5 comments about Supernatural.

1. This cd was a major disappointment for me.It really doesnt showcase his playing..and gets lost at times.I find myself wondering what he was shooting for when putting this cd together.Its not really blues blues...nor is it really jazz jazz...which I love both of those Robben's styles.I found it boring. So many other of his cds to choose from..I would skip this one though



2. This CD was unavailable for a while. Agony. I'd heard the song "If" on a radio show and wanted to buy it THAT DAY and couldn't. I wrote Mr. Ford a fan letter and he most graciously wrote back. He thanked me for the kind words and said "it is my favorite CD of my own work."
   
   "If" and "Don't Lose your Faith in Me" are heart melting and I've listened to them a zillion times; but the rest of the CD is slammin'. I can't imagine my life without this music, it's so great. Robben Ford is rightly considered one of the greatest guitarists of this time. But I love the way he sings too. Simple and true.



3. Robben Ford's "Supernatural" is now 5 years old and is certainly aging well. My favorite track is the bluesy "Nothing to Nobody." Ford's juicy guitar weeps woefully, "The preacher on Sunday tells me I'm just another child of God; Lord, if you're there & if you care, could you see fit to answer my prayer?" "Water for the Wicked" was co-written with the Doobie Brothers' Michael McDonald and has plenty of that blue-eyed funk & soul. "Don't Lose Your Faith In Me" experiments with a clever string arrangement on a soft samba-like track. One of my personal favorites is the little-known David Batteau who co-wrote "Hey, Brother" with Ford that is a great track about trying to heal injured friendships. Another addictive track is the funky "Deaf, Dumb & Blind," "I couldn't see when you showed your love to me; I was thinking only of myself & missing all that light from you." Ford cuts a slow smoking groove on the Arthur Alexander classic, "You Got Me Knockin'" with Ricky Peterson's soulful Hammond B3 organ swelling the emotional wave. The set closes with Paul Butterfield's toe-tapper "Lovin' Cup." "Supernatural" is a good set with enough strong tracks to warrant a second listen five years later! Enjoy!



4. This album is mainly for big time guitar fans. Of course Robben Ford is a very talented guitar player but I find this one rather slow and very boring. I can hear one or two songs at a time, then I just can't stand it! The music of Robben Ford is a blend of blues, jazz, funk, and I'm almost certain that most of his fans are guitar players themselves. I'd buy "Handful of blues" instead of this one.



5. Robben Ford is still one of the unsung great guitarists of this day. "Supernatural" is a reminder of his guitar prows. A blues guitarist that is not afraid to get funky and go outside with some jazz scales. When it comes to phrasing, Ford knows exactly what he's trying to say and does so with a minimum number of notes and spacing. He's not going to blow you away by sticking five hundred notes in a measure. Instead, he plays with feeling, letting the rests speak as loud as his notes.

   There are some cool licks on this album. The title track has a good funk to it and a cool solo. "Nothing to Nobody" has that great blues feel with his guitar responding in the silence of his lyrics. "Deaf, Dumb and Blind (for O.T)" continues with that wah-wah funk and Ford's voice fits well. Another heavy blues song on the album is "When I Cry Today." He finishes with a good cover of Paul Butterfield's "Lovin' Cup." Songs like "If" and "Hey Brother" are a departure from his earlier days. Soft ballads that have a smooth feel to them.

   As a guitar player, Ford is one of the best, but as a complete musician he's not my favorite. His voice is too weak for the type of music that he plays. As for the lyrics, they are not outstanding. Besides a couple of songs, you'll be hard pressed to remember the lyrics an hour after you've listened to the song. Still, his guitar work makes it all worthwhile.

1 comments about Blues Masters, Vol. 2: Postwar Chicago Blues.

1. This 1992 CD is one of the best installments in Rhino's generally excellent "Blues Masters" series.
   
   It brings together 18 recordings by some of the best and most renowned artists on the Chicago blues scene, and the postwar Chicago blues scene is of course "where it's at" as far as classic electric blues goes.
   
