5 comments about She.

1. This is probably the closest Connick's ever been to a "mainstream" pop album. But that's only in the most liberal sense of the word "mainstream". This album's hard to fit into a convenient box stylistically.
   
   On some tracks bongos give it a sort of retro 60s hipster vibe ("Trouble"), others aspire to add to the Mardi Gras canon ("Here Comes the Big Parade"), HEADHUNTERS-era Herbie Hancock rears its head ("Joe Slam and the Spaceship"), there's even a suggestion of 80s new wave outfit The Art of Noise ("Follow the Music"). In other words, if you're a big fan of his albums WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, WE ARE IN LOVE, or RED LIGHT, BLUE LIGHT, you may find yourself scratching your head. If there's one thread that ties most of this together, it's R&B. This might be the album that showcases Connick's New Orleans roots more than any other.
   
   HIGHLIGHTS:
   "Here Comes the Big Parade" is readymade for the second line, a flat-out Nawlins brass band march tune. "Trouble" is spare in the extreme with a skeletal piano line from Harry's fingers and Michael Ward's conga as Connick tells his paramour ("Dawlin' I got you/And baby, you're trouble...Used to not need nothin'/Now trouble is all I need") "(I Could Only) Whisper Your Name" is another winner as Connick proclaims love to be all he needs in the face of proclamations of peace or eternal paradise to come. "Booker" is Harry's do-it-yourself cut: He plays piano, bass, guitar, drums and tambourine on the tale of a man who "died of a broken heart".
   
   LOWS:
   "Follow the Music" and "Follow the Music Further" are mostly just a by-the-numbers groove with a processed vocal recitation from frequent Connick collaborator Ramsey MacLean. "She..Blessed be the One" is nothing more than throwaway filler.
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   This is very much a "vibe" album. Chances are if you like ANY of it, you'll like it all. Try the samples for the highlight songs...if you don't like 'em don't give up on Connick altogether . It probably means this "side" of him ain't for you. If you're in that category, try RED LIGHT, BLUE LIGHT or WE ARE IN LOVE.



2. I recently rediscovered this CD in my collection and I've played it to death ever since! This is my FAVORITE Connick CD. I love his mix of Dixieland/New Orleans Jazz and funk. This is a must have for any Connick fan and I don't know why it wasn't more popular than it was when it came out. This is classic Harry and I do find myself wishing he'd release another album such as this.



3. Critics and fans, who were used to Harry Connick Jr.'s big band jazz, didn't know what to make of this raucous album of funk, rock, and dixieland. For the most part they wrote it off as something of an indulgence, a foray into Connick's New Orleans roots that amounted to a diversion from his more 'serious' work. This is too bad, because it has caused many people to overlook one of the most original and enjoyable recordings of the nineties.

   The composition and arrangement is brilliant, but this album is first and foremost about groove. The mood ranges from hyperkinetic mardi gras dance numbers to spare funk laid so far back it feels like it might topple over. But the groove is always rock-solid, acting as the centrepiece of each tune. The vocals, horn lines, and solos don't rest on TOP of the groove so much as become PART of it. This is an album that makes you want to grin an bop along, but you're just as likely to find yourself singing a bass line or organ riff as a melody.

   The musicianship is top-notch, from the tight, understated drumming, to the eloquent wah-wah guitar, to Connick's own wizardry at the piano. The lyrics are wry and thoughtful, and even the two weirdly nonhuman spoken word interludes seem to work. This album is sophisticated yet accessible, genre-spanning yet cohesive, accomplished yet easygoing, and above all, huge fun.




4. This is a CD I just can't live without. I've owned this album for the better part of the last decade and it has never ceased to sound fresh, funky, and fun.

   This is not big band Connick. This is well-done 70's funk-influenced rock-tinged music.




5. I don't know what it it about this album, but ever since my brother gave me a copy on cassette I have never tired of it. Of course, I now have the CD and I find myself reaching out to it again and again. If you think Harry's just about swing and crooning, this album will set you straight. Easily one of my favorites. It really kicks butt and rocks your socks off. I still can't believe it's Connick.

