5 comments about Grand Union.

1. If you're a guitar freak of the blues-revival or blues-rock vein, or if you're a fan of the Vaughan bothers, you'll find much of interest here. Plenty of guitar-ego-trip! Listen to Otis Grand recreating the cool sound of the Master of the Telecaster on a couple of tunes just (almost) 100% exactly!
   But for me, the greatest thing here is not any guitar, but the truly masterful vocal work of Sugar Ray Norcia ("There Was A Time"). He's the best!



2. Whether you are a guitarist, or not - you can't fail to be impressed by this CD. Otis has one again excelled himself with the aid of Debbie Davies and Anson Funderburgh, not to mention all the other fine players. Every track on this CD just exudes fine blues and r&b and I strongly recommend it to anyone. Check Otis out live too to see probably the best Blues you will ever see!



3. Anson is fine, but the other guitars here are unsoulful and tasteless. What an over-estimated player Grand is! Notes not in the right places and he speaks when he should be quiet -- offenses which beset most british bluesmen. Like Clapton, Otis just doesn't get it. I'll take 50's B.B. King any day.



4. What a great blues feast this CD is! From the blistering opening cut of 'Guitars on Fire' right through to the soulful final track 'The Big Prayer' the level of commitment, passion and sheer quality never falls below 110%.

   And how could it? The list of musicians contributing to this CD reads like a Who's Who of Blues Greats. The guitars of Otis Grand, Debbie Davies and Anson Funderburgh contrast and compliment each other beautifully. The vocals of Sugar Ray Norcia and Brother Roy Oakley are pure gold, and the rhythm section of Mudcat Ward's bass and Neil Gouvin's drums cook up the coolest groove. Add to this guest musicians of the calibre of Ike Turner (good grief!), and Tony Coleman and the 'Bee Horns' from the BB King band.

   The reason I am so impressed with this CD is because it works so well, the whole being much greater than the sum of its parts.

   Otis Grand, who assembled this banquet, obviously knows the blues like the back of his hand. This CD has certainly wetted my appetite for more. He must have a helluva live act!




5. It seems pointless to me reviewing a new Otis Grand release. Let's face it, the man just doesn't do bad; and when he surrounds himself with musicians of the calibre of co-headliners Davies and Funderburgh, vocalists Sugar Ray Norcia and Roy Oakley, a rhythm section comprising Neil Gouvin and 'Mudcat' Ward on drums and bass, Anthony Geraci and Ike Turner on keys, along with B.B.King's horn section and drummer, Tony Coleman, who also contributes a couple of vocals .... you get what I'm trying to say? It is testament indeed to his standing in the world blues community that Grand can pick up a phone and assemble such a line-up to help with his project. And believe me, even though the billing is shared, this is Otis Grand's project! From the choice of material to the classy production, Grand has pulled out all the stops to ensure everything is perfect. Since playing on Joe Louis Walker's 'Great Guitars', Grand has been consumed with expanding the concept. Enlisting the help of Funderburgh and Davies, writing a bunch of new songs and setting aside ten days in the studio for everybody to bounce ideas off each other, Grand has produced an album worthy of following the multi-award winning 'Perfume and Grime'. From the explosive opening of 'Guitars On Fire' to the down-home steel guitar closer 'The Big Prayer', everything in between is a gem. Having already started to break big in the States with his last effort, if this album doesn't do it for Croydon's best known American, English nationalised blues guitarist then nothing will. With this album alone, Grand shows that he has more talent in his little finger than most of the hyped up super-stars being paraded as musicians today. 'Grand Union' is certainly one of my contenders for album of the year, so it follows that it comes highly recommended. But then again ... you already knew that!

   PS - This is my review published last year in Britain's 'Blueprint' magazine. I still stick with what I said at the time. Steve Cooke

2 comments about Guitar.

