2 comments about Blues Highway.

1. Warner Williams Live with Jay Summerour is an absolutely authentic Piedmont Blues album. Yes, it is hard to believe, the picture on the front is in color, and it was recorded in 2004. This is a golden nugget for lovers and collectors of authentic acoustic and Piedmont blues. Warner Williams may well be last traditional practitioner of this wonderful music, and he plays and sings with a warmth and charm that seems to emanate from his musical ancestors. Highly recommended for any lover of acoustic music.



2. This is a very good album. I'm in the process of buying their other album 'Little Bit A Blues'. Any fans of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee or just blues fans in general would really like this CD. It is a blend of blues, country, harp, etc. Very good blend of different styles but it still maintains the essence of the blues. I'm glad to see some local dudes shine. Looking forward to their next project. Thanks...

5 comments about Live at the BBC.

1. Mayall is Mayall. This record is no exception. While I personally prefer his studio work, this isn't bad for a live performance. Some of the live BBC peformances I have heard over the years have seemed over produced. Not so this one. Again, if you are already a John Mayall fan, you won't be disappointed. If not, let me suggest Spinning Wheel.



2. Quite frankly, this record disappoints. Although I am a longtime JM fan (saw him live the first time in the mid-60s and never looked back... ) unfortunately I have to say that this record leaves a lot to be desired -- poor sound, weak material, and the delivery (especially on some of the tracks from the 70's) is simply embarrassing. Thank goodness it lasts only 36 minutes. For "completists" only...



3. The cuts that should have Clapton on don't, and the cuts that have Peter Green on don't feature him. Historic, if you're interested in the history of John Mayall. Disappointing if you loved the Bluesbreakers with Clapton and Green.



4. Given the BBC's unique archiving policy in previous decades, it is a very welcome surprise to discover that these early John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers sessions still exist at all, let alone in such pristine quality as found here. A lot of early BBC sessions have only survived on World Service transcription discs of programmes, and so have disc-jockey voice-overs on them, but these are free of such irritations.
   
   Ken Garner's invaluable book In Session Tonight gives the date the original band passed their audition as July 1964, and their first session as 30 October 1965, so it was a complete surprise to me to find that the first three tracks here come from a Saturday Club session dated 26 April 1965. The three tracks included from this session comprise re-workings of the band's first two singles, Crawling Up A Hill and Crocodile Walk, as well as an unrecorded version of Sonny Boy Williamson's Bye Bye Bird. The singles, from 1964, featured Roger Dean on guitar, but the line-up of the Bluesbreakers was frequently changing and by the time of this session he had been replaced by Eric Clapton, so this disc affords a unique opportunity to hear what he brought to these John Mayall songs. His previous band, the Yardbirds, featured a number of Sonny Boy Williamson songs and even backed him onstage, so the third number may well have been his choice.
   
   The second session, here dated 25 October 1965, conversely, is thought to feature Jeff Kribit from Dr K's Blues Band on guitar, standing in for Clapton who was away in Greece, and included I'm Your Witchdoctor in a version without his witchy-woo guitar effects, and two otherwise unrecorded Mayall originals.
   
   The two titles from the 14 March 1966 session included another unrecorded original and a unique version of Key To Love without the horn section that graced the Beano album version (Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton) when it was recorded a month later.
   
   By 23 January 1967 Eric Clapton had left, taking Jack Bruce with him. Peter Green and John McVie were of course to later follow the same path by forming Fleetwood Mac, but are here performing recent single Sitting In The Rain, Leaping Christine (from A Hard Road, where a horn section was again featured) and Ridin' On The L&N, which had featured on an EP that was a collaboration with harmonica player Paul Butterfield and sounds quite different here.
   
   In Session Tonight then lists two sessions for John Peel's Top Gear show, each featuring Mick Taylor in place of Peter Green. Given the paltry playing time of 37 minutes on this CD, one can only presume that both of these sessions have been irredeemably lost, because the CD then jumps awkwardly to a very different band performing on Bob Harris's Old Grey Whistle Test programme on 21 October 1975 for the final two tracks. Despite Don "Sugarcane" Harris on violin and Dee McKinnie's lead vocals, it was a jump too far for this listener in this context. I do hope the intervening sessions turn up for a future re-issue, but in the meantime there is an excellent alternative history to be unearthed here.



