2 comments about One More Goodnight Kiss.

1. This cd hits close to home. I grew up in a small Iowa town in the 60's and 70's. We have all heard of those "Speed trap Boogie" towns, I got tickets in them. "Canned Goods" reminds me of sweet corn direct from the fields. We moved out of "Our Little Town" when the tractor plant closed. I have never tired of this cd, all the songs are of real life, growing up in any small town America.



2. This is my favorite work. These songs are moving (I wish I was a painter, & wash my eyes). Some are sweetly nostalgic (canned goods is solid gold). The Cheapest Kind speaks eloquently of family love in hard times. Speed Trap Boogie is an absolute hoot! A true picture of the many small towns that live off their radar guns.

5 comments about Burning Hell.

1. This is a great CD, John Lee always grooves it hard! I dig him a lot, he really inspires my playing and writing! Good stuff!



2. I picked this up because I was interested to hear how John Lee's music translated with an acoustic guitar. I own at least twenty of his CD's and they are all electric, even the live CD's of him playing solo. The acoustic sound really makes his slow blues songs that much more intimate. He also covers songs by Lightnin' Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Big Bill Broonzy on this one and its interesting to hear his take on these songs. While I wouldn't rate this as essential listening for the uninitiated, this CD is one that I would recommend to any fan of John Lee Hooker.



3. This album was recorded at the same April 1959 session that produced Hooker's more famous LP THE COUNTRY BLUES OF JOHN LEE HOOKER. For some reason it was unreleased until 1964 (UK only) and didn't see the light of day in the US until the early 90's. Which is odd because it is identical in style, sound and theme to the COUNTRY BLUES LP, featuring the same acoustic back porch feel.
   
   On the whole, a slightly lesser album than its more famous companion volume, but still a good one. If you like Hooker and/or acoustic blues, buy it.



4. Real Blues An American ICON Of The Blues A Perfect Album Hooker
   Rocks And He Has A Son John Lee Hooker Jr just Came Out With His Own Cd Off Of Kent Records Called "Blues With A Vengeance"



5. There is a great rhythm and feel to his playing, like he's sitting at the graveyard by his mother's gravestone or something. This guy is the real thing, the most soul of any bluesman of the 20th century. He has influenced countless musicians, and one can hear his trademark foot-beat all the way through. Great music.

4 comments about The Best of Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari's Greatest Hits.

1. I love this CD by Zucchero. If you like jazzy/bluesy music try it out. He has a great voice and music. Enjoy.



2. I bought this cd on faith since I only knew one of the songs listed. I'm so glad that I did! Zucchero blends an intense and passionate voice with unusual but compelling lyrics. Give it a try. And don't underestimate the power of this cd for romantic mood-setting. Wow!



3. It is a real shame that this album only has one review, so I thought I would correct that.

   As a Steve Vai, Steve Morse ( anything guitar instrumental actually ) you can tell this is not my usual listening "fodder", but you need some light and dark in any collection, and this is a fantastic collection of songs which I put on if I am in company.

   There is not a single song that you will fail to either sing along to, or be moved by. I am not a great one for listing each track and saying this is very mellow, this has a great guitar solo etc, but in this album you have it all.

   I should say that Zucchero has one GREAT voice.

   Out of the three hundred or so albums I have, this could well be the one album I would take with me if I was limited to just one ... that is a huge compliment to its variety and yes, I agree with the previous reviewer ...GREAT FUN

   Brilliant




4. This is a great, cheerful CD. It's full of upbeat songs, although I love the beautiful melody of "Diamante. Zucchero's music is certainly as beautiful as Bocelli's, but in a lighter way.

5 comments about Kid Jonny Lang & the Big Bang Smokin'.

