4 comments about Night Calls.

1. Joe Cocker has one of the most distinctive gravelly voices in R & B history. He's always stuck to his roots and never gone with temporary fads or novelties. This collection is another classic with great covers from the Beatles, Elton John and Gary Wright. His interpretive voice has always been the focal point of his songs, but in DTS 5.1, you are surrounded (as if in concert) by his presence. The completely adept and intuitive musicians that accompany him add more atmosphere without taking from his performance. Imagine hearing him in live in a theater and you'll know what to expect from this warm and heartfelt album.



2. I'm a big Joe Cocker fan.This album is his first in the 90's.This version of the album where released in USA in 1992, but the orginal version where released in europe 1991.The album is not one of his best.I like him better on albums like "Cocker" (1986), "Have a little faith" (1994) and on his new release "Respect yourself" (2002).My favorite songs on this album is "Love is alive", a real rocker, and "Night calls".I like the powerballad "You've got to hide you're love away" too.
   I saw him live in Oslo Spektrum in january 1992 on his "Night calls world tour, and he rocked the house down.
   If you're not a Cocker-fan, buy the best of-album "Greatest Hits" (1998).



3. Joe Cocker's first studio release of the 90's proves to be an enjoyable listen. "Night Calls" sold over 2 million copies in Germany alone upon it's release. The cd opens with the Bryan Adams tune "Feels Like Forever" which is a fantastic ballad that would have been a monster hit if radio stations in the U.S would have given it some airtime? It's so true that Joe can make a song his own. The majority of his covers usually outshine the originals. Wait till you hear his takes on "Can't Find My Way Home" and "Love Is Alive". They blow the original versions away by Steve Winwood and Gary Wright. The title track has a little ELO overtone thanks to a great production job by Jeff Lynne. Joe also lends his vocal chords to a fantastic gospel feel remake of the Beatles "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" complete with a church like chorus. Joe is like fine wine that keeps getting better with age. The most disticntive growl in rock n roll never sounded better.



4. I guess my title can ahve a double meaning. First of all, Joe Cocker offers varying adaptations of blues, ballads, and rock n roll. Secondly, Joe covers artists from Prince to Elton John to Gary Wright and boy does he put some oomph into Love Is Alive. Got to love those background vocals on that track.

   Whatever the style of the song, Joe delivers his adaptation with the upmost spirit and professionalism. On the Beatles, You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, Joe makes this song his own changing the arrangements to suit his own style. Feels Like Forever and When A Woman Cries are two more standouts which show case Mr. Cocker at his most passionate. Maybe not quite an all time classic but it sure rates a winner to my ears.

5 comments about I Wasn't Born Yesterday.

1. I LOVE everything about SAFIRE! From her debut to our recent phone conversation. This girl is pure and very real. Unlike other freestyle artists, Safire is NOT a fake. The way we communicate took my love for her to another level. Pure Respect!



2. Hip Hop and Latin Hip-Hop(A.K.A. Freestyle/Heart Throb)were born in NYC USA. Safire is one of the true singers that had a voice in the genre. Let's get serious here, to know talent is to have some man. She can sing. The songs reflect what we real Freestyle fans know and love this type of music since it's birth and hearing it blasting through our speakers wether it be at home or back in the days at the clubs. Grab her most recent album with "Bringing back the Groove". Support her & Freestyle!



3. this album is off the hook im a big fan of safire since thinking of you to can u stand the rain if u are a big fan of freestyle music like myself yall check my girl safire out peace