1. While I missed it the first time (I was 2 when it was released), when I finally came around to the Takoma guitarists in my 20s I was awestruck by the combination of spareness and experimentalism at work in Lang's "The Thing at the Nursery Room Window." And while I enjoyed "Dharma Blues," it felt a little too safe, lacking as it did many of the rootless asides and extended tangents that his debut traded in. Not "Guitar." "Nursery Room"'s rightful descendent, the album strikes a meaty balance between four-square structure and brain-tickling abstraction, playfulness and poise. From the modal opener "Little Cairo" to the Pahinui-esque "After the Fall" to his touching evocation of Fahey in "Witness to the Messenger," Lang is spot on even as he's a little bit off -- a stylistic trait peculiar to the Takoma guitarists as a whole and a big reason why their music was/is so much more rich and soulful than that of the merely technically proficient. A triumphant return.



2. Along with Leo Kottke, Peter Lang is the first son of a style of music developed by John Fahey sometimes called "American Primitive". Lang was discovered by Fahey and his first recording appeared with together with Fahey and Leo Kottke in the 70s on the Takoma label. Guitar is the second album of Lang's since his hiatus 20 plus years ago from the music business. This collection of instrumentals contains some of his most mature and durable work. "Little Cairo" is a slide guitar gem that incorporates a Middle Eastern feel. There is an homage to the late blues guitarist (he taught Dylan to play the guitar), called "Snaker Ray Has Come & Gone" This tune is a compendium of blues styles used by Ray and Lang, and completes a tribute to the man who first motivated Lang to become a performer. It ranges from fast to delicate. Lang was known in the 70s and 80s and one of the premier fast wizards of fingerpicked guitar. He still has speed in his creative tool box, but listen to "All Through My Life". This is a well honed gem that ranges in speed and intensity, but its primary strength is that it is melodically beautiful, richly complex, and moving. Peter Lang has the uncanny ability of a virtuoso that doesn't just dazzle with technique, but has the wonderful gift of turning personal explorations into universally moving experiences. If you are wondering how he compares to fellow Minnesotan, Leo Kottke. Lang plays less aggressively, is more blues oriented than Kottke, consitently plays more melodicly and doesn't use finger picks, which gives him more expressive control of the guitar (acoustic and electric). I am a big fan of Leo's, and the idea of comparing these two greats is silly. If you are a Kottke fan, then you already like the American Primitive guitar genre, and should include many Peter Lang CDs next to Leo Kottke, and consider them as equals.

5 comments about Mary.

1. This has to be probably my favorite Mary c.d. The Lauryn Hill penned "All that I can say" is simply gorgeous, and a great way to open the c.d. My favorties include "No happy holidays", "Beautiful Ones",and "Let No Man put asunder" (has a nice 70's groove to it). "The love I never had" is phenomenal, and the groove session feel of the song, just make you feel good. "I'm in love" is another stand-out track, and "Give me you" is very inspirational. This is around the time Mary started getting herself on the right track, and it shows. Also duets with K-Ci and Aretha Franklin are both dynamic, definitely worth checking out.



2. "Mary," the fourth studio album by the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige is propbaly the most soul driven CD in her catalogue. Sure there are some Hip Hop moments like the booming "Sexy" featuring Jadakiss, the hard Elton John sampling second single, "Deep Inside," which samples his classic, "Bennie & the Jets," and the cool groove of "Time," but the rest is pure 70s inspired soul gems. The first single, "All That I Can Say," written and produced by Lauryn Hill sounds like something Stevie Wonder could have composed during the "Songs In the Key of Life" sessions. "No Happy Holidays" sounds like something Chaka Khan would have recorded with Rufus, and the grand, "The Love I Never Had" features Mary at her most heartfelt vocally. The nearly 7 minute opus, produced by legends Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, sounds more like a confessional than an actual song. Mary takes on two remakes with "I'm In Love," and "Let No Man Put Asunder," which she more than makes her own. Mary also duets with her Ex, K-Ci Hailey on the firery "Not Lookin'" and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, on "Don't Waste Your Time," where Aunt Ri schools MJB on how to deal with an unfaithful lover. Eric Clapton plays guitar on the bluesy, Diane Warren penned ballad, "Give Me You." The other tracks like the heartfelt "Beautiful Ones," the sentimental "Memories," and explosive "Your Child," where Mary confronts her lover about his lovechild, are pure gold. If you missed this collection of songs, please add it to your collection. It ranks up there with Mary's best. I still listen to it like it's new and it's been almost a decade since it's been released!



