5 comments about Newport Folk Festival: Best of the Blues 1959-1968.

1. I read about these concerts in an interview with Bonnie Raitt. I was really surprised with the sound quality on these CDs as well as the broad cross section of artists. I consider this an essential purchase for all blues afficionados as it contains performances by nearly all of the classic bluesmen



2. Just got the CD....a great live recording of some of the foundations of blues...if you want to start collecting the blues, this is a great place to start. A great collection of performers recorded in a live situation. Son House, one of the originators of the delta blues is well represented. This album is grouped into three CDs' that are well stocked with some of the best there is !!! Get this CD....



3. It's almost hard to believe that this CD exists. So many excellent performances by legendary bluesmen like Son House, John Lee Hooker, Skip James, Muddy Waters and a whole host of others, all recorded live at the legendary Newport Folk Festival. And the sound is amazing, crisp and clear.
   
   Disc one opens with a six-song set by "Mississippi" John Hurt which includes "Candy Man" and "Stagolee", and also includes two spooky songs by an ailing but still-powerful Nehemiah "Skip" James, four songs by Son House, and songs by Bukka White and Fred McDowell, as well as two excellent acoustic solo performances by Muddy Waters. House's "Death Letter Blues" and "Empire State Express", Muddy Waters' "I Can't Be Satisfied", and Skip James' "Devil Got My Woman" are among the highlights, but there aren't really any "lowlights".
   
   Disc two features a great little set by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, a wonderful rendition of Sleepy John Estes' "Clean Up At Home", three excellent songs by the underrated Robert Pete Williams, and several other fine performances, including Mance Lipscomb's version of Blind Willie Johnson's scary "God Moves On The Water", and Jesse Fuller's "San Francisco Bay Blues" (which you may have heard Eric Clapton cover on his "Unplugged" album).
   
   On disc three, Sam "Lightnin'" Hopkins plays an electric guitar (gasp!) on a great, swaggering "Baby Please Don't Go", and is backed by drummer Sam Lay on "Shake That Thing". John Lee Hooker lays down haunting versions of "Tupelo" and "The Great Fire Of Natchez", as well as a gritty "Boom Boom". Muddy Waters is accompanied by pianist Otis Spann on a great, swinging "Blow Wind Blow". And the 6'6" John L. "Memphis Slim" Chatman plays a version of "How Long" to rival that of Leroy Carr himself.
   
   The vast majority of these performances are acoustic, and there is a lot of wonderful acoustic slide guitar here...Muddy Waters, Son House, Fred McDowell, Mance Lipscomb, and Bukka White all play ringing bottleneck phrases. Sonny Terry blows his customary harmonica, and Memphis Slim and Otis Spann both contribute some excellent piano playing. And while many of these songs have been available on various LP and CD releases before, "Best Of The Blues 1959-1968" includes almost a dozen previously unreleased recordings, of which Sonny Terry's & Brownie McGhee's "Drink Muddy Water", "How Long" by Memphis Slim, and John Lee Hooker's "Let's Make It", are among the greatest.
   
   This collection is a must-have for anyone with an interest in the 60s blues revival, or just acoustic blues music in general, and you won't believe the fidelity. A wonderful two hours and fifty-three minutes of music.



4. If there is a better collection of live blues than this Newport 3 CD set, I haven't heard it. This stunning CD covers 10 years Newport performances during the height of the folk blues revival in the early 60's. Many of the artists were rediscovered by blues enthusiasts like John Fahey, Al "Blind Owl" Wilson and Sam Charters by canvassing remote areas of the south and locating the M.I.A.s of the 1920-30s "race" records. Some of these performers were presumed to be dead, and Newport was their first time in front of an audience in decades. There is not a single throw-away among 16 performers and the 51 (count 'em!)cuts here.