5 comments about All Hits at the House of Blues.

1. I am partial to the second cd, of the pair. But, I love live performances because you see the true talent and versatility of the artist.
   All Raphael Saadiq fans, this is a must have; and for all others who just love good music, buy it!



2. I just bought this album because I'm a Raphael Saadiq fan and I love live albums and this album is definitely worth buying. Raphael sings his greatest hits and he sounds wonderful on this album. If you buy it you will be completely satisfied with this worthwhile purchase.



3. I am a true Saadiq fan so of course I loved the album start to finish. The live performances were breathtaking: tight musical arrangements and great vocal performances by Raphael and his guests.
   
   I was dissapointed that none of the Lucy Pearl material was on the album but it really doesn't take away from the fact that the album as a whole was very well put together and really wonderful to listen to.



4. Words can't describe how fantastic this album is. Buy the CD or buy the MP3 download!!



5. The subject says it all. CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't say anything else about this cd.

5 comments about A Nu Day.

1. I bought this CD because someone who borrowed my previous never returned it. I obviously really love Tamia's music or I would not have bothered. This is definitely a CD to have in your collection. I really love it and interstate music was very careful in packaging and securing the item.



2. I remember this album when I was in the 8th grade. I love this CD. I played it out so much. This album signals the arrival of a superstar. The album moves like a serious of seductive snapshots, providing tantalizing glimpses into the charismatic artist's soulful demenaor. Despite the increased fraternization with hip-hop personalities, melodic ballads abound, and this album rests on a solid R&B/Pop foundation. This album has been certified GOLD. Remember, this was 2000.



3. I got this cd when I was in High school. I was in love with it. Still am actually. I can't understand why anyone would have given her below 3 stars on this LP. The CD is tight. Best song Dr. John.
   Another CD that goes good with this was Deborah Cox, "One Wish."



4. ...even though her new album "Between Friends" comes as a close second (one of best R&B releases this year). "A Nu Day" has her biggest hit "Stranger in My House", but it has many more quality tracks. Her cover of "Love me in a Special Way" is beautiful because of Tamia's delivery with the lyrics. "Dear John" actually was a good opening track, it's a song full of drama (also check "Tell Me Who") and you almost get caught up in it (like R. Kelly's Mr. Biggs song series). "Long Distance Love" has a real catchy chorus, and while it does sound like it came from a commercial, the outstanding production (I think Missy E. did it) makes it standout to me. "Can't No Man" is sexy sounding track, with its calling lyrics and pretty production. This whole album I thought was really listenable. I didn't feel an urge to fast forward over tracks, unlike I did with her third album "More"(which had good tracks like "Officially Missing You" and "Questions"). I really recommend this overlooked album. Also check out her new album and her debut.



5. This is hands down to me her best work..... it flows, you groove, the music just moves you from inside out.

5 comments about The Iowa Waltz.

1. The Iowa Waltz is my favorite Greg Brown album. If you grew up in an Iowa small town, you may think it the best album ever made. When the record first came out, there was an attempt to make the title song the Iowa state anthem. It never succeeded, alas. If I could vote, I would pick "Out in the Country" a lovely meandering groove of a song that makes rural Iowa in the summer seem like a dreamy corner of heaven.



2. No matter if it's midnight or 35 below, listening to "Out in the Country" you can just see the heat mirages, see the corn and wheat and chikens peckin'. Smell the warmth of the day. And see the gravel roads ramblin' all around. Anyone who grew up in the country can relate. Perhaps those who haven't. The rest is stellar too, but this song is my nirvana and a top 10 favorite of all time. If you're wondering which of Greg's album to buy, you can't go wrong here.



3. I've lived in Iowa for four decades. Greg Brown also lives and records much of his music here. Writers are advised to "write about what you know." Greg Brown knows Iowa. Honestly, I think I'd rather live in the mountains of Costa Rica. But this place does have its charms, and Greg Brown documents them.
   
