2 comments about Hollywood Be Thy Name.

1. This Cd would be considered a guilty pleasure. Although the sound quality is horrible the overall fun feeling of the cd makes it a fun ride. There are much better titles that showcase the talent of Dr. John, but the live feeling on several of the tracks give you a sense of good ole nawlins jazz. Track 6 is soooo bad it would qualify for the "worst" hall of fame. What were they thinking? Too many late nights and booze. If you just accept that it is bad and roll with it you can actually enjoy it. Track 1 sets the tone and others keep it going. I really like this title despite the obvious flaws.



2. There are three notable tracks on this release. "Swanee River Boogie" is classic Dr. John boogie - very enjoyable. The "Medley" is interesting for its rendition of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". And the title song "Hollywood Be Thy Name" wears surprisingly well - most such religious "spoofs" wear thin by the third time through; while this is not a great track the fact that it doesn't become a bad track is a significant feat.

No comments about Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival: 1970.

No comments about Live at the Saloon.

5 comments about Another Way to Find You.

1. I became a Smither fan after hearing him play live, which is where he really shines, and have since made a point of catching his performances all over the U.S. I have all his CDs and this one is my perennial favorite. It's hard to articulate exactly why, since Chris is so uniformly masterful with his guitar technique and his famously smooth/gravelly voice. I guess it's largely the song choices, which are a teriffic blend of traditional blues covers and his own soulful compositions. Also the live format infuses the entire CD with an energy and consistency missing from many studio productions. This is a singular virtuoso performance; being in that audience must have been a sublime experience!



2. Chris Smither turns in a brilliant live performance here that mixes folk and blues standards with his own less classifiable originals, which seem more informed by tradition, rather than defined by it.

   His acoustic guitar playing is technically impressive, and this is the first thing that some young, guitar-playing friends of mine seized upon, when I lent them the CD. He can burn with up-tempo picking.

   Yet, it is the reflective ballads that command my attention and affection the most. Smither's baritone communicates a dignified sense of melancholy that hints at genuine spiritual depth. These ballads are sequenced against upbeat versions of tunes that range from his own "Love You Like A Man" to a Chuck Berry cover.

   In the end, this is a vital and nuanced performance that is more rewarding for me than his studio recordings with a full band. Highly recommended.




3. "Another Way to Find You" was listed by Kenneth Bays of BLUES REVUE magazine as a favorite album. Since I liked or loved *every* other album Bays listed but had never heard Chris Smither, you bet I sent for this quick-like-a-bunny.

   Oh my wow. Read the other reviews here, they are absolutely right about his guitarwork. He writes an excellent song, walking back and forth between what those who want to classify would call blues and folk. Interesting individual voice that goes well with his lyrics and phrasing-- his voice, playing and writing are extremely well integrated.

   If you like this kind of music (and I approached it from a blues background) you will find tremendous subtle variety among the cuts; if you're not used to it, this is a CD WORTH listening to til you do find them. His "Love You Like A Man" is hilariously joyful guy-stuff and beats Bonnie Raitt's all hollow (!). "Shake Sugaree" is a wonderful choice to cover. It figures if he writes songs as he does that he'd find this and deftly bring out EVERYthing the song has in it. I can only agree with what has been said about other cuts.

   One of those rare CDs with such high consistent quality and depth throughout, where the concept aids and abets what is great about the artist... it's just something to put on again and again to hear as a whole.




4. "Another Way To Find You" features master blues guitarist Chris Smither. That's all - just Chris and his guitar. No backup group singing harmony, no other musicians "filling" for Chris and no multi-track recording manipulation. Chris is well qualified to stand alone. He is a wizard on the acoustic guitar - his technique is so elaborate that you'd swear you were listening to the work of two or three players.

   Traditional songs (such as "Statesboro Blues") are rendered with dignity and respect. Chris is equally comfortable with folk ("Down In The Flood") and rockabilly ("Tulane").

   I'm certain that the relationship between Chris and the small audience present during the recording session was intimate; however, much of that intimacy is lost when the listener is not a member of the live audience. Eighteen cuts of "Chris Unplugged" is a bit lengthy for my tastes. Despite this minor complaint, "Another Way To Find You" shows an exemplary talent in fine form.




