John Hiatt
Crossing Muddy Waters
(UK: Sanctuary Group Records SANCD003)
(US: Vanguard 79576-2)
by Gordon Baxter
John Hiatt is one of America's finest singer songwriters, and "Crossing Muddy Waters" simply adds to that reputation. The opening bars of "Lincoln Town" hint at good things to come, and all those who persevere will be richly rewarded. The music is probably best described as roots, although it does lean heavily towards blues in quite a few places, especially in the lyrics which cover despair and failed relationships amongst other topics. This does not make "Crossing Muddy Waters" a downbeat, or depressing album, however, and there is plenty here to raise a smile, especially the inherent wry humor of "Gone." A new John Hiatt album is always worthy of investigation, and "Crossing Muddy Waters" ranks right up there with the best of them. One of the best albums of 2001.
(www.sanctuarygroup.com / www.vanguardrecords.com)
James Brown
Live At The Apollo Volume II (Deluxe Edition)
(Polydor 314 549 884-2)
by Gordon Baxter
Some 24 years after the original recordings were made, Polydor have finally got around to updating what was regarded as one of the definitive live albums. The good news is, that they made it better. Now available as a double CD in a gatefold digipack with a 28 page booklet, the album now more closely reflects the format of the original shows. So, in addition to the classic JB stuff, including a stunning 19 minute version of "It's A Man's Man's Man's World" you get a taster of the vocal talents of Bobby Byrd ("Sweet Soul Music"). Most of the tracks from the original version have been restored to their full glory, and the album has been deservedly garnering praise across the board. Unreservedly recommended.
O.V. Wright
Giant of Southern Soul 1965-1975
(Connoisseur Collection VSOP CD353)
by Gordon Baxter
O.V. Wright was, without doubt, one of the greatest soul singers that has ever walked the plant. "Giant of Southern Soul" contains 25 of his best singles from a 10 year period when he recorded for the Backbeat and ABC labels, produced by Memphis legend, Willie Mitchell. The album clocks in at over 70 minutes, and it is quite simply one of the best southern soul albums you will ever hear. Anyone familiar with Wright's work may have versions of some of the material here (particularly "You're Gonna Make Me Cry," "Gone For Good," "A Nickel and A Nail," "Drowning on Dry Land," and "I'd Rather Be Blind Crippled And Crazy"), but this is the first time that these 25 tracks have all been available on CD in the UK, at least. If you only buy one soul album this year, O.V. Wright's "Giant of Southern Soul 1965-1975" should be the one. Simply awesome.
www.connoisseurcollection.co.uk
Maria Muldaur
Richland Woman Blues
(Stony Plain)
by Mark E. Gallo
After dozens of listenings, this continues to grab me. Celebrating the blues of the 1920s and 30s, Muldaur is joined by the likes of John Sebastian, Amos Garrett, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Rogers, Dave Matthews, Alvin Youngblood Hart, Angela Strehli, Tracy Nelson, Taj Mahal and Bonnie Raitt. It's all about those expressive wrap around a lyric vocals, though. Album of the Year for these ears.
(www.stonyplainrecords.com)
Various Artists
Detroit Legends Recording Sessions
(Blue Suit)
by Mark E. Gallo
This one hasn't been released yet, but I'm hear to tell you its going to be one of the great albums of 2002. R.J. Spangler, the Detroit drummer who helped resurrect the careers of Alberta Adams and Johnnie Bassett, brought the great Joe Weaver into the studio along with two equally chilling vocalists in Kenny Martin and Stanley Mitchell. The results are indescribably delicious. Mitchell recorded for Chess 40 years ago, Martin for Federal as long ago. Weaver was recording with Johnnie Bassett for Fortune right out of high school 40 plus years ago. Keep an eye out for this one on Blue Suit soon.
(www.blue-suit.com)
Ernie Hawkins
Blues Advice and Bluesified
(Say Mo' Music)
by Mark E. Gallo
Based out of Pittsburgh, Ernie Hawkins just exploded on the blues scene in a big way this year. These are acoustic blues gems in the style of his hero Gary Davis. He covers Blind Blake, Skip James, Willie McTell and Son House and tosses in a few originals that drip with authenticity. Unquestionably the finest acoustic discs of the year.