   Vangaurd Records is to be commended for making the right artistic choices in thier production of this CD. Many of these performances had been floating around for years on other Newport collections. Producer Tom Vicker devoted an entire disc to each of these three categories: delta blues, country blues and urban blues. There is a sense of continuity on each disc without any jarring segues. Engineer Jeff Zaraya captures the warm analogic glory of the orginal performances and wisely chooses not to edit out foot stomping, hand clapping and crowd noises. Zaraya's mastering work captures the passion of the living blues and he avoids the mistake of reducing the performances to sterile museum piece curiosities.

   The scope of performers is staggering. Son House, self proclaimed mentor of Robert Johnson, whose piercing slap-time steel guitar was the alter-ego to his gritty emotional baritone. Skip James, ghost of the delta, sings in his haunting falsetto with his mastery of complex right hand poly-rhythymic bassline fingerpicking. Jesse Fuller, San Francisco's one man band, plays his ramshackle ragtime blues. Mississppi John Hurt demonstrates his wry humor and his delicate five finger picking of his brillant orginal music. Polished performers like Muddy Waters and Brownie McGee know how to pace a show and work the crowd. Harlem's Rev. Gary Davis' does "old time religion" gospel shouting and precision ragtime picking. The suprise is an obscure ex-con, Robert Pete Williams with his eerie "stream of consciousness" lyrics and elliptical song structures. Robert Pete Williams, more than any of the performers, is connected to the roots of West African folk music. By my own count, John Lee Hooker was the last performer on these recordings to die(June 21, 2001). These astounding Newport performances are, at once, a historical document, a tribute to the diverse artistry of American blues, and some of the most passionate and riveting music I've ever heard. An essential for anyone collecting blues or roots music.




5. This is a nice cd set done by the folks at Vanguard records. They collected many of the cuts that have been previously released into one collection, with some tasty unreleased tracks.

   Regarding the artists & their material.. well, you really can't go wrong with sets by Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy, Son House, John Lee Hooker, & etc. The artists on disc 1 alone is a "who is who" of the early blues that were only heard on scratchy vinyl before these organized festivals existed. Some might've considered them past their so called "prime", but their performances don't reflect upon it, as they take the listener & the white crowd on a trip down the Delta. Some of the performances on this package are unbelievable.

   Might be me, but John Lee Hooker's set REALLY stands out. He sounds DANGEROUS, & his unreleased tracks alone make this package a well worth buy.

   An interesting note, that in this mostly acoustic set is the inclusion of two Butterfield Blues band cuts. Having these cuts on different sources, it was great to hear them sonically remastered in all its glory.

   Recommended, but more importantly, this is essential listening.

5 comments about Lady Sings the Blues.

1. Lady Sings The Blues is a marvelous two CD set that has so much to offer! This really gives people a large amount of timeless ballads from some of the best divas of the entire twentieth century. The sound quality is excellent and the artwork is very thoughtful.
   
   Sarah Vaughan kicks off the set with her wonderful interpretation of "Key Largo." Sarah sounds just lovely and her ability to play with tempo changes impresses me greatly. The musical arrangement is rather jazzy as well. There's also "Embraceable You" sung by Dianne Reeves; Dianne sings this with all her heart and soul. The tempo is slowed down somewhat from the tempo I'm used to but this ballad as sung here by Dianne Reeves still holds its own very well. Della Reese also sounds great on "Call Me." "Call Me" has a particularly lush arrangement and Della's voice is rich, warm and rather vibrant. Della sure could belt out a tune!
   
   Dinah Washington turns in a fine performance on "Call Me Irresponsible;" this tune gets the royal treatment from Dinah and she was born to sing songs like these! Dinah's energy makes this a major highlight of this two CD set and I'm sure you'll like it as much as I do. Moreover, Nancy Wilson's "The Very Thought Of You" is absolutely perfect--Nancy delivers this with panache, heart and soul! The strings are used to great advantage and the piano arrangement is very elegant as well. Kay Starr sings a stunning version of "It Had To Be You;" if this is your type of music then I dare you not to like this!
   
