5 comments about Slow Down.

1. Keb' Mo' came on the scene as a breath of fresh air for the blues. But, as his albums and output progress, it appears that he has elected to adopt a smooth, polished style that will turn-off many blues purists, who prefer the grit and pain of traditional blues. So, if you and yours are fans of Kenny G, Grover Washington Junior, Boney James, etc., then this stuff is for you. Oversimplified, safe, and at times quite boring. There are a handful of semi-precious gems on this album, including "I Was Wrong," "Henry," and "Rainmaker;" and the HDCD encoding allows for exception sound quality. Overall this is a nice, safe, happy, blues disc that lacks a certain something. But, if you need a present for Xmas, your mother would love to put this in rotation for her next Bookclub meeting.



2. I saw Keb Mo for the first time on a rerun of Austin City Limits. He was playing the song from this CD - "As Soon As I Get Paid". On the strength of that song alone, I went out and bought the CD the next day. It did not disappoint. I've been playing it over and over for months now. Keb Mo's is a consumate guitar player, song writer and story teller. Do yourself a favor, go out and buy this CD, grab a cold beer and enjoy some great blues.



3. This CD is fantastic. Every song is wonderful. I bought one as a gift for a friend and I have other friends requesting copies. I never get tired of listening to it.



4. WOW! This CD totally blew me away; I've loved the blues since I was twelve, listening to nighttime DJ Jimmy Rabbit on KLIF in Dallas playin' Jimmy Reed's "Bright Lights, Big City" more than 40 yrs ago, but when I heard this, it was like I was hearing the blues for the first time. Motown, Memphis, Mississippi delta, it's all here, and it's all GOOD. This is the kind of CD you can put on repeat and never get tired of it!



5. Keb Mo is a wonderfull talent. But this album is not his best works. Unfortunately it is a very modern sounding CD. Seems like Keb lost his traditonal roots on this CD. Slowly doing away with the Delta slide, and importing more of he "electrified" side of the blues.
   It would be nice if these talented artits wouldn't let money get in the way of their true talent. I know there are alot of fans out there who love the traditonal Delta sound.

5 comments about Now.

1. Maxwell will make you fall in love.(with him):-) He is very open to expressing the feelings men go through, not hiding anything. The best music out today, closest artist we'll ever get to Marvin Gaye.



2. I absolutely loooove Maxwell!!! What can I say other than this CD made me fall in love all over again.



3. Maxwell is the type of artist, who for me, as soon as he releases an album, I'll go out and purchase it without first hearing any of the album's tracks. That is how much confidence that I have in his talent and ability. So I was rather disappointed when I first listened to this album. Quite frankly, it seemed rather mediocre. It was not something that I expected from someone with his caliber of talent and ability. Initially, I had considered filing this album away or selling it. But I decided to give it another chance and I EVENTUALLY grew to like it-which was the problem I had with this album. At times I wish he would have pushed himself farther and been a little bit more adventurous as he had been on "Embrya" (a criminally underrated and unappreciated album). But I guess he was still reeling from the chastening he received from critics on his last album, and perhaps he decided to keep it simple. Overall, it's a decent album-not mind blowing, not spectacular-just a decent album. Some of the stand out tracks are, 'Lifetime', 'Get to Know You', 'W/as My Girl' and 'This Woman's Work' (a classic Kate Bush track, from the She's Having A Baby Soundtrack).



4. this was a great CD for me and my wife. bring back wonderful memory of our love to each other



5. because of the style of song writing and music but, I think all his cd's are good.

5 comments about Keep It Simple.

1. Every song tells a story...and every instrument comes through beautifully in each song! Such clarity..the voices! This is now my mellow out CD. It encourages me (and will encourage you too) makes you smile and will humble you. Keep It Simple is a wonderful addition to any collector who likes down home classic blues music or just introduced to it like me! I must ask: KEB'MO PLEASE DO A INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF THIS CD..I would love to have it in my collection too!
   Thanks. A new fan...T.



2. Keb Mo is all blues, just acoustic blues. Won many awards for his work. Saw him at the Monterey Blues Festival and in New Orleans as well. This album is has, like all albums, some material that I like, some I don't, but am very glad to have it in my collection and listen to it often.