4. My freind recently ordered this for me from-hhmmm- another...oh never mind, anyways I love this sophomore offering from Safire. Actually, I bought this on cassette tape back in 1991 when I was still an impressionable 17 y/o teen. I didn't turn 18 'til Dec. Anyways, I first bought the 12" single of "Made Up My Mind" the 1st single released. In fact I just listened to it on my Spirit of Saint Louis Record player/stereo and it still sounds fabulous! By the way, it's a very attractive record- it's a beautiful blue. George LaMond and Cynthia sing backing vocals and also offered are several remixes of the song. If my memory serves me right , the second single was "Whatever Happens"(not too sure); the third single was "Somethings Never Change"- again w/ George LaMond singing backup and the fourth and final single was "Taste the Bass". For some reason, the last three singles weren't available at the stores where I was buying records. Maybe, there wasn't a strong demand for them- I don't know. I know I would've purchased them just to have them in my record collection.
   This record shows growth in Safire- like she's graduated to another plateau. "Whatever Happens" is a tender ballet which I would've wanted to see become more successful on top 40 radio or adult contemporary. It was simply overlooked by everyone!
   Safire's material is catchy, feel-good and memorable. Pop radio she have given her more of a chance after "Boy, I've Been Told" her biggest comercial success.
   Safire: The singles
   
   DON'T BREAK MY HEART 1986
   LET ME BE THE ONE 1987
   BOY, I'VE BEEN TOLD 1988
   LOVE IS ON HER MIND 1988
   THINKING of YOU 1989
   MADE UP MY MIND 1991
   WHATEVER HAPPENS 1991
   SOMETHINGS NEVER CHANGE 1991
   I WASN'T BORN YESTERDAY Unrealsed
   TASTE the BASS 1992
   STANDING IN the RAIN
   (with CYNTHIA) 2000
   
   I hope I haven't forgotten something; so I appologize If I have. Peace- JULIUS ALLAN
   *ERROR*- TONY MORAN sang backup vocals on "SOMETHINGS NEVER CHANGE" w/ SAFIRE -J.A.H



5. This is a great effort from the Adult Comtemporary ballads "Whatever Happens" to Freestyle "I'm a Victim", "Mid Up My Mind", etc. to the Dance-Pop tunes "I Never Heard", "Taste the Bass", "I Wasn't Born Yesterday", etc. Safire shows alluring vocals throughtout and the production is really good. Highly recommended to any pop music lover.

5 comments about I Feel Like Goin' On.

1. The crisp sound and heartfelt timing by the artists on this Ronnie Earl offering will be appreciated by any blues fan. It is mostly instrumental music, as is the RE style, and his use of the Fender Telecaster gives it a particular bite and clarity I find inspiring as a musician. The drumming and B3 are great, too! Be forewarned, there are also a lot of quiet spaces to balance out the flash, but that is part of its charm and why I find the best listening is in a personal space like iPod so one can crank it up.



2. I like Ronnie earl very very much since i heard him first time in his 1983 LP Smoking. I saw Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters live in 1998 at the "Luz de Gas" in Barcelona. It was one of the greatest Blues shows I've ever seen. Two wonderful hours of blues grooves. He performed several tunes of his great record "THE COLOUR OF LOVE" and was very nice. After hearing this 2003 Stony Plain Record debut album the almost all instrumental 'I feel like goin' on' I still think that Ronnie Earl is one of the five best current guitarists. He's one of his generation's most acclaimed blues guitarists and he is winner of two W.C.Handy Awards, a very important distinction for all artists. The record is almost all instrumental and full of acknowledgements like "Blues for Otis Rush", dedicated to the superb Otis Rush, "Little Johnny Lee" for the master John Lee Hooker, "Big Walter" for the incommensurable harpist Big WALTER HORTON and two tunes - "Wolf dance" and "Howlin' for my darlin'" - dedicated to one of the Chicago Blues fathers, the incomparable Howlin' Wolf and his sempiternal companion, the phenomenal guitarist Hubert Sumlin. Although I find the sound of the electric guitars only a little shrill in some song and I don't know what the tune with Silver Leaf Gospel Singers "Mary Don't You Weep" is in this record - perhaps because I don't like Gospel - I recommend this CD to all blues followers, both veterans and newcomers. To make it short: this is possibly his best record since the marvellous "Live in Europe" and you could say very gratefully, "Mr Earl is BACK!".