3. this album is the bomb she did a very good job on this one u should get it and i am a huge mary j blige fan



4. it's refreshing when an artists challenges themselves especially if they are mary j. blige. in her forth lp, mary throws away the " ghetto fab" approach and recycles the essence of rhythm and blues. her voice might have a couple of cracks on tracks but compared to previous albums, mary's overall vocals are better. they're stronger. her lyrics have the "wow" appeal that take you to the mood she's in and paints a picture. with this album, it's obvious she's a woman with adult issues not asking "why" instead stating "this is how its going to be". mary j. blige has opened up her mind which has lead to her evolution in her music. all hail the queen has done it again!



5. I know I'm probably gonna get blasted for saying this but I just don't get all the hype about Mary J. Blige. I'm sorry, but being "street" and "ghetto-fabulous" don't equal talent. Her vocal range is limited and on the majority of her songs she sings in one pitch. I put her in the category of a talk-singer. She's not really singing in the true sense of the word. I don't think her voice is horrible but its definitely not great either. I think people like her more for her lyrical content than her actual talent. She's very relateable if you're into that kind of stuff and I have nothing against Miss Blige as a person. I get the feeling she's a wonderful human being. I bought her debut album - 411, which to be fair to Miss Blige was a descent album. But since then I haven't heard anything to make me wanna rush out and buy any of her material. Sorry folks, we're just gonna have to agree to disagree on her. Mary J Blige is a wonderful person but an average singer.

No comments about Call Her Lexi.

3 comments about Duo.

1. This is probably Peter's finest collection of transcendental, relaxing tunes from start to finish as Peter and Dean gracefully and seamlessly play on journey from France, Brazil, and across the continental US and Hawaii. Dean MaGraw on acoustic guitar by himself complements the fiddle and mandolin work of Peter Ostroushko more than anyone and needs no other instruments. Peter's vocal work on The Nightingale Medley sung in Ukrainian is some of his best. If you love Heart of the Heartland, Meeting on Southern Soil, or Sacred Heart, you'll love this CD. 5-star plus.



2. These guys are one of the best duos that I have ever heard. Macgraw's backup guitar work is incredible. Get this album if you like good acoustic music.



3. This amazing album is a good representation of the live performances of Peter and Dean. I have no idea why its listed as Peter only. In person they play off of eachother expertly, most of the time without even making eye contact. It is a pleasure to listen to the CD because it brings back so many memories of live performances.

5 comments about A Tribute to Beyonce Knowles.

1. Usually when a CD is marketed with 'Various Artists', a person can tell the difference between the artists that are singing on the CD. Not so with this one. Beyonce Knowles is a fantastic vocalist, and she deserves more than this "tribute", which sounds more like a karaoke CD - and a bad one at that. Other tribute CDs will also change up the songs a little - add a twist - but there is nothing original here. I must agree with the other reviewers - I didn't want to give it one star, and I wouldn't take it if it were free.



2. When will this madness end? This cd is worst than bad, its HORRIBLE. First of all, I couldn't understand what these "vocalists" was singing about most of the time. Second, the production is so cheap and lame I actually laughed. Third, these singers make Beyonce sound like Aretha or somebody like that. That's how bad they are. Avoid this and other "tribute" albums, unless you need an expensive coaster.