   The second CD continues the hits. Sarah Vaughan returns to sing a passionate rendition of "Stormy Weather." Sarah bats this one straight out of the ballpark and she never sings a superfluous note, either! Sarah Vaughan always remains one of my favorite songbirds of all time; and just one listen will tell you why. Cassandra Wilson also sings "Someday My Price Will Come" with a slow, romantic delivery that just amazes me whenever I hear it; and listen also for "You've Changed" by the great Nancy Wilson. "You've Changed" is a classic bluesy ballad that Nancy infuses with so much emotion that it truly shines here on this set.
   
   Julie London sings "Cry Me A River;" many people said that this song in actuality belonged to Julie London--and I think those people are right! Julie sings this with a degree of sensitivity that only she could muster. Keely Smith also does a smash-up job on "I Wish You Love;" Keely's voice is very rich and warm. "I Wish You Love" stuns me with its natural beauty. The CD set also ends well with Lena Horne performing "We'll Be Together Again." "We'll Be Together Again" is the perfect ending to this two CD set.
   
   Overall, blues music aficionados cannot afford to go without this two CD set. These timeless ballads shine so well; don't be surprised if you find yourself listening to this practically every day of the year!



2. Lady Sings The Blues is a spectacularly rich Capitol Records compilation of women jazz/blues singers in a 2-CD collection that has the listener begging for more.
   
   Combining legendary chanteuses such as Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn, and Ella Fitzgerald with the modern ones (Dianne Reeves, Diana Krall, Norah Jones), this release rolls out older and newer songs that these ladies interpret with gusto and panache.
   
   No weak cuts on these records, but here are a few standouts,"Embraceable You" by Reeves, "Solitude" by Fitzgerald, "Key Largo" by Vaughn, "Don't Go To Strangers" by the great Etta James ("At Last"), "Call Me" by everyone's favorite overseeing angel Della Reese, and many others, the classic "Something Cool" by June Christy.
   
   This is a wonderful collection that shows that in today's hip-hop influenced music culture that there is still room for the old standards.



3. Altho the disk spans 50 years of torch singing, it amazed me how all these ladies sound the same. Only Etta James stands out with some life in her voice, everyone else is so so smooth I lose track of who is singing.



4. This is a very nice cd. The contributions by Norah Jones and Patricia Barber alone are well worth the price. Where is Tierney Sutton?!



5. Wow these womens voice can sound as deep as the ocean to as high as the everlasting sky. Each song & singer is fantastic!

5 comments about Big Blues: Blues Music for Kids.

1. My toddler likes the music on this CD. When I first heard it, I wasn't sure it would go over well---my husband is not crazy about the music---but my 2 year old likes it! The songs are catchy and the music is nice and easy listening.



2. This is great blues music!! My husband and I love it just as much as the kids and we play it even when they're not around.



3. This is a GREAT cd. My 2 year old has never liked being in the car so I've been listening to elmo, bear & pooh for 2 years. That's fine, it's fun, but this is a wonderful change of pace - she loves it & so do I! Especially pancake man :-) Done in a blues style VERY much like blues music for adults, but with lyrics little ones can understand and enjoy. To the gentleman who didn't think it was authentic enough blues...I bet B.B. and the rest of the crew on this cd would beg to differ...as does my family.



4. This is a great CD! The music is more adult like but the lyrics are directed to kids. Fishin' Blues and Flying Lessons are excellent!



5. I wanted a good cd to accompany Buckwheat Zydeco in my sons collection. With the starpower that this cd's artists have, I was expecting much more. The songs would be good if the arrangements were less candy coated and more gritty and more like the guitar driven blues that my son loves.Buckwheat Zydeco is the lone bright spot on the disc. I only wish I could return it to get a different disc but instead, it is a drink coaster for a sipper cup. over and out

No comments about The Best of the Blues.

