Blues You Can Use could have accurately been titled Blues and Soul You Can Use because it offers a generous dose of R&B along with straight-ahead electric blues. But then, that title wouldn't have been as catchy. More important than the title, of course, is the music itself - and Bobby "Blue" Bland is in decent form on this album, which came out when the singer was 56 or 57. To be sure, Blues You Can Use isn't in a class with Bland's classic Duke output of the 1950s and 1960s - and his voice is undeniably thinner than it was in his younger days. But Bland demonstrates that he could still be expressive and charismatic on 12-bar ditties like "I've Got a Problem" and "For the Last Time" as well as laid-back soul numbers such as "Restless Feelin's," "There's No Easy Way to Say Goodbye" and the tear-jerker "Let's Part as Friends"…
Although it isn't billed as such, this is a compilation of some of the best tracks from Bland's first two '80s albums for Malaco fleshed out with remakes of some of his most famous late-'50s and early-'60s hits. Of the latter, the standouts are probably "Two Steps From the Blues" and "St. James Infirmary." Bland can't quite hit the high notes the way he once did, but his voice is still attractive and his phrasing is, if anything, even better. The more recent material ranges from "Members Only," with its great retro-60s soul groove, to the straight-ahead blues of "Straight From the Shoulder."
40 CD box set. Artists include John Lee 'Sonny Boy' Williamson, Leadbelly, Big Bill Broonzy, Bessie Smith, Muddy Waters, Mississippi John Hurt, Memphis Minnie, John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Williams and many more. 725 tracks all digitally remastered to enhance the original recordings without manipulating the character of the music. Recordings made between 1923 and 1948. 20 double slimline jewel cases housed together in a cardboard box.
Now You Can Talk About Me collects mid- and late-period Smith, with the harmonica genius' '60s sides for the microscopic imprint Sotoplay sampled on the first five cuts. The remainder of the album is from a 1982 session for the Murray Brothers label with Rod Piazza behind the board, which produced the Boogie'n with George album. Also included are the previously unreleased "Last Chance" and a powerful instrumental slow-burner. Junior Watson shines on guitar on these tracks and Smith's tone is big, fat, rich, and full of ideas galore on tunes like "Bad Start," "Astatic Stomp," "Sunbird," and the title track. But Smith's use of a chromatic harp will strike most blues mavens as something unique and out of the ordinary, as he tackles such standards as "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Peg o' My Heart" with considerable élan, imparting both with a bluesy feel that Jerry Murad & the Harmonicats could only envision. If you like great blues harmonica playing, you're going to love Now You Can Talk About Me. Add Smith's name to the list of all-time greats near the top with this one.
An intriguing collection of rare cuts highlighting the sheer wealth of remarkable material that comes to light by digging that bit deeper into the country blues archive.
Here on this CD we re treated to an excellent example of a "live" Bobby "Blue" Bland concert recorded at Long Beach, California in 1983. Along with Mel Jackson, Bobby's Bandleader/Arranger/trumpet player, one gets to hear some truly amazing guitar work by the legendary guitarist, Wayne Bennett. Mel Jackson and the Orchestra - kick off the show with a funky soulful instrumental "Mels Groove" to warm up the audience and loosen up the musicians before the Dynamic Bobby "Blue" Bland takes to the stage and runs through his 1962 "Ain't That Loving You", and his 1959 "I'll Take Care Of You", (two Duke classics)…
A collection of previously unreleased songs from Gary Moore's substantial body of outstanding work in his back catalogue. The album contains 4 originals, and 4 songs previously recorded and made famous by classic bluesmen like Elmore James, Sonny Thompson, Memphis Slim and BB King. It's our hope that current and future generations of music fans discover and re-discover Gary Moore, revelling in the artistry of not just a great guitarist, but a supremely talented musician. Back to the future with Gary Moore.
Doug MacLeod displays several sides of his artistry on this AudioQuest CD. His music ranges from solo folk numbers in the idiom of Leadbelly (but covering different subjects) to country blues with a trio, a few romps with the wailing harmonica of Carey Bell and two collaborations with the country fiddle of Heather Hardy. MacLeod's appealing voice is easy to understand, his lyrics are thoughtful and fresh (even when covering universal subjects) and his melodic guitar playing is versatile. MacLeod's well-conceived set should appeal to collectors of acoustic blues and folk music.
Recorded in the 90's in Austria.
John Primer was part of the legendary Magic Slim & The Teardrops for over 10 years. 2013 Slim died, but his spirit is still there in the Blues world. During his days with Slim, he always opened the show with his great voice and guitar performance. Wolf Records manager Hannes Folterbauer recorded most of Slim’s shows which includes John’s songs. John Primer is now one of the greatest Blues men in business and if you listen to this album, you know why. Together with the King of the Lump Style Nick Holt and Earl Howell on drums they play the real deal - Blues at its best!