   Not every selection is perfect...they could have done better by Muddy Waters, Little Walter, and Junior Wells in particular, and where the heck are Elmore James and John Lee Hooker?
   But what is here is mostly great, from Buddy Guy's slow, anguished "First Time I Met The Blues" to J.B. Lenoir's upbeat "Mama Talk To Your Daughter", and the compilers at Rhino have included some of the very best songs by men like Eddie Boyd (the slow blues "Five Long Years"), Howlin' Wolf (the menacing "Smokestack Lightnin'"), Jimmy Reed (the swinging, lethargic boogie of "Bright Lights, Big City"), Sonny Boy Williamson II (the magnificent, harp-driven "Don't Start Me to Talkin'"), Otis Rush (the fiery "All Your Love"), and several others.
   Magic Sam is here as well, (his "All You Love" is not the same song as Otis Rush's), and so are Jimmy Rogers, Bo Diddley, and Johnny Shines, all well represented by really great songs.
   
   "Blues Masters vol. 2" ranks alongside MCA/Chess' "Chess Blues Classics: 1947 To 1956", "Chess Blues Classics: 1957 To 1967", and "Chess Blues Guitar" as one of the best "various artists"-compilations available. Seasoned blues listeners will have most or even all of this music already, of course, but this is a really good place to start, and the liner notes are excellent as always.
   4 1/2 stars.

2 comments about Collection.

1. First let me say that I think Scott is definitely one of the very best guitarists on the planet. I saw him perform many times when I was a student at Musicians Institute. His best work however can be found on the following recordings when he was with Tribal Tech: Dr Hee, Nomad and their fourth recording simply titled "Tribal Tech." This fourth recording is the band at their peak .As Tribal Tech went forward the band went into more and more jams with the compositions suffering .Finally Scott went off into his blues / whammy phase which is without a doubt a step down and this Collection is a compilation from this later period . Several songs on this set are outstanding and if you don't have the originals it may be worth it to the die hard fan of which I am one . In the final analysis , if I want to listen to blues rock material I stick with the masters from the 60's and 70"s or with folks like SRV or Satriani. The recording Scott has yet to make is one of rocked out versions of jazz standards . I saw him play this way with students the whole year that I was at MI and he was always amazing.



2. Nice collection from a Jazz/rock/blues/fusion master. Scott Henderson is on my top 10 list of greatest guitar players out there today. He is so original in his style. He goes from blues, to rock, to jazz, funk, and combines them all into a plethora of sound. Get it, and check out Scott's other cds, and also Tribal Tech....

5 comments about Romp.

1. The review on Chris Duarte is the only one that has been bang on.
   Duarte plays with the passion of Stevie Ray but is much more like Henrix, Beck and Winter -- and Like Jeff Beck he is in a league all is own -- really hard to compare with anyone
   Live is absolutely astounding -- see Duarte live, you'll never forget it.



2. Chris Duarte is a true wonder of the musical world. He is a guitarist beyond gifted. I have long wondered why Chris Duarte is not more recognized for his mind blowing guitar playing. After all of these years and hearing all of his records I stil have no clue. Get on the bandwagon people! We have an absolute guitar genius in front of us and still he goes unnoticed. This record displays everything that is great about Duarte. His vocals seem to be much improved on this record and his riffs on this record are once again superb! His fretboard execution is flawless and he plays with as much passion an fire as anyone who has ever played. The songs are fun to listen to and the band as a whole is as one musician. Just another great album from Chris Duarte. Three things that we all must do..Buy this CD, See Duarte live once in our lives and tell everyone we know about Chris Duarte in hopes that someday he may recieve the recognition that so many inferior guitarists have already been given.



3. If you've seen Chris Duarte live, even if only one time, you know he has a depth of soul that draws you to not only his music, but to him personally. Following the musical development of someone like Chris who is truly unique (a word overused but in Chris' case, accurate) is rewarding no matter what style he may be playing at the moment. The 30-second bites from "Romp" DO accurately represent this CD. If you like Chris Duarte, you will like this CD. If you spend time picking apart blues vs. rock vs. whatever, you don't have a full understanding of Chris Duarte. This CD is dynamite.