1 comments about Blues Masters, Vol. 11: Classic Blues Women.

1. A perfect introduction to now-forgotten period of music,when women were the first blues stars,this CD is also great company for a book "Black Pearls:Blues Queens of the 1920's" by Daphne Duvall Harrison.While in the book we could find historical and economical background that shaped women like Bessie Smith,Ma Rainey and Ida Cox,on this CD we can hear their voices - through the limitations of primitive recording equipment,spirit of Mamie Smith explodes in our ears from 1920.when her hit "Crazy Blues" started avalanche of blues recordings and opened a door for a new market,as then unknown teritory of "race music" whose first pioneers were women.It's interesting to compare this women to their white sisters from the same era (check "Flappers,Vamps And Sweet Young Things") - while white singers lived and performed in far better circumstances,their songs and type of singing sounds comical today as opposite to these wonderful black singers whose music left beautiful afterglow that still shines,a century later.Of course,at that time they did not know that today we will considered them artists,they were "loose women" condemned by church,often on the road,living hard life and paying their fame with a price of not having family.Popularity of this first blues singers lasted only 10 years and then they were washed away by depression which succesfully destroyed recording bussines for some time,but songs survived until present day - check wonderful Ma Rainey (whose importance as "the mother of the blues" is introduced here by 3 songs!) and Bessie Smith;compare them to other singers and hear for yourself why these two women are called "Mother" and "Empress",why their music overshadowed other contemporaries...Young Louis Armstrong could also be heard here in the full glory of his New Orleans years.Compilation ends with touching example of late Billie Holiday in the autumn of her life - althought swing era singer,Billie actually grew up listening to these women and would often quotte their old verses in her blues songs.Lyrics of her "Stormy Monday" originally could be heard on Clara Smith (Bessie's biggest compentition) 1923."I Never Miss The Sunshine (I'm So Used To The Rain").

No comments about Bob GeddinS Big Town Records Story.

4 comments about Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music In Florida.

1. Mention the steel guitar and most likely you will get images of the Hapa Haole music of Hawaii in the 30s, or the twangy sounds of hard country. But there's another side of the steel guitar, one that is not as well known, but is perhaps one of the most amazing roots traditions still alive in this country, the black Pentecostal tradition of the pedal and laptop steel guitar.

   The sacred tradition of steel guitar playing reaches back to the late 20s and early 30s and is tied to the history of the Holiness churches, particularly the Keith and Jewel Dominions of the Church of the Living God, headquartered in Northern Florida. Holiness churches are deeply Pentecostal churches, taking as their primary spiritual tradition the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which they trace to the second chapter of Acts. Music in this tradition is more than just a pretty decoration for the service. It is a sacrament in itself, serving to open congregants to the power of the Holy Spirit. True Pentecostal music, whether in traditionally white or traditionally black churches is characterized by an infectious rhythmic quality and an ecstatic lyricism based on the spirituals of the south.

   In the Church of the Living God, the steel guitar is the primary instrument of the worship service, replacing the more common electronic organ of most gospel music. This disc presents music from some of the Church's finest musicians. The first 9 selections are mostly instrumentals. Each practitioner approaches his instrument differently, from the almost vocal inflections of Sonny Treadway, to the more modern, jazzy improvisations of Glenn Lee, the youngest musician on this disc. Particularly amazing are the three cuts by Willie Eason, the granddaddy of the steel tradition. He uses his guitar as a backup choir to his own folksy vocals, but intersperse them with tasty fills and blues licks. Most interesting is his original composition, Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is a latterday example of the historical ballad, a form of traditional song which interprets current events through the prism of faith.

   The second part of the disc is the real killer, the live services. Recorded in churches throughout Florida, these cuts offer generous selections of congregational singing, lead by the steel guitar. Many of the selections represent "praise" music, songs of increasingly fast tempo that are meant to raise the spirits...and boy do they ever. Sonny Treadway's This is a Holy Church and Aubrey Ghent's Praise Music are so sanctified that you almost levitate listening to them. The music isn't polished, but that's essential to it's spirit. The music flows without restraint. This music is as wild and free as any that I've ever heard. It is truly spirit-filled!

