ED Gerhard : Sunnyland (2006)

Formed in the 1994 in the back province of West Saxony (Germany) and based in Leipzig since 2001, Disillusion quickly matures to something of an underground institution. Already at the very beginning the band around mastermind Schmidt is enclosed by a unique charisma which leaves no doubt about the fact that this band could become a real high-flyer on their hard way to uncompromising music.
After 18 months' time of production in April 2004 "Back to Times of Splendor" is released and is rightly being hailed internationally as one of the best debut albums in progressive metal genre. In interviews the band themselves here and there compare their work in a tongue-in-cheek comment to the opulence of Peter Jackon's "Lord Of The Rings"…

This CD reissues a variety of recordings cut by the veteran blues pianist/vocalist Sunnyland Slim during 1981-83 for his private label Airway Records. In his mid-70s at the time, Slim's energetic vocals and powerful piano playing belie his age. As is typical of the pioneer Chicago bluesman, he allocated plenty of solo space to his sidemen (which include Hubert Sumlin, Eddie Taylor, Lurrie Bell or Magic Slim on guitar) although there was never any doubt about who was in control. The intelligent lyrics, high musicianship, mood variation (including two excellent instrumentals) and spirited playing make this a highly enjoyable and recommeded date.

The last of Slim's great band-backed albums, cut with yeoman help from his longtime combo (guitarist Steve Freund and drummer Robert Covington share the vocals). At the heart of the matter are Slim's rolling 88s and still-commanding vocals, invested with experience beyond all comprehension.

Window Of Life sounds very much as a logical follow up to the acclaimed The World, and justifiely so. Te production is better, the artwork is more intricated and the songs are more a unit them just a bunch of different ideas thrown together. Wheter if their quality is better than the previous one is debatable. For me both CDs are fantastic and clearly showed how much Pendragon in general and Barrett in particular have evolved…

Barrelhouse Chuck leads an all-star blues band which includes premier harp player and Fabulous Thunderbird's member Kim Wilson and long-time Muddy Waters rhythm section members Willie “Big Eyes” Smith on drums and Calvin “Fuzz” Jones on bass. On guitars are Joel Foy and Eddie Taylor, Jr. This band smokes as Chuck pays tribute to his mentors and heroes Sunnyland Slim, Little Brother Montgomery, Floyd Jones, Detroit Jr., Memphis Slim, Big Moose Walker, Smokey Smothers, Eddie Taylor, and Muddy Waters. Barrelhouse Chuck's music continues the Chicago blues piano tradition!

Pianist/singer Sunnyland Slim (1909-1995) was a major force in Chicago blues for over 50 years. A professional by the late '20s, he was based in Memphis for a time before moving to Chicago in 1939. A powerful pianist and an expressive singer, he recorded for many labels through the years, having his own company (Airway Records) in the 1970s. She Got a Thing Goin' On reissues the best selections from those dates. In addition to numbers that showcase Slim's vocals, he is heard backing singers Zora Young, Bonnie Lee, and Big Time Sarah, all of whom sound inspired by his presence. Teamed with top-notch musicians, the pianist plays with the energy of someone half his age. In addition, there are two selections from a 1979 date with Kansas City Red and Honeyboy Edwards that was released on this CD for the first time. Highly recommended as a fine retrospective from the later years of Sunnyland Slim.