   This is one of Brown's early albums. Stylistically it is different from his latest work, though virtually all of Brown's albums are in the modern folk tradition. You'll hear echoes of Leon Redbone's old-timey jazz, Bob Dylan's talking blues, and a stereotypical bluegrass sound, like the Alison Krauss band without Krauss.
   
   In terms of subject matter, Greg focuses on the serenity, family, community, humor, and cultural continuity of Iowa rural life. Plus there is the ever-present theme of agriculture -- the state motto is "A Place to Grow." In other words, pigs, cows, chickens, corn, beans, and so on.
   
   Many of these selections have a simplicity and naturalness that make them sound like classic songs from 100 years ago. The recording quality is only mediocre, and I think the arrangements are a bit on the busy side. Having fewer players might have improved things overall. The soloists are good, but not great -- you won't hear any instrumental virtuosity or profundity.
   
   That said, this is one of Brown's classic records. Listen to this, and you can almost smell Grandma's cooking, hear the corn creaking as it grows, and feel the squish of the cowpie you just stepped in. Hey, it ain't all roses! But this music celebrates midwestern ways like a fond Garrison Keiler remembrance.
   
   This is probably as good an introduction to Greg Brown's music as any, and I recommend it.



4. I honestly bought this album because I was born in Iowa and was interested in any good artists from the state. And oh what a beautiful album I found!
   
   Iowa Waltz feels so authentic in its music. It resonates with the Iowa dirt where Greg Brown is from.
   
   Greg Brown writes some poetic great songs that are very true to Iowa - and the Midwest in general.
   
   This was a tremendous debut from our modern times' greatest folk artist. The sound recording sounds average but adds to the rural feel of it.
   
   What a treasure - even if you're not from Iowa!



5. If you are from the Midwest and don't have this cd, do yourself a favor and get it. After moving away from ol Iowa, the music of this cd moved me so much that I could almost smell the humidity, see the lawns of fireflies, hear the approaching thunder storms, taste the sweet corn - needless to say - very vivid!

5 comments about Sacred Island.

1. The first track on this CD - The Calypsonians - introduced me to Taj Mahal and I had to find it. For those of you who have seen the movie "Six Days Seven Nights" it is the song being played (by Taj Mahal) on the island their first night.
   
   The CD varies primarily between songs with an "island" feel to more bluesy tunes. The first 3 songs have an "island" feel, the next two moving into more of a blues tone, back to the islands, and back to the blues. The only track I'm ambivalent about is the last track, Kanikapila, which is more ska than anything else.
   
   In searching for "The Calypsonians" I listened to alot of clips of different Taj Mahal CDs and was very pleased with the variety on this CD. Very cool, laid back music to enjoy!



2. Taj's island outing is an interesting and relaxing experiment. I've had this cd for awhile and it has turned into an old standby of sorts. One of those cds that never completely blows me away but never dissapoints. It works well on a nice spring day. If you like that island vibe then check out Sacred Island.
   
   I'd even recommend this to Buffet Parrot heads who want a change of pace.



3. Nice to see Taj Mahal in "The Zone". Caught up to him Charleston, SC recently and he did a cut from this album. While the show was great, we could stand to see some NEW stuff from a blues legend. Go Taj!



4. This is an album to listen to when you're just chillin on the couch on a Sunday afternoon - definitely laidback. Taj Mahal combines his blues with a Hawaiian feel. Most of the time it's pretty successful.

   The first track is very Tom Waitsish and is among the best on the album. The title track, an instrumental, is as laidback and lazy as it gets. It almost sounds like a lost Billy Vaughan classic. "No Na Mamo" is an interesting song sung in Hawaiian, and it contrasts sharply with the following tune "Mailbox Blues" which is definitely the bluesiest song on the album. The album closes with another instrumental "Kanikapila" which is more upbeat than the title track and is complete with Taj Mahal's yelps and laughs.

