN DOWN
" 2 NATURAL BORN LOVER
" 8 YOUR THING IS A DRAG
from NATURALLY
the honeydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN - FEATURE ALBUM. 22.11.2007
PHANTOM BLUES BAND. FOOTPRINTS. www.phantombluesband.com
www.deltagroovemusic.com www.onlybluesmusic.com
" Last year Phantom Blues Band stepped "Out of the Shadows" to make one of the best records of 2006. This year they recreate the"footprints of sleeping giants, belonging to the past '. 'FOOTPRINTS' is a contemporary celebration of the past just as am radio was in the 60's and fm in the 70's. This an album you wish your favourite radio station would play [and we are]. By recreating the style and feel of songs that the band members heard on border radio and regional hits and adding their own songs, 'Barnyard Blues", When Malindy Sings", "A Very Blue Day' the music of the past becomes the music of today. This album is like putting on your favourite pair of slippers it is essential, comfortable, relaxed and difficult to live without. The band are a musical blender combining funk 'Look at Granny Run', R'n'B,Swing, " See See Baby", Classic Rock'n'Roll from Earle Randle " Leave Home Girl' and Ray Charles "A Fool for You", Blues " Barnyard Blues", N'Orleans "My Wife Can't Cook" and Gospel "Chills and Fever'. I seriously doubt you will hear a better album this year. Thanks Santa.
TRACKS FEATURED
" 1.LOOK AT GRANNY RUN
" 2.SEE SEE BABY
" 3.LEAVE HOME GIRL
" 5.FRIED CHICKEN
" 8.MY WIFE CAN'T COOK
" 9.WHEN MALINDY SINGS
" 12.A FOOL FOR YOU
OTHER FEATURES
" TAJ MAHAL - PHANTOM BLUES,SENOR BLUES,DANCING THE BLUES
" BONNIE RAITT - NICK OF TIME
OUT OF THE SHADDOWS
" 1.DO THE DIRT
" 3.WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY BED
" 5.RAIN DOWN TEARS
" 7.BIG BOY PETE
" 12. THINK
The honeydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN: FEATURE ALBUM. 3.1.08.
RONNIE EARL AND THE BROADCASTERS. HOPE RADIO.2007.
www.stonyplainrecord.com info@stonyplainrecords.com
It's long overdue the recognition that Ronnie Earl deserves as one of the finest guitar players to have ever walked the planet. Along with Santana the notes that Ronnie Earl plays seem to have a direct line to the soul. That is the essence of his playing. It is spiritual and has been since first hearing his "Colour of Love Album" and experiencing his performance at Bluesfest. When he plays each song, every note, each emotion is a gift to the audience all done seemingly so easy. This album maintains the soulful journey. A live album recorded with the band that gave us the 2003 release "I Feel Like Going On" included here are "Wolf Dance', "Blues for the Homeless" and "Blues for Otis Rush" from that album. All tracks are Earl originals some of which appeared on "Language of the Soul" [1994] and "Blues and Forgiveness" [1995]. It is beyond the ability of this reviewer to describe the essence of this man's music. Ronnie Earl's music is as necessary as oxygen.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" EDDIE'S GOSPEL GROOVE
" BOBBY'S BOP
" BLUES FOR THE WEST SIDE
" WOLF DANCE
" BLUES FOR OTIS RUSH
" NEW GOSPEL TUNE
OTHER TRACKS
" MR DOWNCHILD
" JELLY JELLY
" ALL YOUR LOVE
" ROCK ME BABY
" I'LL TAKE CARE OF YOU
" LAST NIGHT
" I SMELL TROUBLE
" SHE WINKED HER EYE
" RIDIN' IN THE MOONLIGHT
" SICK AND TIRED
thehoneydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN: FEATURE ALBUM.10.1.08
ROBBEN FORD. TRUTH.2007. CONCORD MUSIC GROUP.
www.robbenford.com www.concordmusicgroup.com
Robben Ford confuses me. I know he can play I've seen it. However his albums leave me a bit cold. Perhaps I should never have bought "Talk To Your Daughter". I could easily be accused of living in the past as Ford has certainly moved on {and maybe I haven't]. I guess the simplest way to put it is that in 56 minutes of music Robben Ford doesn't light up often enough. "Truth" his latest album includes a Paul Simon track "One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor" which Susan Tedechi almost steals, collaborations with Keven Moore {Keb' Mo} - Riley B. King and with Delbert McClinton co-hort Gary Nicholson.{ How Deep In The Blues}. The rest are Ford or Ford family compilations. This is a good album but it leaves you wondering what might have been and that folks is the "Truth".
FEATURED TRACKS
" 1.Lateral climb
" 2 How Deep in the Blues
" 3 Nobody's Fault But Mine
" 6 One Man's Ceiling is Another Man's Floor
" 7 Too Much
OTHER TRACKS
" 5 No Amount of Loving
" 6 Mary Mary
From the Album Robben Ford and the Ford Blues Band. A Tribute to Paul Butterfield
" 8 Take Out Some Insurance
" 14 Cadillac Walk
From the album The Ford Blues Band
" 3 Homework
From the Robben Ford album Keep On Running
" 1 Up The Line
From the Robben Ford album Blue Moon
thehoneydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM.24.1.08
THE BACKSLIDERS. LEFT FIELD HOLLER.
www.shockrecords. www.backsliders.com.au
Left Field Holler reflects Dom Turner's Supro and Rob Hirst's powerful percussion and love of a good rhythm line. While still basically a three piece the harp duties are shared by Ian Collard and Brod Smith, Jim Moginie adds guitar on "AntiHero". This version of the Backslider's has a fuller sound brought about by Dom's sophisticated use of samples and Rob's energetic percussion. Don't be mistaken however this is still a powerful blues band. Collard's version of "I Wish You Would" and the inclusion of Skip James "Hard Times Killing Floor and a restructure of Leadbelly's "Gallows' Pole" won't let you forget where they have come from. Turner/ Hirst tracks "Duke", "Fuck You Shock Jock', "Vietnam People", "AntiHero" and "Owner of the Whitehouse" indicate where they are heading. What struck me about this album is a sparse fullness of the arrangements and the variety of sounds Dom Turner uses. Bloody good album. A return to the future.