3. This is one of the best albums Ive heard yet from this man. What a great talent and what a great guy. You know he's comfortable in his skin if one of his lyrics is "You don't have to shave your legs for me." There isn't a song on this album I don't like. I listen to is almost every day,



4. Remarkable for accuracy, arrangements and quality of the sound, it is not a "pure blues" record, but a (winning) combination of blues and ballads (fifty-fifty). Refined and sophisticated, always pleasant, it shows a nice list of tracks all deeply rooted in American popular music, linked by the unmistakable Keb's touch, with his acoustic/dobro guitar work. Keb' Mo' is probably the best "complete" bluesman at the moment, respectful of blues tradition and nice to modern listeners. High class. High quality.
   
   Riccardo Frau - Italy



5. Simple over produced country rock.
   The blues? No way not even close.
   A better title for this cd would be something like "keep it mediocre". Thumbs down - blues lovers you've been warned!!!

5 comments about A New Day Yesterday Live.

1. Mr. B plays a mean guitar. This is a good effort, and he's progressed nicely since it's release. Some good stuff, buy it !



2. what a HOT cd! joe bonamassa is awesome, looking forward to seeing him play in march 2009 in cerritos CA.



3. Joe Bonamassa is THE premire blues guitarist in the world. Saw him live over the summer and he was even better than studio. Which is why this album is definitely worth it. Can't wait to see him again!



4. Nice CD I played this CD for about a month before I wanted to hear something else. This Guy can Play the guitar and sing the Blues like any of the old timers. Even the Bass Player sounds Great



5. I'm impressed, what a guitar. I totally agree with Harris Gershman's phrase "GREAT MUSIC, TERRIBLE PRESSING" but not with the 3 stars. I think this record deserves 4 or 5 stars at least even if it is more a rock record than a Blues record. In spite of that, it reaches stellar moments of Blues for instance in "Steppin out/Rice pudding" (the Bluesbraekers of Jonh Mayall play a great cover in its LP featuring Eric Clapton) or "If heartaches were nickels" (in Kenny Neal LP Hoodoo Moon there is a good cover of this piece too) or Free singer's Paul Rodgers's Blues "Walk in my shadow". Bonamassa's guitar level is absolutely great, It is even exceptional. By the way, the title record "A new day yesterday" is a great Jethro Tull singer's Ian Anderson's composition, what a great band, and in this record Joe makes a sensational cover which includes a guitar demonstration with plenty of feeling, just like the rest of the record. Highly recommended to all guitar lovers.

5 comments about Arc of a Diver.

1. Forget about all of the negative comments appearing here, this is one great collection of music! Of course it is keyboard heavy, but that's what Steve Winwood does best!
   
   The title track is just incredible and "While You see a Chance," one of the most positive set of lyrics penned.
   
   Although these two tracks are undoubtedly the standouts, "Dust", "Slowdown Sundown" and "Second Hand Woman" are also very strong.
   
   If there is a weak track on this disc, it would have to be "Night Train", but even saying that is stretching things. In fact, its' very reminiscent of Warren Zevon's "Nighttime in the Switching Yard" and Bruce Cockburn's same titled track from his "The Charity of Night" release.
   
   All in all, a solid set from Steve Winwood that certainly holds its own alongside "Refugees of the Heart" and "Roll With It".



2. A friend once described this as "aural wallpaper", and he thought he was being kind. Well, I must really dig wallcoverings on my ears, then, because once this finds its way into my CD player, it's a few days before it comes back out again.
   
   The follow-up to his eponymous first solo album is inspired by the work of three acclaimed lyricists: Will Jennings, George Fleming and Viv Stanshall. Getting back to the strictly one-man band vibe that is all at once looser and funkier than the preceding album, he constructs some great melodies around the ethereal (but at least understandable) lyrics. No, it's not a perfect effort, though it did yield his first megahit after his Spencer Davis Group-glory days, with "While You See A Chance." He would go on to produce more pop-chart friendly work with the multi-platinum "Back In The High Life." At the very least, ARC recalls the work of Gary Wright and Todd Rundgren, with a lot less emphasis on bombast or electronically-infused melodrama.