4. When it's all said and done, we'll look back on Romp as Chris Duarte's weakest effort. It seems all great artists have a time period where their music takes a dive. This is it for Chris. He spends more time trying to be who he is not instead of being who he is. His strength is straight-up blues with some rock dynamics thrown in. Unfortunately, this CD features very little blues. Bb blues is the only song worth listening to on this CD in my opinion. I love Chris and have seen him several times and I don't blame him for trying to stretch out and explore but here's the bottom line....he's world class at traditional blues/blues rock...unfortunately Romp focuses on the skills he is weak at...vocals and songwriting in shakey, undefined rock style. If you like the music on Texas Sugar Strat Magic and his second CD, you will be sorely dissappointed in Romp. CHRIS DUARTE...PLAY THE BLUES.



5. Austin guitarist Chris Duarte can't seem to escape the shadow of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Much like Stevie, Chris started young. By the age of fifteen, Chris was playing jazz and blues in Austin clubs. His first few albums solidified his hold on the title of "the next Stevie Ray". The thing is, Chris is worthy of your respect without labeling him the next anybody. Let somebody else be "the next Chris Duarte". "Romp" goes a long way towards showing folks that Chris isn't just another Texan with a guitar. In fact, most of "Romp" recalls Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter and Jeff Beck as much as or more than Stevie. Recommended cuts include "Do the Romp", "Fire's Gone Out" and "Bb Blues". Chris explodes on the uptempo numbers and is appropriately smoldering and sinister on the slow stuff. Really fine stuff for those of you who don't insist that he do the same thing over and over again. Check it out!

2 comments about ThrillVille.

1. the thrill in thrillville begins with the very first song and takes off from there on a wonderful blues journey. the west coast style always provides a well tuned group of musicians a chance to showcase their talents and love for playing the blues, led by legendary harmonica player, rod piazza. this is a disc that should always be close by a cd player for many listenings.



2. Rod Piazza and his wife, Honey, have been playing music together a long time. There has been various line ups of the Mighty Flyers over the years, but the music has always been top rate. They somehow keep the music fresh and invigorating, and never stale. They are real pros. As usual, they have an excellent guitar player on board. This time it's Dave Carvajal, as well as Dave Kida on drums. This band hits the groove from the first tune and never lets up. You won't be diappointed in this CD.

5 comments about Best of Elvin Bishop.

1. Yes that's how I feel about the lone Elvin Bishop song to make it into the top 40. I hated it with such a seething passion that I know I have to keep it clean here otherwise this won't get posted. The stupid key of "F", and that's the grade I give the song is the main reason I hate this song, but the lyrics tell me of something I could never do, and that's have alot of girls, and have them flock around me that way. I just never had that happen, and I doubt I ever will, but why would I want to? I remember one time I was in a crisis center, and everyone got to share their favorite fairy tales, and a few of the men claimed "The Three Bears", and they said it was because of choices where you can pick a girl, or for you women a guy, or whatever, and it would either be just right, or something else. That's a good way to do it, but "ONE AT A TIME......PLEASE!!!!!! I actually hate the guys who have more than one girlfriend hanging on them at one time because that leaves me out, and I'm trying to make time, but all it ends up with is a friendship, a stiff handshake, and nothing else. I know that anytime I hear this song I have to run the other way because of I know it would drive me to suicide. I know I have alot to live for, and this song would take it all away from me. I know everyone here would say if I let it, but the presence of this song is too strong as I have demons that I have to conquer. The things inside of me that make me feel like I'm not worthy to have love, and self-hating demons that just hold me down. This song will enter me, and just hold me back. I often wonder if Bishop's still alive? I know Mickey Thomas is, but I am not a big fan of his. I am not a big fan of Bishop's either. I had to censor the one scene of "Summer Of Sam" because it contained this song. I know when I used to practice guitar alot I tried to play it, to get away from it, and I used to have fantises of being in a band, and while the rest of the group played "Fooled Around" I would jump into playing Body Count's "Evil Rick" I had to clean it up otherwise this won't go public. I just feel it's wimpy too, and I guess it's a love song that guys can only appreciate, but let's face it whoever feels this is a love song just doesn't get it. The rest I don't even want to try.



