No comments about The Best of the Blues: Live at Newport in New York.

3 comments about Moments from This Theater.

1. This is an album that Southern Soul masters Penn and Spooner recorded live, during an unusual tour of small venues, and what a gem it is. I believe that you will find at least one song here which has already moved your heart, and -call it an injustice that these men may not be worshipped beyond certain circles- you may not even know that one of them wrote it.
   For me, "Cry Like A Baby" or "Do Right Woman, " "I'm Your Puppet" or "The Dark End Of The Street" are enough to vow, be quiet, and listen. Even if you still loved the versions that made these tunes unforgetable, you'll appreciate their spare beauty and may rediscover the depth of Penn and Oldham's songwriting.
   The playing, only piano and guitar, are a treat in its own right. Oldham does not have to play that many notes to wow you with his deep sense of melody, and Penn -not the most gifted singer ever- sings sincerely enough to satisfy angels.
   This is a very special album, perhaps not everyone may see it or be drawn to Southern Soul, but I risk to bet that no one seriously interested in popular music would miss to feel the mood and depth of these renditions.



2. ...I was fortunate enough to see Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham at the Bluebird in Nashville a few years back. The mere thought of that show still gives me goosebumps, so I can't wait to get this CD. Should be great. I've never lied to you before. Unless we dated years ago.



3. Peter Guralnick calls Dan Penn the "secret hero" of his book "Sweet Soul Music," and in a way Penn is as essential to understanding soul music as listening to Aretha or Percy Sledge (two artists who covered Penn's work). Penn and Spooner Oldham labored for some harsh taskmasters, like Fame's Rick Hall and Atlantic's Jerry Wexler, but they managed to write and produce tunes that sound effortless in their construction. Listen to Penn's hit for the Boxtops, "Cry Like A Baby," or "I'm Your Puppet," his hit for the Purify brothers that launched the Muscle Shoals recording industry -- they sound like tunes that have been around forever, just drifting in the ether, waiting for Penn to hear them and write them down. But don't take my word for it -- buy this record, right now! You'll listen to it over and over again.

No comments about Live at Newport.

No comments about Live and Kickin'.

No comments about Great Fats Domino: In Concert.

No comments about Live in Paris.

2 comments about Mojo: The Best of Muddy Waters Live!, 1971-1976.

1. This is an excellent Live cd from the 1970's. Tracks 1-7 were recorded in Switzerland, April 1976. Tracks 8,9,10,& 12 were recorded at Washington University in 1971. Tracks 11,13,& 14 were recorded at Oregon University. The songs selection is outstanding and the liner notes are great. Ranks right up there with Muddy Waters "Live(at Mr.Kelly's)"



2. As a long-time Muddy Waters fan, I had to add this album to my collection. The sound quality and musicianship are outstanding. The recordings are from several live 1971 and 1976 performances, just before Muddy had gone back into the studio with Johnny Winter to record Hard Again, King Bee, and I'm Ready. This has become my favorite Muddy Waters album - the one I play for guests. It seems to get better with each listening. While the entire set of tracks is stellar, renditions of Delta blues standards Rollin' and Tumblin', Walkin' Blues, and Dust My Broom are particular stand-outs. If you're new to Muddy Waters, or a long-time fan, I can't recommend this CD highly enough.

No comments about V.I.H. 3...Live.

No comments about Colors of the Blues: Live in Argentina.

5 comments about Live at the Wise Fools Pub.

1. Mighty Joe Young was born in Shreveport, Louisiana back in 1927. Over the years he recorded as a sideman with some of the best names in the business including Koko Taylor and Jimmy Dawkins. He is most associated with the Chigago West Side sound personified by Otis Rush and Magic Sam. An excellent guitarist, this album captures him at his best.



2. At last, I finally found it. Here is Might Joe Young playing the same version of Turning Point that is played in Michael Mann's Thief. Awesome.



3. I found out about Joe Young probabbly like most everybody else from the 1981 movie Thief. James Caan is in a bar meeting his girl freind and Joe Young is the band playing in the back ground
   This is great music, best blues ever!



4. I first heard Mighty Joe Young when I saw the Michael Mann movie "Thief" long ago, since then I have been a fan. Great CD.



5. Not to skip over the rest of the tracks, but the live performance of Turning Point makes this album worth buying.
   It conveys the feeling of being in a smoky bar with long thin tables at 43rd and MLK in Chicago's south side, a feet that is hard to package! Well done.