3. Without Davis and Mason, Steve Winwood's nuturance of all he recorded without a band, resulted in a beautifully wrapped package of Ballads, and semi-Ballads. TRAFFIC lovers and critics alike, point to When You See a Chance as a redefinition of pop-rock. A lotta soul, and a big heart. The songs were written especially for him, which shouldn't surprise anyone since he wrote them, and take full advantage of his range. If you buy just one recording by Steve Winwood, look no further, Arc of a Diver is the one everybody was talking about.



4. Steve Winwood with his best solo effort. Although Steve won his recognition on his next recording effort featuring "Back in the Highlife Again," in my opinion "Arc of a Diver" was his actual crowning achievement. Highlighting his hit "While You See a Chance" starting off the recording, then on to the title song "Arc of a Diver" (which is in itself an excelent song), through to the final song "Dust". I recomend this CD as a must for any classic collection of one of the greats in rock and roll.
   
   Weldon Wood



5. ARC OF A DIVER is Steve Winwood's masterpiece. Many of the songs cut a lot deeper than their pop veneer would indicate on first listen, including, especially, the opening cut, "While You See A Chance", which tells people not to let opportunities pass them by, and the title track, which is about how hard connecting with others can be. Winwood's belief that the young Australian tourist jailed in Indonesia since 2005 for drug-smuggling was unjustly convicted makes even disco pap like "Second Hand Woman" and "Spanish Dancer" bearable, and results in ARC OF A DIVER being an essential purchase for both your ears AND your conscience.

5 comments about Roll with It.

1. Roll With It is a song I just enjoy dancing and listening to any time. This is one of his best and still rocks on after some 20 years! There are some other great tracks but Roll With It is the best!!



2. It was a big risk for Steve Winwood to follow a hugely successful album in Back in the High Life from '86 with this 1988 album. And while I like the songs here, such as Roll With It, it lacks the excitement of High Life or its major hits. Roll With It sounds like it was recorded in a blues soul club in a Southern town. It recalls '60s soul in a big way but with a 1988 sheen to it. Don't You Know What the Night Can Do has that cool, modern feel to it, as if it's to be heard under neon lights. The album version feels and sounds long every time I hear it. But Holding On sounds too dull every time I hear it. It still doesn't grab me like his earlier records. The rest of the album tries too hard to follow the formula of the last effort. Where High Life has more of a relaxed comfortable feel, some songs on Roll With It sound a little too forced in the way they were performed and recorded. Winwood sounds superb vocally on all numbers, but without the excitement of the other one. His keyboard playing is among the best in the business, but he falls short on some songs. Roll With It has had the strongest shelf life, as I hear it a lot in some stores. The other singles haven't been as memorable.



3. Steve Windwood doesn`t dissapoint on this one. The reason i think it`s his voice, and the way it fits in as a shining guide, inbetween the very "urban street sound" which brings associations to smoke clouded nightclubs and highlife so to say. Track 1 Roll with it, is an ok starter, which paints a "funky musical tempo up beat " all trough the song. Track 2 Holding on is a classic, or should have been the forgotten hit song gem. It starts, so, so, but then when it build`s up on the refrain, it realy kick`s your`e soul into "heaven feel". There`s something with the refrain that fills you with some sort of religious mood that gives you a good emotion. Track 3 The Morning side is an ok ballad, but it`s a minor let down from the song before. It`s moody, and the Windwood magic is still there`, but it`s not realy up there. Track 4 Put on your dancing shoes, it`s a fastback hard top rock and roller with guts and glory and also have the right element`s to make it shine in a way. Track 5 Don`t you know what the night can do ?, shines in it`s glory. It has a halleluja feel over it, and the Windwood quality dripping on the right notes, so to speak. Track 6 Hearts om fire, is a minor let down. It has tempo, it has a certain flair, and a funky beat, but that`s all. It`s easily forgotten, even when the refrain kick`s in,but the shining quality is still there. Track 7 One More Morning is an ok ballad, but that`s all. It`s to tiny in a way. Track 8 Shining song doesn`t shines too much, sorry to say. Anyway. To sum it up. Roll with this man. Winwood always deliver`s.
   That`s a fact.