5. I was recently introduced to Chris Smithers through a local radio program ("out of the blue radio review" by Page Wilson, on WCVE in Richmond). Mr. simithers' ability is aparent on every Trak.I have been absolutely enthalled by his mastery of the guitar. The music presented on this CD is as rich and complex as it is hard to categorize. Anyone looking for an example of acoustic folk/blues/rock with a hint of the mississippi delta, you need look no further.

5 comments about Trippin' Live.

1. This superb live album is worth hunting out. It was recorded at Ronnie Scotts Jazz club in 1996 and to date its the best live album by Dr John I've heard.
   
   There are numerous classic songs on this album. It starts with a great version of Prof Longhair's 'Tipitina'. Best of all though is Dr John's only ever hit single 'Such a Night'. This has not just one, but two of the Doctors trademark Piano outro's, where the ending seems about to happen, but doesn't, he even throws in a Gershwin quote at the end as well. Jools Holland (ex Squeeze and now a UK music show presenter) guests on '24 Hours A Day, 365 A Year' playing some trademark Boogie Woogie, while the Doctor plays Guitar.
   
   Amongst the backing musicians are some very classy guys. Alvin Tyler is on Tenor Sax and Ronnie Cuber (a very good Jazz player) is on Baritone Sax.
   
   If you're interested in New Orleans music this is a great fun album to own. Sadly it appears to have gone out of print now so you need to get hold of any copy you can asap.



2. Dr. John once again proves he is the boss with the hot sauce, and one of the great live jazz/funk keyboard performers of all-time. His live recordings are so good, that his studio recordings are often overlooked. His unmistakable New Orleans drawl is one of kind, making this release his best live performance ever. The tunes are rocking, with takes on "Tipitina", "Such a Night", Right Place Wrong Time", "Down By The Riverside Medly", and "Goodnight Irene", which is an atomic finale. Don't pass up an opportunity to see this cat live if you ever get the chance, because he truly is a rock/jazz/funk treasure. "Trippin'Live" is one of the best get up and have fun recordings that I have ever heard, and ranks as quite possibly Dr. Johns greatest live album ever. Don't miss this gem.



3. The music on this live CD is spectacular, as satisfying as anything Mac has ever recorded. But I'm downgrading this to a 3 stars because of the horrible decision by the producer to have the first minute of every song destroyed by having a superimposed recording of Dr. John verbally giving us his thoughts about the song. The first minute of the actual music as a result remains only a distant fade in the background. And for me, the instrumental introduction of the song, where the doctor is playing his butt off, is often the best. Mac gets an A+ for his efforts; the producer gets an F for his bonehead move.



4. This is a great live CD which really captures the versatility of Dr. John (he even plays guitar on this album). The songs are great all the way through-not a bad song (or story) on the album. Buy this album is you like New Orleans Funk Blues. Buy this album if you like music at all. Buy this album if you want to know what music is. Just buy it!!



5. If you like music in any way whatsoever, you'll LOVE this album! It's got a load of stuff on it, and it's not all 7 bar blues stuff, it's got a good mixture.

No comments about Live in Chicago 1963.

No comments about Blues Live at Newport: Story Songs and Voices of T.

No comments about Big Bill Broonzy in Concert.

1 comments about Live at Slim's, Vol. 2.

1. My library is about 90% blues and R&B. If you like blues like I like blues, this album is a "must have" item. It's been in my CD player in my van for about two weeks now. I listen to it over and over again and never tire of it. CAUTION: Contains some great drivin' road music... watch your speedometer while listeng to this CD or YOU'LL be singin' the blues to "Smokey"!

1 comments about Live at the Stanhope House.

1. I saw Roger & his band at a blues festival in June (2003)here in Nebraska. He came on earlier than he was supposed to and kept playing long after his turn was to end. It reminded me of Duane Allman or Eric Clapton the way they don't want to end a song. For a three man band they can really crank out some fine music, from slow rocking & traditional blues to full on boogie. This CD is pretty much representative of what I heard at the festival, which is where I bought the CD(for a great price). I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes listening to great guitar & gutsy vocals. I would also recommend seeing him in concert if you get the chance. The Man Really Loves To Play.