3. As far as the tone thing goes, this is how the cats sounded back before all the state of the art compression and rack gear. I like it all. My mind is open. With that said, Ronnie's tone fits his style perfectly. Aside from this rather stunted and immature "tone" issue brought up in another review, Ronnie is loved by Carlos Santana, Greg Allman, and many other more rockish musicians.
   Generally, I don't respond to other reviews, but this one deserves an address.
   At any rate, if you love raw and real blues, buy this. If you want some guy who outgrew his spandex years ago.. well...



4. Some interesting reviews below. The Gary Moore fan is probably representative of many people who aren't deeply into blues. I can understand these people, obviously coming from rock guitar, not being wholly into Mr. Earl at the start. Rather than dismissing Ronnie Earl he would be better of simply saying he wasn't ready to listen to deeper blues. If you feel you are ready, then this is a good disc. Personally however, I think you would be better served buying "Deep Blues", then "Soul Searching", then "Live in Europe". If you dig these then you will be sold on Mr. Earl! Also check out BlackTop Blues-a-Rama Volume 5 for some great Ronnie Earl.



5. Tom Boyle's review of this CD was filled with personal attacks, mistruths, and plain old nonsense about my opinion of this CD and I believe it deserves a response.
   So what if i don't like the Earl's tone and playing? Isn't the reason we have been given the opportunity to write these reviews so that various opinions can be shared here? If we all l thought the same, and had the same opinions, what kind of world would that be? Also, to point to my reviews of artists other than blues artists as a testament to my "impeccable blues credentials" is also nonsense and a sarcastic attack on me. I never claimed that to be true and any reasonable person can understand.. that the fact that I enjoy other artists besides blues artist does not disqualify me in any way from commenting on this blues artist.
   Now to Tom's attacks on me... I never claimed to be "the all-knowing guitar critic." That is sheer nonsense and that is all the response that statement deserves. I have seen Gary Moore play alongside BB King, Albert Collins, and Albert King, and I thought Gary's tone and playing was much better in every instance. Can Gary Moore, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Jimi Hendrix not play the blues since they also played rock? Tommy! Tommy! I don't think it is I who is under the rock. I would heartily recommend counseling to deal with your hostilities. My intention was not to make anybody upset, but just to give my honest opinion.

2 comments about The Best of Peabo Bryson.

1. this is the collection to get from Peabo. the Afro&White suit Era Peabo was on Point. this is where he Brought it."Let the feeling Flow" still hits home as do His various duets.a Multi Talented Artist. avoid the Stay Soft Curl Miami Vice Era Peabo though.His Music got watered down after 84. 78-83 is prime time Peabo Bryson as a Writer,Vocalist,Instrumentalist&All-Around Artist.



2. Most collections of Peabo's songs are good,but not great.
   This collection maybe because it limits itself from 1978-
   1983 which were his most popular years on the pop charts
   has his best known songs from that period. A must have for
   newer fans on a budget,and for those of us who don't want
   to skip tracks to hear the songs we want.

4 comments about Addictions, Vol. 2.

1. 
   In 2007, Universal UK released a 2CD set, Gold, that is actually Addictions Volumes 1 & 2 remastered.
   
   The original Addictions CD's are well over 15 years old, and completely out-of-date, from an audio-quality perspective.
   
   The remastered sound is great; all RP fans should divest the older discs and get the Gold set.



2. The late Robert Palmer planned to release this album in the fall of 1990,a year after ADDICTIONS VOLUME 1. But he opted for another all-original album that both rocks hard and gently serenades. In this great 15-song compilation released in 1992,you get more of the blue-eyed soul man's best tunes like his first hit from 1974,at least in America,SNEAKIN' SALLY THROUGH THE ALLEY,from the album of the same title. REMEMBER TO REMEMBER is from 79's SECRETS. Palmer had other hits like SHE MAKES MY DAY,EARLY IN THE MORNING,I DIDN'T MEAN TO TURN YOU ON,HYPERACTIVE,GET IT ON(BANG A GONG) and COMMUNICATION(the latter two are from 1985's THE POWER STATION). Palmer released another album in '92,preceding or following this one,RIDIN' HIGH which is very much like 1990's DON'T EXPLAIN. The other songs are great. I dedicate this item to the memory of Palmer(January 19,1949-September 26,2003).



