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 King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents B.B. King.

1 comments about Behind the Sun.

1. In the history of the Blues there have been quite a number of one-man bands. Blues players who sing, play guitar and put a harmonica on a neckbrace, sometimes playing a little percussion or bass with their feet. Mr. Downchild fits into this subgenre of Blues very nicely.

   Born in England in 1950, Mr. Downchild, who's real name is Stephen Brazier, has been a student of the old Blues masters for most of his life. He got his stage name from a Sonny Boy Williamson II song and since immigrating to the US in 1985, he's been a real fixture in the midwest Blues scene.

   In live performances, Mr. Downchild is sometimes backed by a live group, somestimes he goes out as a one-man band. This CD provides an outstanding sampling of what Mr. Downchild can do as a one-man band. He plays all of the instruments on the album live and the results are simply great. There are a lot of full bands out there who should sound as complete as he does. This CD is definitely worth a listen.

No comments about Live in Japan 1986.

2 comments about Drinkin' Triples Til You're Single.

1. Great recording, done live at 'The Saloon' in Frisco (one of my favorite hangouts whenever I'm there). By the way Amazon, the title is "Drinkin' Triples till You're Seeing Double" NOT "Drinkin' Triples till you're Single"!! (although if you drank TOO many triples that could happen too!).



2. One of the best live blues shows I have ever heard. Andy Just on harmonica just blows the doors off the place with "Honey Hush" and "Tramp". Strangely, I've bought CD's by Andy Just and it just doesn't seem to be the same guy. I guess they caught lightning in a bottle that night. The live audience just makes it all the better. Enjoy! P.S. Later version of the Door Slammers without Andy Just don't measure up either. This CD is the one!!

No comments about Live at the El Mocambo.

1 comments about Best of the Blues Plus Live.

1. What a great way to sum up a decade of Pat Travers on Mike Varney's Blues Bureau label. The first 8 tunes are studio tracks from his first 6 Blues Bureau releases (1992 -1997). The next 5 tunes are live tracks from his Polydor albums (1976 - 1983).
   
   Anybody ever seen Pat live knows there is little or no equal in his field. He rips it up like no one else can.
   
   If your looking to sample his Blues Bureau releases, this is a perfect place to start. You won't be disappointed.
   
   His releases since Best Of Blues Plus Live (1997) are also worth checking out.
   -Blues Tracks 2
   -Don't Feed The Alligators
   -PT Power Trio
   -Travers & Appice "It Takes A Lot Of Balls"
   
   PT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! :)

3 comments about Tops.

1. Otis Rush shines whenever he digs into a slow, gritty 12 bar blues more so than on faster tempo songs. The slow tempo enables him to put his wonderful finger vibrato and four fret bending techniques to work.
   No more so than here on BB Kings song "Gamblers Blues". It's a killer version and worth getting inspite of the slightly mediocre other tracks. I'm glad to say his solo is long on this song as well.



2. Otis Rush is captured live on this 1988 release to marvelous effect. Recorded at the San Francisco Blues Festival in 1985, this album presents virtually his entire set. [Note: The album is a bit short at 39:16.] Rush's soulful vocals and stinging guitar leads are featured throughout, especially on the instrumental "Tops," one of three originals ("Right Place, Wrong Time" and "Keep On Lovin' Me Baby" are the other two). Rush also does some extended soloing on the nearly 9-minute cover of B.B. King's "Gambler's Blues." The nearly 8-minute instrumental "I Wonder Why" is a highlight. Rush is ably backed by a six-piece band, including a horn section. RECOMMENDED



3. Not a bad record-just not particularly inspired or inspiring. If you don't already have it, get "Right Place, Wrong Time", Otis Rush's undisputed masterpiece.

1 comments about Rum & Coke.

1. Not sure why this one's available so cheap, but it's a fine album and well worth picking up ... excellent sound and engaging performances of the usual suspects.

4 comments about At Newport.

1. 01. I Got My Brand on You
   02. (I'm Your) Hoochie Coochie Man
   03. Baby Please Don't Go
   04. Soon Forgotten
   05. Tiger in Your Tank
   06. I Feel So Good
   07. I've Got My Mojo Working
   08. I've Got My Mojo Working, Pt. 2
   09. Goodbye Newport Blues
   10. I Got My Brand On You [Mono Single]
   11. Soon Forgotten [Unreleased in U.S.]
   12. Tiger in Your Tank [Single Version]
   13. Meanest Woman [Chess Single 1965]



2. Why don't you already own this CD? ;D If you are reading these humble comments, I am assuming you have some small interest in the Mississippi Delta Blues or the Chicago Blues. Muddy Waters (1915-83) was a master of both. It is a fitting turn of history that he was born in Rolling Fork, Mississippi and died in Chicago, Illinois. If you have not heard of Muddy Waters (born: McKinley Morganfield), the notes by Bob Schnieders are a fine introduction, "It was his appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960, however, that first exposed Muddy and his music to white America." Not only was this an historic occassion for Mr Waters, in the original notes, Jack Tracy writes that it was an important date for the Newport Festival, as well, "Newport Festival, 1960, will go down as the year of the great riot." It was the last Jazz Festival held there. The vocal phrasing from Mr Waters and the signature smooth as silk guitar playing are at their best on this recording. The concert betrays a palpable air of tension which he masterfully rides so well that when he asks, "Do you want me to sing some more?" after just completing a rousing version of "Got My Mojo Workin'", "Or, do you want me to sing something else?" The crowd screams and squeals for more of the same. The band supporting is in top form consisting of Otis Spann (p) James Cotton (h) Pat Hare (g) Andrew Stevenson (b) and Francis Clay (d). There really is no reason for you not to own this CD -- the price is certainly right.



3. when i got this album i was amazed,i only recently got into the blues i have been a long time peach head and thanks to abb i got into the blues i really like this album,i also recomend country blues it sounds like robert johnson



4. This recording displayed how tight his music was. It also shows what a professonal Muddy was, in that the most important aspect of Muddy and his band members were the music and how it was received by their audience. In such a venue as Newport in 1960 and perform the way they did in a racially mixed audience, primarily white, is a credit to the professionalism of Muddy Waters. This I believe was the event which brought him to the forefront of not only the blues but to all of music.