Both on Say Mo' Music. (www.erniehawkins.com)
James Montgomery Band
Bring It On Home
(Conqueroot Records)
by Mark E. Gallo
Another blast from the past, Boston-based and Detroit-bred James Montgomery doesn't record a lot of music. When he does, folks pay close attention. This is the best recording that he's given us over his 30 year career. Well chosen covers that span Al Green to Willie Dixon to Hank Williams share space with a handful of superb originals. "Back On My Knees Again" is the Song of the Year.
(www.cq2r.com)
Bill Thomas
Ain't Halfsteppin'
(Bluetrack)
by Mark E. Gallo
Thomas is an expatriate Texan living in England who delivers the goods. He reminds of Melvin Taylor or Chico Banks, but he's certainly his own man. He's a fantastic guitarist, fine vocalist and first-rate songwriter. Having not heard Mr. Thomas previously, this qualifies as the surprise disc of the year.
(www.bluesarchive.com)
The Griswolds
Cockeyed World
(Blue Suit)
by Mark E. Gallo
Guitarist/vocalist Art and his brother Roman Griswold (keys/harp/vocals) are the Kings of Toledo, Ohio. OK, granted it's not a blues mecca, but they'd be royalty wherever they slung the fedoras. The Griswolds are steeped in the history, having been playing together for 30 years, or so. Shades of Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells shine through the chops. Amazing doesn't even do it justice.
Blue Suit: (www.blue-suit.com)
Thornetta Davis
Covered Live At The Music Menu
(Sweet Mama Music)
by Mark E. Gallo
If Alberta Adams is the Queen of the Blues in Detroit, Thornetta is the Princess. She's also the player voted most likely to break out in a big way from these quarters. The recording for the indie rock Sub Pop label of a few years ago did not do her justice. She's as comfortable with r&b, gospel and rock as she is with the blues, but blues is at the core. This set of covers ("I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water", "C.C. Rider", "Please Send Me Someone To Love", etc.) is a bit closer to the disc she's got in her. This isn't it, but it sure will do until a big label swoops her up.
(www.thornettadavis.com)
Johnny A
Sometime Tuesday Morning
(Favored Nation)
by Mark E. Gallo
It's hard to call this blues, even though there is a whole lotta blues going on here. Johnny A has been playing guitar with Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band fame for years, but this is a major departure -- from that or anything else. He's as comfortable with Les Paul as Wes Montgomery styles, offers a program that sounds cliché, but is anything but. This is one of my favorites of the year. All instrumental and all jaw-droppingly good
(www.JohnnyA.com)
Compilation Discs:
Alligator Records 30th Anniversary
Blind Pig Records 25th Anniversary
Get The Blues (National Association of Recording Merchandisers)
by Mark E. Gallo
Alligator Records 30th Anniversary
Compilation discs are the best way to get the goods a taste at a time. They're also real cheap! Alligator's 30th has the usual suspects, from Hound Dog Taylor to Shemekia Copeland. 13 cuts in all, this is broken into "In The Studio" and "On The Stage," which is a nice touch. Marcia Ball, William Clarke, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter and 14 others are on the studio disc, and live cuts come from Luther Allison, Albert Collins, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Son Seals and nine others. There's also a wild Hound Dog Taylor CD Rom included.
(www.alligator.com)
Blind Pig Records 25th Anniversary
Blind Pig includes a CD Rom, as well. Theirs has interviews with Muddy Waters and Snooky Pryor, and music clips from Rogers & Buffalo, Tommy Castro, Popa Chubby, Deborah Coleman, and Preacher Boy. There are also 35 tunes over two discs. The CD Rom stars get room here, along with Jimmy Thackery, Debbie Davies, Magic Slim, James Cotton, John Mooney, Chris Thomas King, Studebaker John, Mitch Woods, Joanna Connor and a slew of others.
(www.blindpigrecords.com)
Get The Blues
"Get The Blues" is an interesting multi-label collection for NARM (National Association of Recording Merchandisers). The catch here is that this one is supposed to be selling all over this fine land of ours at $1.98. I haven't seen them on counters yet, but I suggest asking. Robert Cray, Lucky Peterson, Delbert McClinton, Keb Mo', Sunnyland Slim, Stevie Ray, Rory Block, Koko Taylor. This one has 18 cuts, and is generally impressive.
(www.NARM.com or www.bluesmusicassociation.org).
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