No comments about Black Top Blues-A-Rama, Vol. 7: Live at Tipitinas.

No comments about Black Top Blues-A-Rama, Vol. 6: Live at Tipitina's.

1 comments about Black Top Blues-A-Rama, Vol. 5.

1. ronnie earl is on here playing a set. that alone is worth the price.

No comments about My Sunday Best.

1 comments about Route 97.

1. This is the best quality live recording I have heard in many years. Paul gets a killer sound from his guitars and plays with the taste and style of a master. His band kicks and its all captured in this recording. Remember the old recordings that used recommend "Play this record loud", I dare you to play this loud.

   I can't speak a word of French but music knows no language when it comes from the heart.

5 comments about An Evening of Acoustic Music.

1. Blues on steroids. If you like blues guitar, this is the cd to have, and the playing meshes perfectly with his near perfect vocal interpretations. He had a good night, probably the best of his career.



2. I haven't heard everything Taj Mahal has recorded, but I've heard a lot of it, and this is the best CD of his I know of BY FAR. It's absolutely awesome. The electric guitar sound he gets here just blows you away. His version of STAGGER LEE is a direct throwback to Mississippi John Hurt and it is stunning. DUST MY BROOM is as good as any of the many versions Elmore James recorded of his famous song. COME ON IN MY KITCHEN is haunting and brilliant, in a different way, as Robert Johnson's original version. No matter how many times you listen to this music it continues to give pleasure. If you love the blues, this is a must-have CD.



3. From the heartfelt Crossing and Come on in my Kitchen to Big Leg Mama, this album traverses alot of emotions and really packs a great blues punch. I have enjoyed this album alot and it is a great live recording, definitely worth your purchase. Taj mahal is an extremely versatile and talented artist and this live recording strongly reflects both of those characteristics.



4. At first listen, the guitar can be a little annoying, but once you get into the mood of the CD, it's phenomenal. I've never seen Taj, but would love too, this CD is why. I find one of the most enjoyable ways to listen to is on a clear night with your window open while you drift off to sleep. At the point the songs take an aural quality that is hard to desrcibe--just great though!



5. The "Acoustic" in the title is a bit of a misnomer. Taj plays an electric piano on a couple of cuts (which is fine) and his guitar sounds like it's miked through an amp with the "chorus" effect turned up to 11 (which I could have done without).

   Some reviewers have panned the songs where he's accompanied by Howard Johnson (not the hotel guy) on tuba, calling them "sloppy", however, in my opinion, these are the highlight of the CD. In particular, "Cake Walk Into Town" stands out- This is a song that should be prescribed for people that are chronically depressed, as it never fails to put a smile on my face.

   The CD lags a bit on "Ain't Gwine Whistle Dixie Anymo" (live or in the studio, this is a song that is always an endurance test to me to see if I can get through it) and the part where he coaches the audience on clapping in time, which I've never heard any audience do. This is one of those things that are much more fun in person that hearing on a CD, and could have been left off.

   I also urge all fans of Taj and Ry Cooder to check out Austin, TX group "Bad Livers", especially "Hogs on the Highway" - Banjo & Tuba at it's finest!

4 comments about Live at the Grand Emporium.

1. The Rockets & legendary Anson Funderburgh, king of Texas jump & delta blues will knock your sox off. 15 seconds into the first track and your're smack in the middle of Burbon Street sippin a cool one and your feet just won't be still. It's a trip back in time to old N'awlins nights of cold beer, hot cajun spice, blazin guitars, and keyboard magic. A must have for any serious Blues collection.



2. This one contains one of the most striking versions of Freddie Kings "Sidetracked" to be found anywhere. Anson smokes throughout the solo with a guitar tone set to perfection. His tone is slightly sweeter than his rivals like Ronnie Earl and perhaps because of the hollow body guitar.
   The energy and excitement is kept at a high level during the course of the whole CD and Funderburgh shows what an impressive rhythm guitarist he is on the tracks where he backs Sam Myers.
   Anson covers all his favourite styles on this c.d from Elmore James and J.B. Hutto ( "Everything's gonna be alright") to Magic Sam/Otis Rush ("Tell me what i want to hear") Texas shuffles all round after the first three tracks and Anson finishes dynamically with a tribute to Albert Collins with the tune "Backstroke".
   Well worth the money!



3. Anson and Sam are fantastic together. They bring the absolutely best of the old time blues to the live stage where the kids can literally get up and boogie woogie. I have seen them 6-8 times in different places and the band is very tight each time. They should NOT BE MISSED! Sam is a true treasure and entertainer and there aren't many left like him. Anson plays the guitar(s) with such feeling and soul that it just brings tears to your eyes hearing him play the real soft stuff. And when he wants to let it rip in an upbeat number, look out, cause he is unmatched!

   Go See em!




4. After having the pleasure of hearing this truly original Blues Band for myself at the old "Loafers" club in Raleigh, NC. I can only say that the Blues does'nt get any better than this. My complimentory copy of this CD was signed and given to me by Carl"Sonny"Leyland, who is without question one of the greatest piano players I've ever heard. As it turns out we are both fond of the cactus worm. If you're a fan of rockin'boogie woogie piano music, you really should look him up. He has three new albums available now at Amazon.com "Boogie & Blues" has my favorite piano version of "The House of Blue Light" It's Number 18 on the list. You gotta here this man play this song. The hair on your neck will stand stright up!

3 comments about Live August 31, 1999.

1. When I was in college I was very into the Chicago blues style and its copiers, from Howling Wolf and Muddy Waters on. When I became a Christian, I turned away from all that, because though I liked the music, the "Whisky and Women" emphasis was not where I wanted my head to be. I didn't think it was possible to play the blues with Christian lyrics. Whoa! I was wrong. This is one of the tightest, hottest blues bands I've heard in a long time, sort of like the Howling Wolf London Sessions with Eric Clapton doing the guitar for the Wolf. Very crisp. The lyrics are not evangelistic, but they come from a Christian moral worldview. If anyone else is doing this, I haven't heard of it.



2. I heard Will solo on a demo tape a few years ago and couldn't get the songs out of my head. Now, with his second release (and first with his band), I am even more amazed at his talent. I can't believe they're not signed to a major label! I mean, they make great rocking music without the addictions common to this genre. I love the CD. I love them live. They are a band not to be missed.



3. Wow! I purchased this album after I listened to Will Derryberry's "Learning Your Sky" album and let me tell you....the Will Derryberry Band is great live as well. Listening to the album from beginning to end was like having them there in your own home. The audio is very clear, crisp and each song has alot of depth not only in the instrumental playing and harmonies but what is being said as well. You can hear the enthusiasm this band has for the songs they sing. They sing with pride and with a positive message. I highly recommend this blues/pop band. If you like Eric Clapton and B.B. King, you'll like the Will Derryberry Band as well.

1 comments about Thrill on the Hill.

1. GREAT cd. Johnny Nichloas is awesome,, on this cd.
   
   great fast service too

No comments about Live at Sugar Hill, Vols. 1 & 2.