2. Garbage, don't buy. They've chopped up songs and spliced pieces together. For example Fooled Around is about 1/2 the length of the original, they cut the openning riff in half, removed an ENTIRE stanza (if you can believe it). I was very dissapointed. Keep shopping, but don't waste your money like I did.



3. The Elvin Bishop CD I received was not even Elvin Bishop. This CD case was right and even the CD looked right, but when played, it was something I had never heard! I am VERY unhappy about this.



4. I would like to get the song lyrics of "fooled around and fell in love". Where can i get them?



5. Elvin Bishop was, is and continues to be one of the best rock blues guitar players of our time. This CD contains some of his best and well known classics. For Elvin Bishop fans this CD is a must.

2 comments about Back to the Blues.

1. I know it doesn't make much sense that my favorite Sue Foley CD should be a collection of outtakes from her 1st two albums, but
   it sure is. Her cover of Dylan's "Positively 4th Street" is magnificent.



2. As a fan of Foley's since 1990, I am often puzzled by people who say they prefer her sometimes too slick work since leaving Antone's. This cd of hidden gems is dynamite stuff. For vocals check out the deep blues of "Gone Blind" with guest Kim Wilson and the rocking "Come On." As for instrumentals, Sue always amazes and her taste is first rate in covering a pair by Earl Hooker. Backed by her great road band at the time, Sue is in top form. Long-time fans will find this one a must, and initiates will receive a fitting introduction to a superb young talent. Oh, and she is simply a knockout on stage-- so catch her when she is near your town.

2 comments about Empty Rooms.

1. This is a slower, more pastoral and acoustic entry from the elder stateman. He does a lot of finger pickin' with his top-notch band, and the songs reflect the happier state of mind he was evidently in at the time. "Don't Waste My Time" is a standout, as well as "Don't Pick A Flower."
   
   Mayall's slightly off-pitch singing takes some getting used to, but this is well worth a listen and I am glad they finally re-released it on cd.



2. After the Major Success of the "Turning Point" LP and the FM airplay of "Room To Move", John Mayall had achieved Stardom in the USA at long last. Whilst Touring to Promote "Turning Point" John was planning his next move, that being a Studio LP of New Songs Featuring the Great Musicians: Johnny Almond,Jon Mark and Steve Thompson.
   
   Written and Recorded during 1969, while the tunes, "California" and "Room To Move" were Staples of FM Radio, this new work became "Empty Rooms". John was missing his new favorite place Los Angeles, Ca. and a new Lady in his Life Nancy T. And that shows up in his Writing here, When I first had a listen to this Album in 1970 a friend of mine commented that this Record was a Bummer. Well, it is a bit of a Downer, but THIS IS THE TURNING POINT BAND and for that Mighty Reason Alone it is Worth a Listen.
   
   Again this is a Good Record, But we were all expecting a Great Record to follow "Turning Point". I can not find Fault in these Musicians, they are Top-Notch, and as with the Previous Record the Saxophones and Flutes of Mr. Johnny Almond, are as Good as any Jazz Players of this era. Also of Worth is the Great Bass Player Steve Thompson (Who left Mayall's Band to Hook up with Donovan before these Recordings were Completed).
   
   This Record was another Success for John Mayall, and "Don't Waste My Time" and "Counting The Days" both recieved lots of Plays on the FM. But this Band was to soon Disolve and Jon Mark & Johnny Almond became the very Successful Group: "Mark Almond".And John Mayall rebuilt his Band once again and on the very next release: "USA Union" with a Stronger Bunch of Tunes and the Talents of Fiddler Sugarcane Harris he had another 'Classic' to give us.
   