1. Jonny Lang is a blues guitarist / vocalist who burst on to the scene in 1996 with his major label debut "Lie To Me". At the time Lang was only in his mid teens and became a blues sensation almost overnight. The album's title track even produced a top 40 single that had the kid playing large venues as a headliner and he was not even 18 yet.. What a lot of people who discovered Lang since that time do not realize is that prior to the "Lie To Me" album Lang had been a member of Ted Larson's Big Bang Band and had produced this excellent album "Smokin". Lang started taking guitar lessons at the age of 13 from Larson. Within 6 months the kid was outplaying the teacher. The kid also possessed an incredible blues voice that sounded years older than it actually was. Larson formed a band around Lang and recorded this album. Lang was only 14 at the time, but wrote or co-wrote 11 of the albums songs. Listening to this disc one would have no clue that this kid was as young as he was. The album is mostly up tempo blues with plenty of great guitar from both Lang and Larson (who is no slouch himself), and Lang's killer vocals over the top. Along with the originals the band do some great covers including Tab Benoit's "Nice And Warm", Robert Johnson's "Malted Milk" and Albert Collins "Too Tired". The album is a bit on the raw side compared to Langs more polished major label recordings that would come later, but I find it refreshing and honestly think that this early independent release ranks right up with the best stuff Lang has put out since. If you are a Lang fan and have never picked this one up, run out and get it.



2. I have several of Jonny Lang's CD's and enjoy them all but this one is an exciting begining to an even more exciting career. I got this CD when he appeared in my small town at the beginning of his career and saw him very recently too. Although he is more of a polished performer, this music is still blues at it's best...even if he would have been 30, 40 or 50, the soulful sound is there along with the fantastic guitar licks...I love it !!



3. cd is from 1995 originally and the cd contains great electric blues ,the cd is mostly uptempo blues from the opening of louise to the great cover of albert collins "im tired" to my fav a great slow blues tune nice and warm with some of the best guitar licks i ever heard



4. Chicago does not mean the blues, Memphis does not mean the blues
   even Mississippi Delta does not mean the blues. The blues come from deep inside ones self and anyone, including a white teen guitar player from North Dakota, can play it. The man definitely has it in him and it is definitely comin' out.



5. OK. That last "Chicagoan" is not a good representation a true blues fan. I admit I don't have this CD, but I do have all of his others. Quite frankly this kid wails! I'm just hoping his voice holds up past puberty.

5 comments about A Stone's Throw.

1. not going to give you a bunch of fluff....if you like rocking blues w/ good vocal, buy it....I look forward to purchasing his next CD



2. This is a fun, raunchy, highly charged blues/rock cd. While there are a variety of sounds and textures, this is in a "Hound Dog Taylor"/Stevie Ray Vaughn vein.
   
   What distinguishes Castiglia from other guitar slingers is that his singing is equal to his fret work. High energy guitar playing coupled with high energy vocals.
   
   There is a lot of tasty accoustic/resonator playing on this but my favorite is the roaring, boogie-style, electric works. "Hurricane Blues" is a highlight.
   
   This band is a staple on the South Florida music scene. He is a fine live act. Besides the guitar playing, the drum playing is quite tasty also. Go see him for free before he hits the big time.
   
   Lastly, this is not a pure blues cd, it overflows into rock territory. That is a good thing!



3. I can't quite decide if Albert Castiglia is your basic guitar hero or an outright guitar wizard. I do know he's something special. I've seen him play live in Miami, and it's a true musical experience. The man's hands fly over the instrument, blurring out -- but the music comes out clean and pure.
   He plays a great slide, can get breathtaking sound in an acoustic set and can play rockin' electric blues too. He and collaborator Graham Wood Drout write some powerful songs. Drout's "Ghosts of Mississippi" is pretty close to awesome and Albert delivers this eerie song beautifully with his strong, bluesy voice).
   
   This guy's the real deal. And this disc is terrific. It's a big-league effort. What I want to know is this: Why doesn't Amazon also sell his first album, "Burn"? That's a phenomenal debut album in its own right.
   
   Listen to Albert and decide for yourself if he's really a guitar wizard. It sounds and feels like magic to me.



4. I recently stumbled across this recording and decided to take a chance on it based on the positive reviews. What a great discovery! Albert Castiglia not only plays great blues guitar, but also has a terrific blues voice.
   
   For me, the highlights of this disc include a nice, hard-driving version of the Robert Johnson tune "Walking Blues" as well as an equally hard-rocking original tune called "Hurricane Blues." There are no weak cuts on this disc and fans of electric blues will not regret adding this CD to their collection.
   
   I look forward to hearing more from Mr. Castiglia in the near future.



5. HIs guitar playing is incrediable, his other band memeber can carry their own!!! You don't know if you want to dance or sit and listen as not to misss a single note

No comments about Maestro.

5 comments about Songs From Venice Beach.

1. Ted Hawkins' music still soars and inspires, even over a decade after his death. Fans, or those interested in discovering this artist, will not be disappointed with this, or any of his CDs.