4. I admit this album reminds me of his last one in a few ways. Mostly because I think half of the 8 tracks are excellent, and of course the other half is just so-so. Obviously, like "Back In The Highlife", it's the singles that really shine here. The title track is a great upbeat song, even if it was overplayed at the time, and I really do like "Holding On" as well. However, it's "Don't You Know What The Night Can Do" that keeps this in my collection. It's link to the late 80's beer commercial has faded from my memory, and now I just enjoy it as the great song it is. This is a good album for any fan, but what he really needs now is a simple 15-20 track "Greatest Hits" of his solo years, or a double including everything he's done.



5. I understand Steve's yearning to return to a simpler sound as he did on his latest cd but, for me, this is his true calling. I rate this one as one of the best albums of the 80s. It literally jumps out of the speakers with enthusiasm and infectious rhythms every time I put it on. I love the horns, the background singers, the drums, the tight arrangements and clear sound and, of course, Steve's wonderful vocals throughout. This is just one great album.

5 comments about Wander This World.

1. After "Lie To Me", I thought I would buy anything this artist put out. 3 albums later, I'm regretting that decision. It started with this title. Did that trip to Memphis make him think he's Al Green? Did his guitar fall down and it can't get up? Is he only a 6 string stud in the studio with a lot of help from the engineers and timed tracking? I honestly don't get it. As utterly IMPRESSIVE and AMAZING as "Lie" was, subsequent releases have only put me to sleep. Forced blue-eyed soul ain't doing it for me. Stax/Volt is out of business and the Staple Singers aren't holding auditions. I don't want to be unkind because anyone who can cut the very best version of "Matchbox" will always have a home in my heart but in the words of the immortal Frank Zappa, "Shut Up and Play Your Guitar".



2. Nothing is more depressing than an incredibly gifted blues musician playing pop music. Nothing against pop, but really, come on. Can you imagine Howling Wolf singing "yummy yummy yummy i've got love in my tummy", or Muddy Waters singing "Daydream believer"? Sickening.



3. Jonny Lang proves once again that age is not a required criteria when producing a blues album wrought with feeling and emotion. Thanks Jonny...



4. After hitting big time stardom with his previous effort Lang follows things up with another strong one. The album scored another big hit with the leadoff track "Still Rainin", but shows Lang moving in some new directions. Blues is still the main denominator for this album, but Lang starts bringing in a lot more soul, gospel and funk into the mix as well. This conglomeration of styles would indicate the path his career would take with later albums. I think that this may be Lang's best release to date. The material is all strong and he sings and plays like a man on a mission to prove himself. Highlights include "I Am", "Wander This World", "The Levee", the funky "Right Back", the ballad "Leaving To Stay", and the final track a killer cover of Luther Allison's "Cherry Red Wine". There really is not a weak track on the disc. If you have never explored Lang's material this would be a great place to start.



5. Johnny Lang is what--19 here? He's already one of the guitar legends and his voice isn't so bad, either. Admittedly, he's had some amazing help here--David Z produced this CD, but if he didn't have the chops that wouldn't have gotten done.
   
   This is a hard CD to pick a favorite. There's nothing I'd skip over, which is uncommon even for my ultimate favorites. When he belts out the last of "Cherry Red Wine" I've had to just start the whole CD over from the start.
   
   "I Am" is a great soulful song and I can see why so many of the other reviewers have picked it. I keep going back to "Back to the Levee" and "Angel of Mercy" and for the moment, those are my favorites, but that's changed just about every time I've played this CD.
   
   So far, I have liked every single one of Johnny's CDs, looking forward to a long career with a lot of good music.

5 comments about Damn Right, I've Got the Blues: Expanded Edition.

1. I love this CD. They don't even need to list the guest artists. Make no mistake, this is buddy's CD. From the first second of the first song you realize this is something special. I have never heard better vocals from Buddy, so powerful, so deep. He truely captures the blues and then he blows it away. The guitar work is amazing, I'm a SRV fanatic, and this is as close to the raw power and intensity of any SRV recording.



2. LOVE IT
   Damn right Buddy knows how to sing the blues as well as play like the very best guitar players of all time. (Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimmy Hendrix, etc.)