3. 1989's Addictions Vol 1 was a comprehensive "best of" collection of Robert Palmer's work since going solo in the mid 70's. Combining big hit singles with lesser known album tracks and live favorites, all of which were chosen by Palmer himself, the album was a multi million seller in the US and a Top 10 hit in the UK. In 1992 Palmer released the follow up, this time spending moere time remixing and/or re-recording older songs from his early days that he felt weren't done properly originally. Palmer lamented his lack of production experience early in his career and essentially took this album as a chance "to get it right" so to speak.
   
   Some of the songs are better, at least more contemporary sounding, when re-done for this compilation. Big hits however are hard to find, except for "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" (Top 10 in both US and UK) and "She Makes My Day" (Top 10 in the UK). This set focusses much more than Vol 1 did on album cuts and lesser known material so casual fans might not recognize more than a couple of selections.
   
   Combined with Vol 1, the two albums make for an excellent complilation of Robert Palmer's work for the first half of his solo career (no material after 1988 is included in either album). Because much attention is given to less well known songs, some major hits from the period are excluded ("Hyperactive", "Early In The Morning"). Also, niether album is a complete look into Palmer's long career since the last 15 years he recorded aren't included. Still, some of the strongest work the singer did is included in these albums and even casual fans should be entertained by either set. VOL 2 is highlighted by an excellent re-working of "Every Kinda People", complete with a new guitar figure,the anti racism themed ballad that gave Palmer his first Top 20 hit in the US back in 1978. Palmer also placed a premium on liner notes and both albums feature extensive info about each song, written by Palmer himself. That alone makes either album a worthy buy for any collector.



4. When Robert Palmer's first "Addictions" volume came out in 1989, it included most of his biggest hits such as "Addicted To Love," "Bad Case Of Loving You," and "Simply Irresistible." This 1992 follow-up concentrates on his lesser hits and favorite album tracks and makes for a far more interesting collection.

   "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" was the one big hit not found on the first volume and is included here in its original form. The majority of the rest of the tracks, however, have been remixed, revoiced, or flat out remade. "Every Kinda People" appears on both volumes. Here it has been remixed to emphasize the acoustic guitar. It is nice, but so was the original, so there really wasn't much need for its reworking.

   "Sneakin' Sally Through The Alley" has had the overdubs removed so that it is just Palmer and the Meters jammin' and the end result is a far more potent sound. "Man Smart, Woman Smarter" also eliminates the overdubs. Its raunchier sound helps it prevail over the silly lyrics. The Todd Rundgren ballad "Can We Still Be Friends" has been remixed, with added overdubs, which results in a suitably more polished recording.

   Palmer's liner notes on each track contribute to the collection enormously, as he explains why he felt these tracks needed to be reworked and how he went about "improving" on the original versions. On "You Are In My System," for instance, Palmer relates that he was rushed to put down his vocal on the initial release. Now, it has been revoiced and does indeed benefit from a stronger vocal performance.

   Additions 2 concludes with two songs which weren't reworked and are the weakest tracks on the collections. Gary Numan's "I Dream Of Wires" is monotonous and morose, while "The Silver Gun," sung by Palmer in Urdu, is just plain weird. These two selections reflect Palmer's often esoteric musical tastes.

2 comments about Burnin' Love: The Best of Lee Rocker.

1. Love this CD! I've seen Lee Rocker and his band in person a few times in the LA area. After hearing them, I knew I had to purchase one of his CD's. I also purchased one for a friend who heard mine and liked his music so much, they wanted one too. It is great "feel-good" Rock-a-Billy music. I highly recommend this CD. You can't go wrong.