   So if you are a fan of real down-home Gospel, or a fan of roots music, this CD is a must have. But it is also recommended to adventurous people into edgy jazz or other forms of alternative music. Certainly music like this goes a long way toward helping people understand the spirituality of movements like the avant-garde jazz movement. This is music of the Spirit and as any Pentecostal will tell you...the Spirit frees!




2. A thoroughly captivating collection of one of the most obscure offshoots of the blues/gospel music axis, this disc collects 20 tracks of African-American gospel music as performed on electric steel guitars. The liner notes trace the style back to the 1930s, when steel guitars came into vogue; the performances are by a handful of contemporary performers who come from a Pentecostal church in Florida, where the tradition is still very much alive. Blues, R&B and gospel have always had an interesting Saturday night/Sunday morning interrelationship, and these recordings inject a distinctive "white" country flavor into that mix. This is one of Arhoolie's biggest-selling and best received releases in recent years and when you check it out, you'll understand why. Cool stuff. (There have also been several follow-ups and solo albums featuring the same artists on here, but this is the disc that, to me, seems most magical.)



3. I grew up in North Florida and the sounds and faith behind the words of this beautiful album are a revelation and a confirmation both. NPR uses bits of it as bridge music on their "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." I think it is because of the essential purity and sweetness of the music. "Little Church on the Hill" is something celestial. It evokes heaven, a place that exists only in time, not on a map. I don't listen to this every day, it is too good for that. I just listen to it in moments, and those moments, like this collection, are too lovely to convey.



4. Being raised in the pentecostal church (Mt.Calvary and House of God keith Dominion). This cd is a reminder of the church services in Mt.Airy, NC. with my uncle on the steele and sweet sounds of the steele, giving direction and inspiration to the church service. GLenn Lee is remarkable,the way he blends country and blues with tradional steele playing. His interpretation of "Pass me not. oh gentle savior" is without comparison, an old gospel favorite, with a country twist. Totally original! Also his own "Joyful sounds" has the uncanny imprint of his uncle bishop Harisson, with a nice twist. Nothing can compare to the old favorite "Franklin D Roosevelt,A poor man's friend", by Willie Eason. Let's not forget the foot stomping "Live religious services on the cd. IF you don't get uplifted by these selections from both Jewel and Kieth Dominions check your pulse 'cause something is definitely wrong. Believe me you will love this cd and be uplifted.

2 comments about Superharps.

1. This CD explores blues harmonica playing, almost in the form of a harp master class, and delivers in wonderful production, band and frontmen. Essentially, Sugar Ray Norcia is the main man here, playing on 7 of the 11 tunes, and he proves to be the best player AND singer. I have never heard him play as well on record before and he outplays the other players throughout. James Cotton also plays better than in a long time, which is nice to hear. Charlie's 3rd position playing, including his signature odd tuning work can also be heard and as far as I can pick up 1st, 2nd and 3rd position playing is covered on the CD. The playing by Billy Branch is good, but I have heard him better, especially on Johnny Winter's PointBlank releases where he is simply oozing. What makes this CD so enjoyable is the backup band, led by guitarist Kid Bangham, formerly of Sugar Ray's Bluetones and Fabulous Thunderbirds, providing excellent backup. This not just a harp record, it delivers nice guitar, piano, bass and drums. I can wholeheartedly recommend this CD to all blues lovers, but you have to love or enjoy harmonica.



2. I picked this CD up as an promotion, and was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to it! Charlie Musselwhite,Billy Branch and James Cotton out perform themselves, along with the other performers. Track No. 3 is outstanding in it's own right. I recently met Billy Branch at a local performance and stated to him that it was an outstanding CD..he stated to me at the time, that he did not even have a copy yet. You will listen to this CD over and over again and get new meaning everytime.