   Overall, it's a pretty good album that needs to be played while daydreaming about the islands.




5. It's not every day you get to experience a new sound from an old friend. Sacred Island by Taj Mahal and the Hula Blues Band is the kind of CD that you want to play again and again. It's catchy rhythyms fused by Tajs love of Hawaiian Music blended together for upbeat arrangements.
   Outstanding cuts include "Cocunut Man", "Sacred Island" and the traditional blues offering "Mailbox Blues". Not a bad song in the bunch and the only reason I gave it 4 stars was that it didn't have more tracks. An excellent effort from a master of blues. Stretch out in your favorite lounge chair, grab a cool one and let your mind drift away with Taj Mahal at the wheel

5 comments about DeBarge - Greatest Hits.

1. Debarge had strong Harmonys and so many memorable songs that are timeless. All this Love, Time will reveal, i like it, etc..... are songs that will always sound Great. El Debarge was the leader of the Group and his voice is something else on the Group's best known stuff. his sister Bunny complimented El a few times and left a lasting impression as well vocally. the whole family is very talented and these songs are tight.



2. I did not grow up on DeBarge's music, but many artists of my time sampled their music, so I was indirectly familiar with them. Artists such as Tamia and Notorious BIG have either sampled this group's music or created an entire rendition of their song. I enjoyed Tamia's version of "Love Me in a Special Way", so I decided to listen to DeBarge's greatest hits. This album is a wonderful compilation of music; El and Bunny have nice singing voices and their production is different, yet easy to dance to. Their ballads are great, too.
   
   "Rhythm of the Night", "I Like It", "Who's Holding Donna Now?" and "Love Me in a Special Way" were some of DeBarge's most successful songs, and they are amazing in every way. El's voice truly shines on each song, and the brothers (and sister Bunny) sound really great when they harmonize on the choruses. "Rhythm of the Night" has a very catchy chorus and the beat makes you want to dance the entire 3 minute and 49 second runtime of the song. "Love Me in a Special Way" is lyrically the best song here. So many people try to make advances at others with corny pick up lines, but this song says that it isn't going to be so easy if you want a chance with me. The melody on this song is truly memorable. After one listen, it will probably be instilled in your mind for awhile. "All this Love" is another standout. It's simply a nice love song. El's delivery is great!
   
   Music lovers, add this compilation to your library. DeBarge will have you dancing, laughing, crying, all the while causing much nostalgia! Very impressive.
   
   Mikeisha's Top 5
   
   1. "All this Love"
   2. "Rhythm of the Night"
   3. "I Like It"
   4. "Who's Holding Donna Now?"
   5. "The Heart is Not So Smart"



3. I LOVED THIS GROUP. I ADMIRE THE WAY EL SINGS WITH THAT SENUAL VOICE. THEY WERE THE BEST BACK DURING THE 80'S. MY FAVORITES ARE "TIME WILL REVEAL"-"LOVE ME IN A SPECIAL WAY"-"WHOS HOLDING DONNA NOW"- I LISTEN TO THEM ALMOST EVERYDAY. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SMOOTH AND RELAXING, THIS IS IT!! OH...AND I ALSO LOVE "RHYTHEM OF THE NIGHT"



4. In the mid-70's the Jackson Five's signing onto Epic Records from Motown led to a breach of contract suit. Berry Gordy found a successor group to the one he lost. Bunny DeBarge and her brothers, Randy, Mark, James, and Eldra (later shortened to El) were signed on in 1979. Nice vocals, wholesome, the formula seemed good. One of the tapes I let go without checking to see if the CD had been issued was DeBarge's Rhythm Of The Night, whose title track was featured in The Last Dragon. The calypso-soul beat, El DeBarge's vocals, and a general festive feeling of "dancing the whole night away underneath the electric stars" really made an impression on me.