2. Pretty sweet release here by the great rockabilly bassist Lee Rocker. It's a compilation album and would be a great way to get to know his music or rockabilly/roots music in general. A few tracks worth mentioning are the Elvis covers, he does them with taste. Check out the medley w/ That's Alright Mama/Blue Moon of Kentucky. Shame, Shame, Shame features Scotty Moore (Elvis's guitarist during his Sun years) on guitar, his tone resonates and gives it a great feel. Also be sure to check out the bonus multimedia features. Oh yeah, Memphis Freeze is worthy of praise too.

5 comments about No Guru, No Method, No Teacher.

1. If Astral Weeks is Van's masterpiece, this is a close second. And I actually have difficulty calling this album "second" to anything, because it is in a league of its own. So it's best not to even try to make comparisons. It's not like Astral Weeks or Tupelo Honey or Moondance--or anything Van--or for that matter, anyone else--has ever done.
   
   Listening to No Guru is a soul-stirring, transcendental experience. You cannot listen to "Tir Na Nog" or "Oh The Warm Feeling" or "Got To Go Back" and not be mesmerized and transformed. Forget about his voice; this is not about vocal ability or range or skill. It is not about catchy melodies or witty refrains. It is not about Van the Man. This is not personality-driven music. Once you listen to it, it becomes yours and no one else's. Truly timeless and majestic.



2. As a long-time Van fan who pretty well owns his whole catalog, No Guru stands as my all-time favorite Morrison album, and is definitely deserving of 5 star status. Turn down the lights, sip some wine, and let the enchanting music of this masterpiece take you to some other place.



3. Van surely felt the need to go back on this one. Not necessarily back to his early roots...You know those legendary American R&B stars like Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson and Bobby Blue Bland. No here Van explores the more spiritual side of the Belfast Cowboy. Songs like Oh The Warm Feeling, Foreign Window and In The Garden demonstrate Van's deep commitment to Christian devotion. But what really sets this album apart from Van's eighties output is his willingness to open his heart and expose his true humanity. Call it a kinder gentiler Van...not so much pride and bravado, but a more compassionate and vulnerable Van.
   
   "No Guru, No Method, No Teacher"....Yea, Van needs none of that. He stands on his own solid foundation. "All that matters is my relationship with you". He may remain a constant seeker, but Van will always find a way to express his inner most feelings about God and love and truth. Listen and hear the voice of the master....."No Guru, no method, no teacher....Just you and me in the garden".



4. I am writing this review out of frustration. I am pissed off at all the so-called Van Morrison fans who seemed to have unanimously decided to rate EVERY Van Morrsion album as worthy of 4 or 5 stars. This is crap and even Van would agree with me. He knows he has released some ordinary material over the recent years, yet reading all these cumulative scores on Amazon, the casual listener might assume all Van's albums are equally worthy...not true.
   
   This album is a MASTERPIECE. "Common One" is not. "Hymns to the Silence" isn't and "Back on Top" is an oxymoron if ever there was one. I am a huge fan of Van, but even after repeatedly listenings of the aforementioned albums, they do not stand up in comparison to Van's truly astounding albums, of which 'No Guru" is amongst. Others albums that stand head and shoulders above not only other Van albums, but also any other singer songwriter's library (Young and Dylan included) are the following:
   Astral Weeks, Moondance, It's Too Late to stop Now (the definitive live album), Veedon Fleece, Into the Music, Inarticulate Speech of the Heart, Poetic Champions Compose, Enlightenment and The Best of Van Morrison.
   
   Why do I include the Best of Van you ask??? Well not only is it audiophile quality in it's repoduction, it really highlights Van's diversity and astonishing ability to powerfully convey human emotion in a huge variety of musical styles. It was my first introduction to Van Morrison and still is a great listen. His consistency dropped in albums since 1990, but he has still written and performed great songs since, some of which appear on Volume 3 of his greatest hits.
   