5. My interest in the music of John Mayall goes way back and I'm a fool for almost anything that's issued in his name as long as its not another rearranged and repackaged compilation of songs I already have several times over. Recently, there have been a number of live albums of earlier material appear on the market. Some of these are very good, and some, like Live at the BBC are merely decent.
   The songs on this compilation are mostly from some BBC sessions recorded in the mid-60s, with the last two from 1975. My favorites here are Crawling Up A Hill, Crocodile Walk, I'm Your Witchdoctor, Sitting In The Rain and Leaping Christine. While listening, note that Cheating Woman has a line that Cream later filches and which perhaps Mayall filched from elsewhere. Key to Love stands out as being very different from the version most Mayall fans are used to hearing. The two songs from the seventies are with a band that is one of my least favorite lineups and both are far too jivey a la Sly Stone for my taste.
   Overall, Live at the BBC is good, but hardly essential. If you are a Mayall completist, then by all means you must have this. But if you are on a budget or merely discriminating, I would recommend Mayall Plays Mayall:Live at Klooks Kleek for a taste of the early days instead.

No comments about Blues Caravan: Guitars & Feathers.

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 In a Memphis Tone.

4 comments about The Last of the Best.

1. Paul DeLay is one of the tragic, yet classic, personalities of the Northwest blues scene. Before his untimely death, The Big Man touched the life of every person he met. Inspired by St. Louis Jimmy, and Harmonica George Smith, among others, the Pride of Portland was the master of the hard to play Chromatic. This posthumously released CD captures the live energy of one of blues hardest working bands. It's hard to single out any song as definitive, for Paul *always* gave plenty of room for his band mates to shine, Check out the tasty licks of his long-time running partner, guitarist Peter Dammon and barrel house keyboard virtuoso David Vest. Paul DeLay left a legacy of original songwriting, inspired harp-playing and soulful vocals that have left an indelible legacy. So Long, Bubba.



2. I often said that Paul Delay's music was under appreciated in his lifetime, and that like many greats, his genius would only be widely realized when he is gone.
   
   Unfortunately, that time has come much too soon. I was present at 2 of the shows these tracks come from, and was fortunate enough to see the Paul Delay Band live countless times while living in the northwest, including them playing a private function for my friends and family.
   
   These performances give you just a sliver of the real live experience, just a glimpse of the man Paul was. The band is as cohesive as ever, and as much as I missed the last iteration of the Paul Delay band (heard on Heavy Rotation), this mix might just be better. Peter Damann delivers tasty work whether or not the spotlight is on him as he always has. David Vest brings something a little Dylan-esque to the mix along with his killer piano work. Dave Kahl provides the heartbeat, and drummer Jeff Minnick is exactly what he needs to be with the stellar performers up front - steady and unobtrusive. These guys are a band, not a star (or two) and a backup ensemble.
   
   When Paul apologizes for "All Cried Out" being "...not a nice song" you get just a hint of what a character he was and his power for making the audience smile. In all the times I saw Paul and the band live he never failed to charm the audience, and he never failed to be gracious and kind to everyone he spoke to, his bigger than life stage presence giving way to a soft spoken gentleman who was genuinely interested in talking with his fans.
   
   There are great covers on this CD, and some of the original work that showcases Paul Delay as a lyricist, not just a guy coaxing incredible sounds out of a harmonica. Paul and the band played traditional blues and they played their own brand of the blues- tinged with jazz and other musical influences, and the result is as unmistakable as Paul's harmonica work. Argue the merits of "traditional" blues all you want- but there is no argument that Delay was a pioneer in many senses.
   
   One has to wonder if in some sense Paul wasn't taken early because he got a second chance in life - or if the causes of him needing a second chance didn't have something to do with his death. Regardless, this CD serves as the best available snapshot of Paul live- the power he had to bring joy or pain to the stage, the ability to twist your stomach into knots and then bring you a laugh. It doesn't replace being there in person, but snapshots never do.
   