   Fortunately, their greatest hits has most of the better songs from that album, such as the first three songs. The title track was their biggest hit, peaking at #3 in the US, and the festive sounds in the background add to its appeal. Oh, and Diane Warren wrote this song too!

   The reflective ballad, "Who's Holding Donna Now," features some nice piano-style keyboards was also a Top Ten hit and with the
   Rumour: I heard they are going to redo this song and make it about Britney. The new title--"Who's Kissing Madonna Now"? Just kidding.

   The mid-paced "You Wear It Well" has a sound close to Prince's "Uptown", though the lyrics obviously have nothing to do with the sexual identity explored in that song.

   "Stop! Don't Tease Me" is typical R&B/funk/pop fare, featuring horns and a bass synth, more upbeat than what's to follow. "I Like It" is their first single and features leisure horn arrangements. Randy shares vocal duties with El, and the falsetto vocals in the chorus definitely aren't bad either.

   Two more of their early hits were the leisurely ballad "All This Love", featuring strings and harmony vocals, and "Time Will Reveal", another ballad in the same mold which showcased El's falsetto vocals.

   "Love Me In A Special Way" is yet another ballad featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica.

   There's a neat form of symmetry, as the last three tracks are also from Rhythm Of The Night. The schmaltzy slow dance strings ballad, laced with strings "Share My World" has El and Bunny on vocals. Bunny's vocals are nice, but I doubt if she would've made it as a solo singer. Most of the time, she and El sing together. The Giorgio Moroder-penned "Single Heart" from the soundtrack to DC Cab (anyone remember that movie with Mr. T and Irene Cara?) is a loneliness ballad reflecting the feelings of Albert in the movie. Also an El and Bunny duet, which moves into a catchy beat in the choruses.

   And then, a song whose sage lessons I've painfully learned this year and will now forever heed: "The Heart Is Not So Smart." Diane Warren wrote this, so it's my own fault for not listening. The calypso-like vibes also mark this song. "Everytime your mind wants you to stay away, your heart just looks the other way."

   It's safe to say that with El DeBarge's solo career in 1985 and Bunny DeBarge's departure in 1987, that the group's importance faded with the loss of those vital two. And Chico DeBarge's solo single "Talk To Me" and his later arrest didn't help much either. Still, it's good they established something with the songs from Rhythm Of The Night.




5. This is music that, with the exception of a few songs, did not fit the 80's mold. El Debarge is one of the best writers I can think of, and it's a shame he's not doing anything lately. He is what you call a writer's writer. Just as with other favorite writers of mine, I would sit and listen for hours to songs and pick apart the chords, melodies, and listen for all the little nuances in my favorite songs such as "I Like It" and All This Love". Incidently, I'm looking for the latter, on tape or cd, I have the LP. Bottom line, this is great music.

5 comments about Journey of a Gemini.

1. I dont really know how to go about this review. Because, in order for me to be honest, i would have to say this album was a dissapointment. But at the same time, i dont wanna give people the wrong impression about this album because it is still a good album. It's just this... after the legendary Life Goes On album, plus a four year hiatus, i guess i was hoping for another Life Goes On album. But i got more of another Where I Wanna Be album instead, which is still a very good album, just not legendary. Pretty much, similar to Where I Wanna Be, this album has its ups and downs. The first thing i noticed with Journey of A Gemini, is its a much more up tempo album than any of his other albums. Theres alot less ballads on this album, which is good and bad. Donell Jones has been, and always will be one of my favorite artists, and on songs like the Underdogs produced mid tempo ballad "Cuttin Me Off" he really shows why he is one of the most underated R&B singers of our time. Another great song is the first single "Better Start Talking"... How was this song not a huge radio smash? Its an up tempo party song. Another great song is the more mellow slow jam "My Apology" where Donell apologizes for not being there for his girl. But the one thing this album is missing that all the other albums had, is the sexy baby maker! I was irrate when i listened to the whole album and did not find one baby maker. Thats the area that Donell is best at to, so i was really surprised at that. The only song that was really even close to a babymaker is the Underdogs produced "Ohh Na Na" which is a great song, but i don't picture it as a baby maker. One thing that i do think would have made this album a little better is if he would have put the song "Make Me Say" on the track listing but i heard he cut it last minute due to a track cut by the label. But overall this album is definetly worth buying and it is another great addition to Donell's already great catalog, but just dont set your bar as high as i did for it, because i guess you can't really expect an artist to have two legendary albums in a row!
   