   One or Two Upbeat numbers could have had a Big Effect on the MOOD of this Record, but alas they are not here.
   
   GOOD, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN GREAT...

No comments about Seth Walker.

5 comments about Bo Diddley/Go Bo Diddley.

1. Bo Diddley was one of only several who influenced what became known as R & R. I first heard and learned to play his music from 1954 as a youngster in Nashville, Tennessee. I still have some of the original 45 rpm recordings, slightly worn but still playable. Impossible to correctly emulate (his guitar and amps were the keys), in 1959, I attended a "street dance" held by 3 Vanderbilt frats who hired Bo Diddley and his 7 members...Jerome, the girl singer and numerous other stand me ups. At the break, I had the good fortune to meet him and he ushered me around his stage showing me the various features of his several guitars, the most famous being the "box" that he had had built for himself....Bo used a number of tape loops in his music: he would play the chorus, record it on loop then return to accompany himself as lead...the sounds were blood moving and greatly influenced many of us from the 1950's and 60's and into the 21st century. In Memphis, in 1961, I had an opportunity to sit in with him, what an eye opener!!!!! Despite the rumor of his short temper, he always took the time and effort to help young and old musicians further their guitar playing. In the 1990's, I heard Bo at The Exit Inn accompanied by one of my friends, Mac Gayden and even years later, he still had "zing" in his music. Now, Bo is gone but his music will live on for many years. He never really gained the stardom of an Eric Clapton or SRV but he had dramatic effects on both of them and more....For those of us reared in the 50's and 60's, a legend has passed...RIP BD June, 2008



2. Although there are probably cheaper, more readily available places to get these songs, Bo Diddley's first two LPs are among the greatest in the history of rock 'n' roll. Released at the tail end of the 50s, these records are nothing short of musical goldmines, positively gushing with the sweaty, rhythmic, blues-plastered weirdo genius of this most singular rocker. The self-titled record alone plays like a greatest hits collection. After all, its got the surrealist gin-joint macho anthem "Who Do You Love," and the blues rock juggernaut "I'm A Man," as well as the smug rhythmic attack of "Bring It To Jerome," the bizarrely autobiographical and utterly hypnotic masterpiece that is "Bo Diddley," and the relentlessly addictive ballad "Pretty Thing." All the while, we're treated to Bo's tremolo-laden guitars, hypnotic poly (sorta) rhythms, and blues-informed lyrical surrealism. In classic 50s rock style, album number two gives us...more of the same! Especially in the case of "Dearest Darling," which also appeared on the self-titled. Gotta love those patchwork 50s record making techniques! But aside from that unintentionally humorous glitch, there's plenty of good stuff on the second album- the stunningly hilarious, old-school insult battle "Say Man" is a highlight, as is "the churning blues of "You Don't Love Me (You Don't Care)" and the Diddlified doo-wop of "I'm Sorry." So, two rock classics on one disc. Get it!



3. If you are a fan of Bo Diddley , you will love this CD. The music sounds great, with no skips or scratches that you hear on the original record.
   I enjoyed hearing songs that I never heard before, and it's great to
   hear Bo Diddley playing the guitar on his classic songs.



4. A two-for-one deal of absolutely timeless music-- and some of the most influential of all time. Listen to "Bring It To Jerome" or "Pretty Thing" and you can hear early Rolling Stones, for example. So, not only did Bo Diddley alter the course of R & B and help establish rock & roll, he was a great influence on what would one day become British Blues.
   
   His first two CHESS albums, BO DIDDLEY and GO BO DIDDLEY are thus Elias McDaniel's most important historically. Both are presented here in their entirety, with original playing order intact. Source material transfers are top shelf-- clean and full fidelity. Includes an eight-page foldout booklet.
   
   TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 63:44



5. This CD features Bo Diddley's first two albums on one CD. Almost all of this material is great, with the first album being slightly better. Stupidly, "Dearest Darling" appears twice here, because it was on both albums. This is great, classic early rock and roll, but unfortunately it's out of print now.