No comments about Live in Los Angeles 1970.

No comments about Shake Your Money Maker.

No comments about Texas Cannonball.

No comments about Basil's Bar Blues.

No comments about American Folk Blues Festival: 1969.

2 comments about Live in Madrid.

1. This music is straight-ahead rock-blues. The venue is perfect for the music: 1974, Spain. The year Franco died. Also, the songs are orginal to the albumn which is different from most live albumns, though not exclusive to it. If you like a thick rock sound then pick this up. Enjoy



2. "Live in Madrid" was released in November of 1997, but it is a recording of one of the last concerts that Mick did in 1974 prior to his retirement which he finally returned from in 1991. Unfortunately, the sound quality on this CD does not live up to the performance, and for whatever reason this is most evident on the vocals. That being said, there are some great moments, especially when it comes to the guitar work. Some of the highlights are: "Let's Get Down to Business", "Wanna Know How to Love", "Stay with Me", and Mick's signature "Cat Squirrel".
   
   The documentation on this CD is fairly poor. The CD contains liner notes written by Harry Shapiro, but they have more to do with Mick's career than this particular album. There is no listing of who is in the band at this time, although from what is said between songs we know that Mick is doing most of the vocals and guitar, and Walt Monaghan is on bass and does a couple of vocals. I believe Mick also mentions that Wilbur Campbell (?) is on drums and he does one vocal. There is even some question about the track names, as a song which Mick introduces as "I Feel Alright" is listed on the CD as "Steel Blues". There is also a piece called "Automobile" which is announced as being a reworked version of a song by someone else, but is credited on the CD to Mick.
   
   This is an unusual live album, in that it contains none of the songs from either of his two studio albums after leaving Blodwyn Pig, or even the two original Blodwyn Pig albums. Mick would revisit Willie Dixon's "Let Me Love You Baby" on his "All Said and Done" album which would mark his return from retirement in May of 1991. All in all, if you like Mick Abrahams, you probably will enjoy this CD.

2 comments about Live from the Mercury Room.

1. This is another group from the Jackson, MS, area that I have heard around here and there. This blues group has been around a while and this CD was recorded live at a performance in 2000 at the Mercury Room in Houston, TX. The CD features Virgil Brawley on guitar and vocals, Bob "Byrd" Lovell (vocals, guitar, slide), Guy "Animal" Wade (drums), George Vance (bass), and Cameron Scott (saxaphone, appearing courtesy of the Fire Ants). The CD has 13 cuts composed by Virgil Brawley, Bob Lovell, Walter Jacobs, Jimmy Reed, Albert King, Willy Dixon & Billy Emerson, Martin, J.J. Cale, and B.B. King.
   
   Virgil Brawley sometimes plays solo, and represented this region at the 2005 IBC in Memphis.
   
   The CD has become rare. It was a limited edition, and copies are hard to find.



2. The Juvenators rock the house! The only thing better than jumpin' and jivin' to this cd is catching their live show. Wish they'd make it down here to sunny Florida, as in addition to being full-throttle blues dudes, they're also really nice guys. Miss listening to y'all - BR

5 comments about Live at Monterey.

1. THE JOHNNY OTIS REVUE ALWAYS FEATURED A LOT OF GREAT STARS PLAYING WITH THE JOHNNY OTIS BAND. THIS IS A LIVE RECORDING RECORDED AT THE MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL A LONG, LONG, TIME AGO, FEATURING GREAT PERFORMERS LIKE BIG JOE TURNER, EDDIE CLEANHEAD VINSON, ROY MILTON, ROY BROWN, "LITTLE" ESTHER PHILLIPS, IVORY JOE HUNTER, ALL BACKED UP BY THE JOHNNY'S BAND, WHICH FEATURED HIS SON, SHUGGY ON GUITAR (WHO WAS GOOD ENOUGH TO AUDITION FOR THE ROLLING STONES AFTER MICK TAYLOR LEFT THE BAND AND BEFORE RON WOOD JOINED THE GROUP)AND "THE MIGHTY FLEA" ON TROMBONE. IF YOU LIKE OLD ROCK AND ROLL AND R&B MUSIC, YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD.



2. As a young teen in the early 70's, I was extremely fortunate to see up close and personal Uncle "Pee Wee" and the fellas rehearsin' songs for this festival at uncle "Pee Wee's" house in West Los Angeles, California, one Saturday afternoon... I remember Uncle "Pee Wee" asking my mom if he could take me with him to the festival and assured her that "Peaches" his daughter would take good care of me, unfortunately my mom said no...sadly to say even though I didn't get to experience the greatness of that weekend at the 1970 Monterey Jazz Fest...however, the behind the scenes rehearsals were exhilarating none the least!
   
   --A. David Burleigh (aka: "Big Dave") an 'AmeriCanadian' Record Producre/ Artist/ Singer-Songwritre.



3. This is IT, pure and simple. The King of so much Rock influence! His Willie and the Hand Jive was positively seminal! His version of "Since I Met You Baby" was a huge inspiration to Stephen King in his novel, "Christine."
   
   This is taped from the era that all of us hippies were discoverin soul. Otis Redding, Aretha, etc., especially the Monterery Pop Fest. I don't believe Johnny and his revue performed at that one, but this CD will let you know he should have. It's a great set! There are so many great R&B artists in the show, as well as excellent blues, that it can't even be coverered in one review. Just trust that every cut is the real deal and there is not a fake or a phone in in the bunch! Every song is memorable!
   
   Highest recommendation!
   
   BEK



4. One of my favorite albums that my husband Ray brought home from the pawn shop back in the early 70's. Loved it and and played it for my sons since then. This is the best version of Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive" ever recorded and the most lively. Greatest all around music at a live concert, Live at Monterey. After all these years, when you hear it, you still get caught up in the energy and happiness of the event.



5. I am astonished that this great live recording of some of the best R & B artists is as inexpensive as it is. Admittedly, there are a few clunkers on this former 2 record set. But most of the album just soars with great vocals, horns, rhythm and Johnny Otis on the vibes. It is worth the price alone just to hear Esther Phillips sing Cry Me A River Blues -- which I believe is quite possibly the best 3-4 minutes of music on any CD anywhere anytime!! Johnny Otis assembled an all star review that is a classic.

No comments about United, Our Thing Will Stand.

No comments about Big Jay McNeely Recorded Live at Cisco's.