CD Review
Billy Lee Riley
"Shade Tree Blues"
Icehouse Records (Promo/Sun-Up)
by Dick Houff
Review date: June 2000
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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There's so much labeling nowadays. Billy Lee falls into the Rockabilly category which in a sense is true. However, as a small boy in the late 50's, I can vividly remember shaking my hips to this guy on A.M. radio waves. He recorded for the legendary Sun Label, between 1955-1960 with
a host of new talent such as Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis. His original band (The Little Green Men) had Jerry Lee at the piano. By now, everyone who has even the remotest interest in rock history knows that the blues was the base for the sound (uptempo). Jerry Lee would hang around Juke Joints and literally immerse himself in the blues. Throughout Riley's 44 year career in the music business, he has been honored as a pioneer of rock'n roll history by the Smithsonian Institute, and is in constant demand as a sessions man in the studio. In other words, this guy can play anything you throw at him. Now, at age 65, he returns to his blues roots and influences with a very upscale record-this one! What I love about Riley is his honesty and
respect for the black musicians that influenced him. He plays harp and guitar with the energy of a teenager. And man does it come through strong and clear on this little classic. The covers range from Junior Parker to Big Bill Broonzy. However, he really shines bright when playing his own compositions; especially on tough numbers like track #3: "Hardtimes/Repossession Blues." You don't have to be a blues fan to groove on this baby; there's something for everybody, including my 5-star salute!
This review is copyright © 2000 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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