   
   Grade:
   B



2. my boy has done it again i am completely satisfied with his latest cd. although i fell the cd doesnt get as much as promo as it deserve any true music fan should have this one in their collection. with songs like "my apology" and "cant wait" this is a most definately a hit. im surprised more people dont know about donell jones as far as most know is "where i wanna be" but his music goes much deeoer than that...if you dont know you BETTER START TALKING and find out what a real r n b sounds like not that garbage you hear on the radio.



3. Donell Jones was always a gifted singer even though his first album My Heart was a soso effort. Albums like Where I Wanna Be and Life Goes On show that Donell Jones gets better with time. The first single Better Start Talking is good but it is not as spectacular as Im Gonna Be(the remix with Clipse is a nice touch too)and it does not have the replay value that Im Gonna Be does. Other standout tracks are My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman, Cry, Feelin You(Darkchild better watch his back because Tim and Bob might give him a run for his money with production like this), Cant Wait, Spend The Night, If You Want(great duet with Bun B), Cuttin Me Off and Another Life. Skip material: Special Girl is not a garbage record but it is inferior to the other songs on this album. Bottom Line: Journey Of A Gemini is Donell Jones's best album and is one of the best R&B albums of 2006. The smooth production, the soulful singing by Donell and songs like Im Gonna Be, Cry, My Apology, Portrait Of A Woman etc make this album a worthwhile experience. Donell Jones is in a class by himself.



4. I'd always been a big fan of Donnell Jones, but like others I was wondering what had happened to him. I was excited when I'd heard "Better Start Talking" but, then I didn't hear anything else. Well I'm glad that his long anticipated cd has finally been released! Let me tell you, those who are long time fans, you won't be disappointed. Those who are wanting some grown up music to grove to...buy this album!! I love every single song on the cd. You can easily play this cd from start to finish. I do have favorites of course like "Ooh Na Na". Thanks Donnell for the cd...next time don't make us wait so long!



5. The album is tight! "Where I Wanna Be" got me hooked on this cat. If you liked that CD, you also dig this one, it has the same flavor. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.
   
   Shame his label is not pub'ing up this release....
   
   Keep at it D.J. you have fans that dig good solid Beats, Rhythms, Groove/Bass lines and lyrics with a story to tell.
   
   My head is bopping to "I'm Gonna Be" right now, love that high harmony...

5 comments about I Ain't Movin'.

1. I love her music. This is a CD you can actually tune the world out, roll your window down and feel nothing but peace...I listen to her in traffic coming home from work. It's great



2. I bought this disc because of the huge hit single, YOU GOTTA BE - it was the kind of anthemic song I needed to hear at the time and to this day I still love the lyrics and the thought behind it.
   
   Sadly people wrote this artist off thinking that there was only one hit but thankfully this isn't a one-hit disc and features strong vocal performance and thought provoking lyrics that sound timeless.
   
   My favorite tracks are: I AIN'T MOVIN, FEEL SO HIGH, CRAZY MAZE, HERALD THE DAY, LIVING IN THE CITY & LOVE IS HERE (I interpreted the lyrics as God coming to Earth to collect his angels. This is a really beautiful song!)
   
   I'd recommend it to those who can appreciate soulful music that can't quite be classified as strictly r&b or pop from a talented singer/songwriter.



3. i am very happy i bought this cd. wonderful and enchanting, worth buying.