   RIP Paul.
   
   
   
   Also check out The Other One, Paulzilla!, Take it from the Turnaround (which includes Paulzilla and The Other One), Ocean of Tears, Nice & Strong, Delay does Chicago (panned by some but it contains some gems), and Heavy Rotation - all should be available on CD. Also check out David Vest's Way Down Here and Serves Me Right to Shuffle - both contain Paul's amazing harmonica work and backing vocals. Listen for Paul's fills you young musicians, and how he plays off the lead, he was masterful.



3. For those that like great harmonica blues, this is a great recording. Paul is backed by some incredible musicians and really makes you feel the music. Paul Delay had a distinctive style, which this recording shows off admirably well.



4. I will be the first to admit I am not a big fan of live recordings.
   More often than not, the live stuff can not match up with the studio stuff.
   And this is the first time I have ever posted anything on something I have bought from Amazon.
   Do have to add my order showed up about a week before I expcted it. (Which is a whole lot better than some of the other sites I have orderd from).
   
   But back to why we are here, this CD will take your breath way.....Really!
   If you like Blues, this CD is a must have.

4 comments about A Life in the Blues.

1. The better thing I've heard from the Kennedy's preferred Blues pianist and singer, the great Charles BROWN. 'A Life In The Blues' is recorded with crystalline clarity all the songs are in a very high level highlighting his standars "Driftin' Blues, "Black Night", "I Stepped In Quicksand" and so on that the high quality of the performances, makes the CD a five-stars CD besides the superlative performance of the guitar luminarie DANNY CARON. Highly recommended, 5 stars.



2. This execellent performance captured in high definition sound and video and presented on CD and DVD is what all the hype about Charles Brown was all about. Hew was no reheated 1940s R&B hero; he was a 1990s jazz & blues entertainer and original of the first water. I saw him several times at Jazz Alley in Seattle and he charmed the crowd with his warm and unique blues. He was the original inspiration for Ray Charles and a contemporary of Nat King Cole before Cole stood up and stopped playing piano most of the time. Don't miss this CD/DVD set. It's the best Charles Brown had to offer and he sings his finest songs with the brilliant trio led by guitarist Danny Caron that accompanied him in the 1990s. A Must Buy!



3. The cover is very misleading with the vintage photo and title. This but the song selection would lead you to believe this was a "Best Of" type CD- but it's not! It's a great live performance on CD and DVD, plus some other great stuff like his wedding shots to Mabel Scott (who has her own CD out, finally!), a discography and some Soundies (nothing great but they're something!). I saw Brown several times during the 1990s and this is a great package for remembering some great music. Now maybe we can get a King compliation CD!



4. If you love club blues, this is the ultimate Charles Brown collection. It features a bonus DVD that has a full concert from the '90's recorded in high def video and audio, showing Charles Brown and his band at the Lone Star in New York City, performing his classic hits, like "Driftin' Blues" and "Merry Christmas Baby." Plus two bonus films from the 40's and interview material. The CD is fantanstic--Charles Brown plays piano like a dervish, and sings with the cool style that inspired Ray Charles, Nat Cole, and a host of other artists. It also includes a 72 page book of liner notes, telling the fascinating Charles Brown story, along with a bonus discography. This new collection would be great for any blues or jazz fan.

2 comments about Live at Chord on Blues.

1. Great blues bands and studios are like oil and water; they just don't mix. Putting a blues band in a studio is like putting a bird in a cage. The song just doesn't sound as sweet. Live performances of blues bands are always much better and more exciting than the studio work.
   
   It has been said that if you have to know the blues to sing the blues. These guys have the blues. They have been slogging it out in the blues bar circuit for almost two decades, opening for big acts like BB King and KoKo Taylor and jamming with Buddy himself at Legends in Chicago.
   
   It's mostly guitar blues that might remind one of Buddy, Canned Heat or Albert King. This CD includes awesome jams on songs like "You'll Come Back" and Bo Diddley. "I Got My Mojo Workin'" is harmonica based backed up by a guitar, and it's one of the most energetic covers of that song I've heard. The other cuts are excellent also.
   