2. I just bought some of his songs and just really enjoyed them. It's hard to turn the CD player off with his songs.



3. I was strolling down the Venice Beach boardwalk in the Summer of 1983 when I came upon a small crowd. If you've been on the boardwalk you know that's nothing out of the ordinary. But the music coming from the middle. Wow! I won't try to describe it in words except to say that tired man sitting on a milk crate delivered the best live performance I've seen in 30 years with a beat up acoustic guitar and no amplification. I walked straight to Penny Lane records and bought "Watch your Step." Grab anything you can find by Ted.



4. Some of the songs on this CD, and the aching in Ted Hawkins' voice, will make you want to cry. Hawkins chose to sing about many dark, dark subjects, but his voice was a gift from God. Spiritually uplifting and damn depressing, sometimes within the same song. It's a mystery why, but I love it...



5. This voice reaches out and touches you. This man has clearly lived some hard times and learned how to forgive. The song, "Ladder of Success" is alone worth the purchase. You will find that the spiritual side of this guy is not pushy and yet hard to ignore. I find his spiritual songs to be his most genuine. Ted Hawkins was a genuis and this is a must-have.

4 comments about Larry McCray.

1. I saw and heard the Larry McCray band at the Belleville blues festival this summer, and was mesmerized. Incredible voice, really tight band, very personable guy, fantastic blues music. Out of the entire line up that day (which included Jeremy Spencer), I enjoyed Larry and his band the most. If you love the blues, buy this CD. If you think you might like the blues, this CD will show you blues you can love.



2. I received the CD and have listened to it several times. Of course, there's tracks I really like and others I don't. I wish the lyrics would have accompanied the CD. The CD started out too slow. The "order" of the cuts was not what I would have selected...
   
   One talented man though. For blues junkies primarily. I still really enjoyed this collection.
   
   "Don't Need No Woman" should start the CD --- It's a fantastic cut. I adore `Broken Promise.' `Big Black Hole' needs the instrumental brought out more resolutely --- Larry's voice could be more subdued in this track and it would make the essence of the track come across with greater resonance. `No More' is a great melody and Larry's gifted guitar work is displayed superbly. `Somebody Watching' is moving and "rolls" nicely. "Buck Naked" --- wow this man can play. This is an incredible composition. "You Are The One" a great diddy with a swell balance that showcases Larry's giftedness. "Never Hurt So Bad" - Man...this is where I can really "hear" Larry. Great song! My son "danced into my office" when I had this tune on the stereo. In other words, this one should have led off the CD as track # 1 as it is "magnetic." "Really knock Me Out" --- Again, displays Larry's true gift as a blues artist. WOW! That's some fine fingerin! "Real Mother for You" --- cool.
   
   Larry McCray - One gifted guy! Enjoy!



3. One of the blues albums of the year. Mostly written and wholly produced by the man himself, he has done an outstanding job.
   The song writing is some of the best you will hear. The production is crystal clear. Every word and guitar note are right up front. This album is his best yet and should be a Grammy nominee if there is any justice for small labels. If you like thoughtful blues with searing guitar solos blended with great vocals then you MUST get this CD.



4. I would like to recommend all his music. I have seen Larry And his band several times and have had a chance to meet him. He has a outgoing personality who will also perform with local musicians. Larry and his band really wind it up live and I think this c.d. might capture that best. Soulfull heartfelt vocals and some truly amazing guitar.
   Don't miss The Larry McCray Band live!

5 comments about Superhero.

1. This CD completely extinguished my interest in Brian. The grossly overblown production, so shocking after the relative restraint of "Back At One", just ruins the effect of a fantastic voice which he doesn't have the discipline to record to best effect or the humility to use with sensitivity.



2. Brian Mcknight returned with his sixth CD titled Superheo. The CD features more of the quiet storm balladary Mcknight is known for, however on this CD it begins to drag a little bit. The first single Love Of My Life may be one of the strongest songs, Brian has ever recorded vocally. Love Of My Life" is sung entirely in falsetto and he hits an E5; which is beyond the range of most tenors.) The transition between his falsetto and head voice is also smoother than most singer's in the game. The other two standout songs were My Kinda Girl feat. Justin Timberlake and What's Gonna Be. My Kinda Girl had Justin & Brian doing an excllent tag team R&B duet while What's Gonna Be gave us a smooth jazz cafe type feel. This wasn't Mcknight's best,however it is one of the weakest in his catlog.