4. I picked Desree's "I Ain't Moving" in late 1994 after she opened for Seal at a concert. She served as a perfect compliment to his performance and I could not think of a better opening act for the occasion.
   
   I was aware of her previously with her ubiquitous single, "You Gotta Be" from the preceeding summer. What a gem of a recording. The whole album is eminently listenable and soothes the soul nicely. She carries off a very nice clear vocal delivery juxtoposed with rich narratives of self-empowerment as well as various facets of the human experience. Overall, it uplifts and soothes in a most inspiring manner.
   
   The title track, "Feel So High", "Living In The City", "You Gotta Be", "Crazy Maze", "In My Dreams" are my favorites.
   
   If you're only familiar with "You Gotta Be", you "gotta be" missing out on some good stuff here.



5. I totally agree with the reviewer below. It's a total shame people of the same ethnicity back artists solely for the reason because they share the same race. It's the same way in the Latino community. I think the quality/talent of the performers and musicians is what we should like music for. And with Des'ree, there's no shortage of quality. Although my favourite song off I Ain't Movin' is "You Gotta Be", the whole album is still quite good and worth owning. Alternative music (or an eclectic record collection period) is a great thing to have. The kind of songs off Ain't Movin' are something special that you don't see anymore these days.
   
   For some other Alternative selections, I also suggest Fishbone's Truth and Soul, and also De La Soul's 3 Feet High & Rising.

5 comments about Low Down and Up.

1. Ms. Price strikes again. I'm behind the curve on listening to her which is my bad. Not a bad song on this album. "Foolin' Around" is down right shiver in your bones sexy and her cover of the Gwil Owen's song "Lonesome Wind" is a classic.



2. I read these reviews to get comparative data on which disc to buy if I own few or none of an artist's work. So, from that perspective, I am writing to rate this disc as Toni's best, and that's saying alot because she is one of the most consistent artists around. All the others are tied for second with the exception of "Hey" which is my least favorite. "Comes Love" and "Red River" are particular stand outs. Also for new Toni Fans, Her voice has weathered beautifully over the years. On her first disc "Swim Away" she has a richer, fuller, young blues belter voice, and on her most recent "Born to be Blue" she sounds more like a cross between early Bonnie Raitt and Billie Holiday with a little Sue Foley thrown in. Maybe that's why I like "Low Down", it's right in the middle.



3. Toni Price sings so well on this 1999 set and makes it seem so effortless that this is a disc to which one can repeatedly return. The opener "Walk Out the Front Door" is a driving country rocker with Larry Fulcher on bass and Frosty Smith on drums combining for a great pulsing track. Toni's is the fourth version of "Comes Love" in my collection, joining Joni Mitchell, Dan Hicks and new jazz sensation Peter Cincotti. Toni's take is positively mournful with Johnny Gimble's fiddle wailing plaintively. Gwil Owen's "Anything" is lovely ballad with a beautiful melody; Toni's understated vocals grace the arrangement. "Loserville Blues" is a fast Texas swing boogie woogie that Toni's excellent performance transforms into "Winnerville." "Feel Like Cryin'" rocks out while the title track bounces along like Leon Redbone coming awake. "Wishing Well" is another lovely track that is a great song. The CD concludes with the moody "Why Is Love Like That?" Toni's set here is filled with blockbuster performances and great tunes. U snoozes U loses! Enjoy!



4. I don't listen to this kind of music any more, but heard the "Foolin' 'round" cut on our local NPR station and couldn't get it out of my head. After purchasing the disk, it's now one of my desert island goodies.



5. I don't get the comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, really. Toni has her own voice. Thing is, her voice changes radically, from song to song. Sometimes she sounds a little like Sue Foley (on "Out The Front Door" which Bonnie did first), sometimes Ricki Lee Jones ("Remember Me?"), and yeah, I guess at times she gets some of the Bonnie vibe going ("Rusty Old Red River"). But this woman changes from song to song. The more you listen, the more you learn. I really love "Foolin' Round" (mid-tempo jazz) and "Don't You Think I Feel It Too?" (performed as a folksy waltz). Thank the stars for recorded music: Toni does not travel around much. But we can enjoy her music and I want more SOON!