3. I have wasted too much gas in my truck listening to this CD..I must take it into my house before I go broke..BUY IT



4. Buddy Guy is one of my favorite blues artists, and this album is not only a fine comeback, but well deserving of the Grammy award it received in 1991. And with only 6 customer reviews here on Amazon so far of a grammy nominated album which has been on the market since 1991, I would say the album (and the artist) are grossly underappreciated.
   
   One of my favorite songs on this album is the eponymously titled "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues"....right off the start Buddy shows he still has the strong voice, guitar work and the song writing. Another favorite which I hit repeat button many times when listening to is the instrumental "Remembering Stevie"....again, if this does not show a bluesman who hasn't lost his touch one bit, I don't know what will. Simply fantastic.
   
   Hearing his version of "Black Night" is eerie when one remembers older versions of the same song such as the one sung by Muddy Waters in the 60's. Instead of using Vietnam though, Buddy interchanges Iraq, showing us that the blues have a timeless purpose to serve.
   
   I love Buddy's Chess years....those are some of the best blues ever in my opinion. But this album is also excellent in its own right, and certainly deserves more notoriety than it (he) receives.
   
   Highly recommended.



5. Buddy Guy was a guitar legend before the release of Damn Right I've Got The Blues, but when this great record was released in 1990, he has been at the blues forefront ever since. This record proves that the forefront is where Guy belongs.
   
   Cuts like "Where Is The Next One Coming From," "Too Broke To Spend The Night," and the poignant tribute to his friend Stevie Ray Vaughn, "Remembering Stevie," serve notice that Guy not only hasn't lost anything, but still has plenty to teach the younger crowd.
   
   But by far, the title card is the most memorable. This is the kind of song that Buddy could play at the beginning of every concert for the rest of his career. Burning runs and milking every ounce out of every note, Guy grabs the listener and never lets go.
   
   These are the kind of blues that all music lovers need. The expanded re-release is welcomed if for no other reason than to remind all of us that Buddy Guy is a superstar.

5 comments about Loaded.

1. This album is absolutely amazing from start to finish. It ranges from touching melodious folk to gritty and funky. Excellent lyrics and writing, excellent instrumentation, and excellent all around. Get this album!



2. I was introduced to these guys a couple years ago, heard some live stuff, some burned copies, etc. I fell in love with "that voice" which I now know is Oliver Wood. This CD is just amazing. It is like sitting on a porch with the brothers (and a few guests who've stopped by) and just grooving. I played it non-stop for the first two weeks, and now my husband and I take turns stealing it back from one another. Check out the samples- if you like the voice, buy it. If you like blues-y simplicity, buy it. If you want something to dance or head-bop to, keep looking. I am desperate for them to come near me so I can see them live!



3. I loved the first album and this is just as good.
   
   Remco Zwinkels



4. If you are bored with the same old corporate music, give these guys a listen. Refreshingly different.



5. Not quite as impressive as the last album but worth owning. Absolutely love the title song, vocals, and everything the Woods bring.

5 comments about Motown.

1. After three mediocore albums in the 1990s. Michael McDonald chose to go back to his roots. Having been a long time admire of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as well as other artists he seems to top the originals.
   Despite the fact that following the release of this album he had been ridiculed on TV (Family Guy), moviesThe 40-Year-Old Virgin (Unrated Full Screen Edition) and the popular Internet series Yacht Rock he doesn't seem to mind at all and that's why he did a second one. Don't let the cover fool you, there is an earlier American pressing.



2. As a child growing up in the 1960s, I have memories of us kids sitting in the back seat of the family car and listening to "The Motown Sound" on the car's AM radio. Berry Gordy, Jr.'s Motown Records empire dominated AM radio playlists in the sixties, and you didn't have to wait very long to hear a Motown song. Dad always drove, Mom rode shotgun and us kids were all in the backseat. We had a lot of fun back in those days, and the world seemed dependable and carefree. The sweet and soulful "Motown Sound" made it all that much better.
   