2 comments about Red Hot & Blue: Lee Atwater & Friends.

1. Never heard of Lee Atwater? No matter. More important is the all-star cast on this wonderful album. Isaac Hayes, B.B. King, Carla Thomas, Sam Moore, Billy Prestonm , The Memphis Horns, Chuck Jackson, Arlette Nightingale--a fabulous collection of great R&B roots musicians. The effort was put together by Lee Atwater, a political activist with a history as a musician. He was a competent guitarist and singer, but the album was put together as a charity event with a simply fabulous cast.

   The song selections and arrangements are excellent. Anyone who enjoyed the old Stax records sound, or just enjoyed the music of The Blues Brothers, is virtually guaranteed to love this album. The fact that it's so cheap is just a bonus! Buy it while you still can!




2. Awesome blues mix. Atwater is onfire on this CD which was a 1991 Grammy Award winner. These tunes can be heard at Atwaters BBQ chain after the name sake- Red Hot & Blue. The name was from the 50's radio program hosted by Dewy Phillips in Memphis. This CD is fantastic and features the late Lee Atwater along with such Blues greats as BB King, Isaic Hayes, and Areatha Franklin

5 comments about Blues Power: Songs of Eric Clapton.

1. Eric Clapton built his career on a catalog of licks borrowed from the blues masters of the past. This album gives an assortment of Chicago blues artists a chance to pay homage to Eric, and his elder predecessors. Carl Weathersby contributes his famous rendition of "Lay Down Sally", and Ann Peebles' sorrowful version of "Tears in Heaven" will bring a mist to the eyes of even the most hardened blues critics.



2. As it proclaims on the cover, "This ain't no tribute," and it ain't. In fact, it's the exact opposite. Clapton purists, and blues purists, will probably reject this with disdain. If so, they're missing out on a great CD. You're basic "tribute" album has lesser known artists doing note for note, unoriginal covers of a famous artist's work. Here, Blues legends (like Koko Taylor, Otis Clay, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, James Cotton, Otis Rush, and Pinetop Perkins), along with up and coming blues artists, celebrate Clapton's legacy by putting their own, special stamp on his songs. Bo Diddley's take on "Before You Accuse Me" (which is, of course, a cover of a Clapton song which itself was a cover of a Bo Diddley song), alone makes this CD worth buying. Other highlights include Koko Taylor's rendition of "Blues Power," Buddy Guy's take on "Stange Brew," and Eric Gales' surpsingly good cover of "Layla" (yes, "Layla"). There are a few throw-aways, and a little too much influence of the Blues Brothers (which seems to permeate everything put out by "House of Blues"), but in general it's very much worth the price of admission. Don't miss it.



3. ive gave it three because of buudy guy(strange brew) and koko taylors(blues power} eric gale/derek trucks(layla)



4. The comment above is right on. A mildy entertaining CD that I think Ill trade in for the much better Eric Clapton "Blues" double CD.



5. I love this album! Many of Eric's greatest tunes performed superbely (and mostly creatively) by other excellent artists. There's great guitar work here, even if it isn't Eric himself. My favorite Clapton tune, "Old Love", is done beautifully by Otis Rush. I was so happy to see this lovely, too often neglected, song on the album. Koko Taylor rocks on "Blues Power" and the guitar work by Chriss Johnson and Rico McFarland is fabulous. "Layla" closes the album! Eric Gales sticks very close to the original arrangement but without the fire ... until, just before the coda, Derek Trucks flies in and knocks you off your feet - I would have liked more of that. Personally, I could have done without "Lay Down Sally" and "Tears in Heaven" in favor of a killer "After Midnight". All-in-all, this is a wonderful album - excellent artists performing great songs. If you are an EC fan, buy it - you'll love it. And, it will hold you until July 27th when Eric releases a double CD Blues album.