5 comments about Big Mama's Door.

1. This is, quite honestly, the best Country Blues cd to be released in decades. We have to remember that Alvin wasn't born in Mississippi or Texas around the turn of the century. He's a young guy who was raised on Classic Rock, and here he is, writing original material that sounds like it could have come from "Hambone" Willie Newbern, King Solomon Hill, or Son House. This is truly a fantastic disc, and there's not a single song that one should avoid. Alvin Youngblood Hart is the greatest living Bluesman; even better than Corey Harris, Samuel James, Rory Block, and John Hammond, Jr. I only hope that he has a long and productive recording career. "Them Fair Weather Friends" and "Big Mama's Door" are originals, but one would never know that on first, second or even fifteenth listen. Alvin is the greatest living Bluesman out there, period. I was lucky enough to see him perform live with his band, opening for an aged and senile Bo Diddley, about two years ago. I was hoping he'd perform some solo, acoustic, Country Blues material, but he didn't. I still went home happy. Most importantly, Alvin's diction when he sings is beautiful. He doesn't sounds like a product of the modern age, and I don't mean that in a degrading way. He has an intangible tang to his pronunciation when he sings.



2. No small wonder that Taj Mahal was recruited to pen a few introductory remarks to acolyte, Alvin's,'Big Mamma'. And more than this, he sits in on three tunes to further endorse the man who, for all intents and purposes on this gem, would appear to be his heir apparent. The mix of re-arranged Delta Blues and self-penned material, the multi-instrumental accomplishmnet and that inimitable afro-American vocalising, is everything that Taj has reverently worked over down the decades. Hart's songs sit seamlessly with the archival stuff. as,'Rest You Saddle' and,'If the Blues was Money' demonstarte.'Gallows pole' and McTell's,'Hillbilly Willie's Blues' are exemplary. An especial thrill for me is my favourite Ledbelly,'When I was a Cowboy Out on the Western Plain', as complete a snapshot of cinematic breadth as you'll hear condensed into a few minutes. This is a thrilling album. Blessed with such 'grasp of the idioms, tone, humour, irony, joy, and breadth' of tradition, to quote Taj, it will serve as a powerful foundation for a wide-eyed approach to re-invigorating music.



3. I gotta say, we saw him live in New York City recently along with Doc Watson, and he stole the show! This cat had us glued into our seats. Wow!



4. First of all, this is one of the most beautiful and outstanding collections of blues ever assembled. What AYH has is something that years of music lessons and years of practice cannot produce. His delivery and style has an almost supernatural quality, translating some mysterious and primal element of life that we blues fans seem to be fascinated with. His authenticity is in this regard is unmistakable. As far as the childish comments regarding white people playing blues music - give us all a break. I am personally good friends with a fella who played on this album, as well as on a couple of others. He also toured with AYH for four years, and, surprise, he's as white as Margaret Thatcher. Grow up kids.



5. I love Alvin Hart's music. This album is an introduction to his blues music, but he is really much more than a blues musician; he is a musician's musician. His 'Territory' album is a great example of his dynamic scope. It has Texas Swing, Calypso, Ska, Hard Rock, Blues and more. Yes, he caters to all these styles of music and he does it with great skill and conviction. Big Mama's Door shows a wide scope of Blues: delta blues, droning dobro, rag and more. I like his twelve string guitar work along with his cowboy inspired lyrics - reminescent of Lead Belly. Taj Mahal lends a hand with couple of the most inspiring songs from the album,'France Blues' and 'Things About Comin' My Way'. I can listen to this album over and over. A great collection of originals and a couple classic covers, 'Gallows Pole' and 'John Hardy'. Alvin is clearly the new bearer of the torch - from old timey delta blues to advant-garde progressive rock, he is player to keep an eye on,