3. Brian McKnight still remains one of my all time favourite male R&B singers. He's not only good to look at, but his voice is classy and beautiful and his music is romantic, cool and tight. He is so talented yet so underrated, but to his fans, he doesn't often disappoint.
   While I've had this cd since it's release, it did take one or two listens to before I really decided I loved it. It's full of great songs and there is no bad one here. In particular I love, Don't Know Where To Start, Everything, For You and the title track Superhero. I never get tired of listening to him, and I never get tired of this cd. It's beautiful and a must for all Brian McKnight fans. I really love it and I feel that it's one of his best.



4. Love the different song arrangements. The man is talented gotta admit it.



5. I remember when I first picked up this album I didn't think much of it. After listening to it a couple times it really started to get into my head.
   This cd has a good mix of fast tunes (Groovin tonight, Don't know where to start) and vintage Brian mcknight ballads (Still, Everything).
   His collaborations with Justin T, the St. Lunatics, and Nate Dogg were all really well done and are sure to get you up and dancing.
   My kinda girl, Love of my life, Everything, and Biggest part of me were my favourite songs on this cd.
   It may take a few listens but this cd is full of great songs.

5 comments about The Heroines.

1. I love the swamp fox's music and the ladies he chose to be on this cd...esp Shelby Lynne. I gave it four stars instead of five because the first time I listened to it was while driving. I do have a great audio system in my vehicle, but still it's hard to actually hear and understand Tony's voice with the mix on this cd. This is best listened to in a quieter place. I felt that they should have brought his voice up a bit for the vocals...at times his voice seems to be a bit muddy and too much in the background.



2. It is so refreshing to "go back" sometimes to real music. Tony Joe White has really over impressed me with this fantastic album of blues, country, rock...as best described. I purchased this one along with the new Van Morrison Magic Time and both CDs are so enjoyable from two musical talents and legends. My acid jazz, soul, funk and other CDs have not returned to the machine since these arrived. Please, if you get a chance to take a trip back to mother earth try and have a listen to this one.



3. Starting and ending with 2 semi classical spanish guitar type pieces. Making Shelby Lynn sound good on Can't Go Back Home. Anyone and Emmylou. Listen for the "don't open the gate" line in Ice Cream Man. Rich Woman Blues. And Chaos Boogie, a song already on my list for 10 best songs of the year. It's a must buy.



4. On "The Heroines," Tony Joe White, the swamp fox, rides high again. Two of the tracks are songs from his excellent 2001 effort "The Beginning." "Ice Cream Man" sounds as excellent as when it rode into my personal top ten in 2001! The new version has a more full band sound and pours on the smoking White guitar. "Rich Woman Blues" is another excellent track that smolders with White's growl-sing blues groove, "Got a telephone call this morning, My baby wrecked her Mercedes Benz, she totaled out her Mercedes Benz, I said long as you're alright baby, that's all that matters, let them tow the thing on in." One of my favorites is the duet with Jessi Colter, "Fireflies in the Storm" with its searing slow burn, "Out of the shadows the wildness begins, we wait for morning & darkness moves in, but there's a light that keeps shining warm like fireflies in the storm." "Chaos Boogie" is a great rocking TJW track that sets your toe to tapping. The duets with Shelby Lynne, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, and Tony Joe's daughter Michelle are all excellent. The set begins & ends with two brief guitar instrumentals. "The Heroines" continues Tony Joe White's artistic peak, some 30 albums into his career. Enjoy!



5. Tony Joe White at his best can send chills down your spine. But sometimes his own captivating style can be its own worst enemy. Unfortunately, "The Heroines" is a bit of both. His soulful, whispered style can be very powerful. But it can also make the ambience of where and how you're listening a concern.
   
   I first listened to "The Heroines" in my car and between road noise and the throbbing bass, much of it was unintelligible. The second listening was using headphones in a quiet room. This time I was able to concentrate on the intriguing lyrics and the true sentiment of the songs. Some are very heartfelt love songs and some others reflect White's playful side and his sense of humor. And the contributions of his vocal partners, from Shelby Lynne to Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams work so very well with Tony Joe.
   
   All in all, this is a fun project and well worth the price. Just make sure you give it a chance to work on all the levels that it deserves.