   Anyway I have said my piece, which others may vehemently disagree about (as is the perogative of a Van Morrison fan :). I strongly recommend anyone who loves pop music, soul music, folk music, and jazz music to listen to "No Guru, No Method, No teacher" repeatedly, on a good hifi to discover what a brillant artist Van Morrison is. Enjoy.



5. It's a shame that this phase of Van's career is over. This is just a brilliant recording of the bard from Belfast.

5 comments about Odetta Sings Dylan.

1. Wow... What an album! From the opening bars of the celebratory 'Baby I'm in the Mood for You' through all the tracks including her chilling reading of 'Masters of War, Odetta's interpretations of Dylan's songs are spellbinding. If you do not know this album give it a listen. If you are a Dylan or Odetta fan go out and get yourself a copy. A true classic, don't ignore it!



2. An awesome album. Odetta's version of "Don't Think Twice" is one of the best Dylan covers I have ever heard.



3. Those of you who know Bob Dylan's songs will appreciate this one. Some of these takes just grab you and don't let go till the end and then you'll need to hear them again. WOW! Bob's songs are trully adaptable and hearing them sung this way is a treat.



4. First of all you have to go back to the original Bob Dylan songs that Odetta has chosen to sing and remember when she did this record to appreciate the renditions of these songs. Odetta takes each one and adds her own unique style to capture her feelings in relation to the song. After 30 plus years of being a Bob Dylan fan, it was nice to hear someone else do his songs other that Joan B. or Judy C. although these gals do him jsutice too.
   thank you Odetta. CA from Calif.



5. If you are not already a Dylan (or an Odetta) fan, this is not the place the start. But if like me you can't resist a good Dylan cover, this album is a treat. I've had this album for years on vinyl and jumped at the chance to get it on CD. The real gems here are the obscure songs: "Baby, I'm in the mood for you", "Long ago, far away", and "Walking down the line". The better known tunes suffer in comparison with the oft-heard originals or covers by bigger stars. Odetta's voice is a marvel no matter what she is singing. The finger picked guitars and acoustic bass accompaniment provide a sparse, classic folk setting.

4 comments about Follow Your Heart's Desire.

1. Hi,
   
   May 14, 2005 I went to the Clarksville, Virginia Pow Wow held at the Occanneechi State Park. This artist started to sing and her music spoke to my heart. Then I decided to purchase the CD. I LOVED IT!!!! Her style has a Blues sound to it. My favorite song is track #9 "Tuscarora People." I agree with her lyrics. We, Black Indians, are still hear.....My ancestors live through me!
   
   Erica



2. Native American activist, singer-songwriter Pura Fe, is internationally known as a founding member of the acapella trio, Ulali. Her latest musical contribution is a solo effort that incorporates contemporary blues and traditional native american songs.
   
   The album, "Follow your Heart's Desire," is a spiritual journey that opens with the title track, an uplifting piano ballad in which she sings lyrics that all can relate to: "Not knowing when and where to go, your heart will take you there...you hope for no despair." Other songs are political, highlighting the struggles of indigenous people around the world. "Rise up Tuscarora Nation" becomes an anthem for the Tuscarora who didn't migrate to upstate New York; while "You Still Take" creates a perfect blend of bluesy slide-guitar with the voices of the Deer Clan Singers, a trio of performers from North Carolina.
   
   Pura Fe's voice is beautiful. At times in songs such as "Whole World is Down on Me," she channels Janis Joplin, her powerfully charged voice soars to dizzying heights. Fans of Ulali will recognize a shorter, guitar version of "Going Home", one of thier signature songs. The song conjures images of North Carolina history: "Tobacco fields, trail of tears, stolen people on stolen land...I'm going home..." and ends with a Stomp Dance song. Pura Fe has created a great work of art that strikes deep: full of history, blues and traditional native music of the southeast.



3. 
   Pura Fe's artistry is multidimensional, kaleidoscoping into shifting visual geometries of light and color and sound and movement, like a jewel.
   