   Michael McDonald takes us back to Motown's glory days and the 1960s and 70s with his excellent album, Motown (2003). Not every singer could do a Motown tribute album like this, but Michael not only does a respectable job here, he gives a lot of these songs a lift right into the 21st century. It's a wonderful tribute! Now, some of you will say that the original versions are better, and I'll be the first to admit that in most cases that's true, but that's not really "what's going on" here. This is Michael McDonald doing an album of updated versions of Motown songs (although most of the arrangements are true to the originals). The production is pristine, full of pop orchestration and soulful female backing vocals just like the original Motown, and in most instances the only difference between the songs on this album and the originals is Michael is doing the singing. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's Ain't No Mountain High Enough and Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing are both notable, but certainly not the only highlights here. Stevie Wonder's All In Love Is Fair gets an emotionally soulful interpretation from Michael and sounds great, even rivaling the original. The cover of Marvin Gaye's I heard It Through The Grapevine is excellent, and I like this heartfelt version of The Temptations' Since I Lost My Baby, too.
   
   No, these aren't the originals, but if you like Michael McDonald and you like Motown, you get both with "Motown". Plus a trip back to a magical time in popular music history.



3. This man has the kind of voice which sends chills up your spine. He is such a talent - how can you possibly ever get sick of listening to him. This CD features all the most popular Motown titles and Michael certainly does a good job of it. Do yourself a favour and purchase it.



4. Wow - some mixed reviews here. Have to say if you are a fan of "the voice" you will be a fan of this. Great music to sing along to and a smooth voice singing it. If you want the originals, buy the originals! If you want a nice grouping with a superb voice, this is it.
   
   Look for a new group of R&B covers with 3 new originals from Michael 3/11/8. "Soul Speak" has already charted 3 songs simultaneously on Billboard the first week of singles release so once again - you'll like it.



5. People. I forgot to mention that during my stay at the beach this summer, there came a hoard of baby-boomers who took up residence at this exclusive beach house not far from beloved sand castle. It did not take me long to realize that they were going to party until 3 o'clock in the morning everyday (sometimes 4 or 5!). I was invited once, and given a potent martini to mellow me into a party mood. I admit I was lost. With Guido being in California and the rest of my guides attending to saving Britney, my concerns were of no concern! Needless to say- I stayed and partied. If I am being all things to all people- then I had to. Maybe I should run for political office. Hmmmm....maybe it could work. Anyway- one selection that they seemed to love was this one. And, as you know, Metamorpho is not opposed to any music (unless he hates it-of course). But, since I don't have a hateful bone in my body - I took it all in good stride.
   But, let's get to Michael McDonald, shall we? I think this album is NOT really reflection in it's highest form. However, that said, he makes a concentrated stab at classic Motown tunes and does a more than respectable job at that. You all may think it's a sell-out and that nothing could compare to the originals. But, I don't think that is the point of the album. I think, instead, he gives a lift to the originals, making you realize what a glorious wealth of music Motown produced. Alot of these tunes are classics and, undeniably, an essential part of American music that was produced in an incredibly fertile time.
   Expertly produced, and with the distinct voice of Michael, you wind up with an album that satisfys on every level. I could never have imagined "Reflections" sung by anyone but the Supremes. But, he does it, and very well at that. He's got the back-up singers and everything shines through with amazing accuracy. This is not only very listenable- but at times a positive charge to the system and you find yourself glady giving up your spirit to the groove.
   I see the advantage of this album in many ways. If anything- if you don't own the originals, you will seek them out. He brings your attention and his talent to wonderful arrangements of classic songs. It is a nice excursion and a very listenable c.d. He has picked a genre for his inimitable voice-soulful,smokey, and with all the nuance you would expect.
   The downside for me is that these can't compare with the originals. They are for all time. But these are respectable covers done extremely well. It is a joy in many respects and, I can tell you, after a few martinis it only gets better and better. (Well, doesn't everything? :)). It falls short of 5 stars, but not by much- and if you're having a party- it is a good slection to play. It is not a classic-but a good reflection of the classics and Michael deserves accolades for the effort.
   I guess that's it for now. I must go and figure out what album I will review next and find those guides who have deserted me. They mean well-but just haven't learned that my needs come first! Oh well...
   Ain't no mountain high enough...
   to keep my reviews getting to you.....Cheers-Metamorpho