3. I dunno what the hell that was i was listening to...she's not american is she? One of them songs sounded like it. EWWW. I agree, i wouldn't buy it if it was free either. I'd run over it with a steamroller twice if i made the mistake of doing so though. If you're gonna tribute a cd to someone PUH*LEEZ know how to SING!!! She should be shame for putting that on that garbage on the market. It's horrible and i hate it. I didn't want to put any star at all.



4. I am not the biggest Beyonce fan in the world by any means,but, I think the girl should sue all the various crapy "artist" that worked on this tribute ablum. Who are those losers, and why are not not ashamed of their singing voices. They say it's differnt "artist" but sound like the same nontalent to me. So what's this album about just some nontalented chick or chicks tryin to capitalize off of Beyonce's success. Take this crap off the market, I would not take it if it were free.



5. This album is a disgrace to Beyonce's singing skill, I know this is supposed to be a tribute but to me its more like a stand up comedy hour, its hilariously HORRINDOUS, no one should listen to this and this should be taken off of the MARKEt, I am one of Beyonce's biggest fan and I would NEVER buy this CRAP. So to all those who read this, take my advice, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS!!!!!!!!

No comments about Black Gold and Goddesses Bold.

No comments about Best Blues & Originals, Vol. 2.

No comments about Step Up.

5 comments about Love Deluxe.

1. I was nostalgic for the music of my teenage years, so I revisited Sade's unforgettable music and lyrics. The absence of new albums from Sade Adu and the three talented men who accompanied her is a huge loss to the world of music.
   
   Indeed, No ordinary music.



2. Im only 23, and im a hiphop fan. I love all types of music. ANd im a young man out of brooklyn. Not trying to stereotype myself. But sade's music is amazing as well as anthony hamilton. But when she sings, You cant help but to find yourself leaving reality, n momentarily losing yourself in her music. I daze off for moments @ a time. all in all her music is passionate n beautfully put together, as if she is singin directly to you. I wish My generation could Enjoy her music presently, lol maybe jay-z or 50 cent can bring her out for 1 song @ least. if michael jackson still writing music janet jackson, whitney houston. lol sade can be featured!



3. Technically speaking, Sade could never be considered a great vocalist, but she has always been blessed with a keen understanding and respect for
   her strikingly original gifts. Like some of the greatest pop-jazz vocalists, Sade often acknowledges that less is often a whole lot more. And therein lies her enormous power and appeal. "Love Deluxe" is by far the best album that Sade has ever made (without a doubt one of the very best of the 90's)! From the opening seductive grooves of "No Ordinary Love"--a song dripping with heartache and deception--to the melancholic strains of "Bullet Proof Soul," "Love Deluxe" delivers bass-driven romps that at once celebrate and bemoan matters of the heart("Cherish the Day," "Tatoo"). Turning to other matters close to her heart, Sade offers tone poems that address social-inequality without preachiness ("Pearls" and "Feel No Pain"). The band (mostly saxophone, keyboards and bass, with the occasional guitar flourish) provides the singer with full-bodied support while allowing her space enough to explore and convey a full spectrum of emotional color. Of course a Sade album would not be complete without either a superlative love song ("Kiss of Life" is actually the very incarnation of spring eternal) or a devastating torch song("Bullet Proof Soul" is a sobering indictment of a wayward paramour). In short, the spell-binding grooves never let up and there isn't a single track that you will want to skip. "Love Deluxe" is a splendid rebuke to those who once misread and dismissed Sade as a glamourous flash-in-the-pan!



4. I absolutely adore all of Sade's music and this album is no exception.
   
   I still listen to her albums from over 10 years ago and they still sound new to me.
   
   I will always buy her music for as long as her melodies make my ears feel wonderful.



5. Whether or not you happen to be a fan of the artist, I believe that you will definitely appreciate and enjoy all that she has done on this album. Her hard work and talent really shine in this work of art! The songs also, I believe, tell a story about the heart of Sade. The orchestrations and back-up vocals are particularly well-done. This album is certainly one that I feel confident in recommending to you...