   Her mother sang jazz with Duke Ellington and opera for the Met, her father, who named her was Puerto Riqueno. Grounded in the folkways of First Nations people (a smoke dance champion and fabric artist), including her own Tuscarora, most know Pura Fe as a singer and songwriter who co-founded Ulali with the incomparable Soni Moreno and cousin Jennifer. So, here's the revelation: Pura Fe is a blues guitarrista, who plays dark, slithery lap-style slide guitar.
   
   Pura Fe gives indigenous people pride of place in the roots of the blues. Her liner notes reveal her fierce concern for the truth and her tenderness and humor, "African and Indian slaves were harbored, escorted and smuggled across the Canadian border through Indian country. This union gave birth to a rich new culture blending religion, dance, and food, good looking people and the Blues!"
   
   The composition Della Blackman/Pick and Choose delivers a new chapter in the history of murder ballads from the color line; its "pick and choose" chorus is a mantra we should all memorize. Her slide guitar lends a dark glory to the Ulali standard "You Still Take"; the voices of the Deer Clan Singers are beaded into the blues framework of the song in a way that conjures visions --I imagined these indigenous and African sounds rising starward on campfire smoke at a nightwatch on the Underground Railroad. Cool John Ferguson's lickety-split, jazzy licks on the title track make you wish he'd sat in for the whole session. And every now and then, as in the denouement to Rise Up Tuscarora Nation, Pura Fe's voice leaps off a cliff -- where it soars on ravenswings, sending chills down your spine and leaving every hair on the back of your neck standing straight up.
   
   It is rare to find any performer with such depth of artistry. Kudos to the Music Maker Foundation for making this possible. You know the ancestors, and Ingrid Washinawatook in particular, are smiling and laughing and clapping and singing along with Pura Fe to beat the band.
   
   Please purchase this CD right away.



4. I've been a fan of Ulali for quite some time now, and I just had to pick up this album when I heard about it. While the style is slightly different than the Ulali a cappella trio, I've found it no more difficult to absolutely fall in love with this disc. Pura Fe herself plays guitar and piano to complement her masterful vocals, and unmatched writing skills. Her English lyrics range from the emotionally charged track "You Still Take", to the aptly named, dulcet track "Sweet Willie". She has also done an amazing job of combining the traditional music of her native North Carolina roots with the blues culture which grew around the area. She has in effect, painted a portrait of her ancestral home using masterful lyrics, a sharp sense of melody and harmony, and a heart full of passion and emotion.
   
   Look for the title track and how it ropes you in with pervasive four part harmonies and powerful piano chords to set the tone. This is really and truly a momentous and lovely album.

5 comments about Change.

1. You cant go wrong with Sue Folley if you like bottle neck slide blues. She picks great songs and then kicks'em out. Her voice takes a bit of getting use to but man can she play guitar. I have not heard a weak CD from her yet.
   She's a very pretty and sexy woman. If you get a chance to see her play out its worth a long drive or an expensive ticket



2. This is my first Sue Foley album. I ran across it at a bookstore that allows you to listen to samples from the tracks.
   
   Unfortunately, that store makes it such a pain to actually buy a CD that I ended up being forced to wait a few days to receive it in the mail from Amazon.
   
   Well worth the wait. I'm a big fan of live CDs, I always feel like you get a better feel for the energy and excitement that makes an artist gain a folloowing and this CD proves that out.
   
   Very satisfying live performance blues.



3. I really liked Sue's old style, raspy blues style on this album. It is the first one I have heard from her but she is up there with the greats: Bonnie Raitt, Etta James, with a little Emmylou Harris mixed in.



4. Hey John, you need to catch Sue live in person (grrrreat!). 1 - Love Comin' Down 2 - Back To The Blues 3 - Big City Blues. Cheers!



5. I have all of Sue's albums. The first one I heard that hooked me was Love Coming Down. My clear cut favorite is Back To The Blues. This new one is great and is probably already 2nd favorite. It is very impressive for a live album, the sound is fantastic. I am a fan of her guitar work and this album has it, although not enough. Her voice has a brat quality and is as sexy as ever.