Featured Tracks.
" 1. Duke
" 6.I Wish You Would
" 7.AntiHero
" 8.Godspeed
" 9.Write Me a Few Lines
" 10.Parish Pariah.
thehoneydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM.31.1.08
ROOMFUL OF BLUES. RAISIN' A RUCKUS. ALLIGATOR.
www.onlybluesmusic.com.au www.alligator.com
As Big Daddy Kinsey said 'the sweet sounds of Rhythm and Blues". In this case it's also the sweet sounds of swing, jump blues, Chicago, Texas and New Orleans. The eight piece Roomful of Blues certainly fills a room and also a dance floor with their infectious, energetic swing tunes. There ain't nothin' like a big band firing on all cylinders. This is Roomful's third album on Alligator following 2003 "That's Right' and 2005 'Standing Room Only'. The core of the band for those releases has been the horn section of Rich Lataille [alto and tenor sax], Bob Enos [trumpet] and Chris Vachon [guitar and producer]. While the personnel has changed as it has done over the life of the band the spirit and intention has remained the same. Have fun and play some mighty fine music.
FEATURED TRACKS
" 2 LOWER ON YOUR LIST OF PRIORITIES
" 3 TALKIN' TO YOU EYE TO EYE
" 4 BIG MAMOU
" 8 BOOGIE WOOGIE COUNTRY GIRL
" 10 SWEET PETITE
" 11 WHILE I CAN
" 13 NEW ORLEANS
OTHER SELECTIONS
" THAT'S RIGHT
" WE CAN'T MAKE IT
" STRANGER BLUES
" I CAN'T STAND YOU NO MORE
" BOOMERANG
" STRAIGHT JAQUETTE
thehoneydripper.
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM. 28.2.08.
THE BELLRAYS. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH. 20006.
THE RED, WHITE AND BLACK.2008.
www.cheaplullaby.com www.thebellrays.com www.shock.com.au
Edgy, raw, frenetic, vibrant, spirited, political. Just some of the emotions the Bellrays evoke. Musically from "Have a Little Faith" I thought funk - punk [try Snotgun] and soul [try title track] with 2 minute pop sensibilities. The Red, White and Black similarly reflects these tastes but also has a 70's rock feel [Remember, Street Corner Making Up for Lost Time. The music is fresh but captures a retro - feel. Songs are compact, well produced and arranged. The voice of Lisa Kakaula is a great instrument reflecting the great female soul and rock interpreters. They are at Bluesfest and I'm tipping there will be great demand for their music. At times this reminds me of "Never Mind the Bollocks". Some perfect pop gems.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1 REMEMBER
" 2.STREET CORNER
" 7 REVOLUTION GET DOWN
" 8 USED TO BE
" 9FIND SOMEONE TO BELIEVE IN
" 10 YOU'RE SORRY NOW
" 11 MAKING UP FOR LOST TIME
" 1 TELL THE LIE
" 4 PAY FOR THE COBRA
" 5 SNOTGUN.
" 6 HAVE A LITTLE FAITH
thehoneydripper
CRUISIN FOR A BLUISIN. FEATURE ALBUM.13.3.08.
RUTHIE FOSTER. RUNAWAY SOUL. BLUE CORN MUSIC.2002
www.bluecornmusic.com www.ruthiefoster.com www.shock.com.au
Ruthie Foster's album from 2002 gives a clear indication that her musical heart, spirit and soul lies in gospel music and she is very comfortable. However these songs of reverence aren't the usual songs of praise even if the track listing on the back cover is entitled "Hymns". The title track Runaway Soul" has a Bonnie Raitt feel , "Woke up this Morning" grows into a jazz-swing,"Smalltown Blues" has a country picking feel," Ocean of Tears" which later appears on the live "Stages" album, along with "Ocean of Tears" and" Death Came A Knockin", has a Latin Santana groove. However it is the gospel-tinged interpretation of Brownie McGhee's "Walk On" which has this reviewer shouting the praises of Ruthie Foster. It's rather reminiscent of the phrase "I'm going where the weather suits my clothes" well Ruthie Foster has come from where the music feeds her soul. This album may slip under the radar with her double Australian Tour Special Album but I'm about to sing its praises. It's a righteous recording.
FEATURED TRACKS.
" 1.RUNAWAY SOUL
" 2.WOKE UP THIS MORNING
" 3.SMALLTOWN BLUES
" 7.OCAE OF TEARS
" 8.WALK ON
" 9.DEATH CAME A KNOCKIN/TRAVELLIN' SHOES
" 10.JOY
SELECTED TRACKS.
" 3.ANOTHER RAIN SONG
" 5.GOD BLESS THE CHILD
" 6.TURN ME ON
" 3.FRUITS OF MY LOVE
" 4.PEOPLE GRINNIN' IN YOUR FACE
thehoneydripper.
justfunkinmusic.com.au