   All in all, it's a good CD, and I'm glad these guys exist.



2. Howard and the White Boys deliver a awesome electric blues live show sound. With the influences of Buddy Guy and others, Howard & the White Boys delivered on this album. I highly recommend it for you cd collection. Awesome at parties without the crowd sounds in the background. Look Who's coming to dinner, has to be one of the best albums they have put out. I would highly recommend that one also. If you ever get the chance to see them "live" do it since you won't regret it!!! Check their web page out for dates.

No comments about Up & Down the Highway Live: 1986.

3 comments about Homewreckin' Done Live.

1. Although I have read some sentence about this HOMEWRECKIN' DONE LIVE record just as -is ordinary at best; for a normally well-regarded artist, a low spot- I believe that is unjust, while it is not a five stars record, but it is a good authentic CHICAGO BLUES record with some touches of Soul as M.Jackson's "Billie Jean" theme (that by the way I don't like it) and also Jazz, Reggae, R&B reminiscences. Brown is very good guitarist with 67 years old is considered as one of the last great blues guitar players of his generation or like the great Joe Louis Walker says, Brown is probably one of the greatest guitar players in any style, but let's go to comment on the songs of the record. It's a record full of well done covers recorded in live at Wally' s Pub, Ontario with deep, relaxed and very long themes as the good classic Chicago Blues B. B. King' s "Wake up this morning", the phenomenal Elmore James' s "The sky is crying", the classical Muddy Water' s "I'm your hoochie coochie man" a very good interpretation, the typical Albert King's "I'll play the blues for you" with some touch of Soul and good piano work, another magnificent interpretation, especially in piano and guitar with the fast Blues "Honeybee", the always classical Willie Dixon's Spoonful", the well-remembered song Billy Robert's "Hey Joe" which Jimi Hendrix elevated to heaven and here the friend MEL carries out a great Blues interpretation with Reggae rhythm reminiscences and a little Jazz flavour although if you want to hear versions I recommend to listen also apart from Hendrix's cover the David Kearney's cover, David musically well-known as Guitar Shorty who is Hendrix's brother-in-law, or the one that carried out the called "best unknown guitarist in the world" the magnificent Roy Buchanan in his superb "That's what I am here for" record. In short a good register with stellar moments, I give it 3,5 stars.



2. I've revisted Homewreckin' Done Live many times since I picked it up late last year. His last album, _Neckbones and Caviar_, was enough for me to want more Mel. Homewreckers are one tight band. If you like covers done well, this album has 'em. Mel says he "never plays the same thing twice". He has the musical mind and talent to make other's songs his own. Songs like M. Jackson's _Billie Jean_, Cream's _Spoonful_, and Hendrix's _Hey Joe_ take you on a roller-coaster ride. I put this on at a party here last night, and guests were at first mesmerized, then became dancing fools. Mel doesn't waste a note on his big blues axe. For an album produced in a smokey Canadian nightclub, the production is excellent. Wish he was still doing that gig, as I'd drive many miles to see him play. At least, I hope there's more in the vault like this one.



3. Some of the most inspired Blues and Soul I have ever heard! Mel Brown needs to be known more by the fans (true insiders and other artists know who he is for sure though! Ask Joe Louis Walker!). He can sing the sweetest soul inspired lyric one minute and play fiery riffs at the same time then change the groove the next minute as he whispers delicately into the mike and into your soul and lets his fingers glide to some smooth Jazz tinged notes that crawl up your skin ever so slowly and deeply! His version of "Hey Joe" takes this song where it has never been taken before into uncharted territory (Reggae and Jazz blend!) with a band so tight (John Lee, playing deep keyboard Soul, Al Richardson on funky, sweaty, thumpin' thrue your veins bass, Jim Boudreau brewing a hoodoo, danceable, freaky, smooth, soulful drum beats that get your hips, legs and butt shakin' like never before!) the whole bewitchin' brew sizzles over and over into your Soul! Play him over and over and over at The Crazy Coyote Blues and Jazz Power Show 1490 KOTY in southcentral Wa. state.