Xmas
Blues
Our Gift Guide Issue begins as it usually does, with the
Maple Blues Awards nominees for Album of the
Year. These are valuable additions, singly or together, for any music collection. Other
suggestions from the usual suspects follow.
Morgan Davis Painkiller (Electro-Fi/Festival)
A new, full-band album of first-rate songs and performances from Morgan immeasurably aided and abetted by old friends in the studio - an excellent beginning for our list.
Glamour Puss Wire & Wood (NorthernBlues/Festival)
Things don't let up with this quintet's latest either. Their first non-indie release proves that the party is just getting started. There are some very good serious songs along as well.
David Gogo Skeleton Key (Cordova Bay/PHD)
Last year's guitarist of the year normally performs in a power trio setting but adds keyboards, harp and a top-flight horn section for his fifth CD. The result is his best yet and beautifully recorded.
Harry Manx & Kevin Breit Jubilee (NorthernBlues/Festival)
Few collaborations work as well as this one: it's an acoustic picker's dream of an album that you'll go back to again and again.
The Twisters Long Hard Road (Full Swing/Indie)
This hard-touring quartet from BC features one of our best harp players in Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl. But the other three contribute powerfully to make their second release an outstanding one.
More Gift Guide Suggestions:
Ian Angus is the host of Let the Good Times Roll on CIUT-FM
Despite the widely reported slump in CD sales, there is no shortage of new blues CDs for gift-givers to choose from this year. I added over 250 titles to the Let the Good Times Roll CD library this year, and that certainly didn't exhaust the supply.
The following are just a few of the titles that should appear in blues stockings this month:
The recordings of Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues, are available in many forms and packages, but no previous reissue sounds as good as the brilliant remastering on Bessie Smith: The Complete Recordings, on the British label Frog. Five CDs are available so far covering 1923 to 1927—three more are in production. (Distributed in Canada by Jazz Oracle, www.jazzoracle.com)
Last year, I recommended Chris Thomas King's Dirty South Hip-Hop Blues, a CD that _ to the outrage of some blues purists -- combined blues and hip-hop in what he called "the blues of the 21st century." This year, on The Soul of Chris Thomas King _ The Roots he demonstrates that he is also a master of early 20th blues, covering classic delta blues by Robert Johnson, Skip James and others, together with several of his own compositions. Few artists have such range and talent. (Available from www.21cbRecords.com)
In 1979, Muddy Waters won a Grammy for Muddy `Mississippi' Waters Live on Johnny Winters' Blue Sky Label. Sony has re-mastered that album _ and added an entire CD of excellent performances recorded at the same time that didn't fit on the vinyl 23 years ago. This two-CD set is truly essential: a must-buy recording of the greatest Chicago blues man of all time.
This year two labels issued 50th anniversary retrospectives this year, and both are excellent overviews of the many sounds of blues. 50 Years of Jazz and Blues: Blues, a two CD set on Delmark Records, and Box of the Blues, a 4 CD set on Rounder Records will be welcomed by anyone who loves blues _ and both are bargain priced, as well.
Now this was a concert I wish I'd been able to attend. At John Mayall's 70th Birthday Concert (Eagle Records), the father of British Blues was backed by his own band, the Bluesbreakers, and joined by guests Mick Taylor, Eric Clapton and Chris Barber. Judging by the two-CD set that resulted, it was indeed a night to remember. It's also available on DVD.
Steve Gash/David Barnard, Alternating hosts of Blues du Jour on CKLN-FM
Harrison Kennedy Sweet Taste independent
My favourite Canadian release this year -- soulful, eclectic and real. Harrison is a veteran that has crafted a recording that combines 30 years plus of performing experience with a youthful exuberance of someone who sounds like it's their first time in the studio. As Kennedy sings, "I'm The Chairman". Believe it. Get it at www.harrisonkennedy.ca -DB
Lucky Peterson Black Midnight Sun Birdology/Dreyfus/Universal
In search of distinct musical identity over many past releases, multi-instrumentalist and former child prodigy Peterson finds the perfect sparring partner in likes of dub/ambient bassist/producer Bill Laswell and produces the finest recording of his career. It's funky as all get go, the blues firmly in sight at all times, with a musical horizon that leaves you wishing for more. Just check out Peterson's version of Syl Johnson's "Is It Because I'm Black" to hear what I mean. -DB
Various Artists Shout, Sister, Shout! A Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe MC/Stony Plain/Warner
Where many tributes fail because the covers aren't able to match the spirit of the originals, this recording begs your attention as Tharpe's musical oeuvre clearly inspired the contributors. Marcia Ball, Rory Block, Maria Muldaur, Odetta, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bonnie Raitt and others more than rise to the occasion. "Shout, Sisters Shout!" -DB
The Dixie Hummingbirds Diamond Jubilation Rounder/Universal While it might seem like no mean feat for a group to celebrate a commendable 25 years of making music, The Dixie Hummingbirds are now in their 75th year, and the music is still fantastic! With friends Garth Hudson and Levon Helm from The Band and Dr. John adding just the right support, the group led by Ira Tucker delivers plenty of exciting moments. One to pick up if you enjoyed recent 'comeback' efforts by the Blind Boys of Alabama. -SG
Various Artists Box of the Blues Rounder/Universal A diverse collection for the new blues fan on your list. Drawing from the enviable recordings within the Rounder blues catalog, one finds blues of all shadings ranging from the uptown blues of Ruth Brown to the soulful serenades of Solomon Burke. There is also a load of great acoustic blues (including Fred McDowell) and and hard-driving Chicago blues from legends such as Jimmy Rogers (including several unreleased gems). With 4 discs in this little box, its important to note that this set also carries a 'little' price tag. -SG
Al Green I Can't Stop Blue Note The last time Al Green stepped into a studio with long-time producer Willie Mitchell and members of his Hi Rhythm Section it was the 1970s. Thankfully, the group (save a few members) and Mitchell have reunited with Green for a truly inspired effort that ranks as the soulman's best effort since the mid-1970s. No special guests, no inappropriate material, just a Willie Mitchell's trademark production, decent original material, and Green showing us why his instrument is one of the most captivating voices to ever sings soul. -SG
Morgan Davis Painkiller Electro-Fi/Festival While we miss him dearly in Toronto, recordings such as this fine effort will act as our "painkiller" for not seeing Morgan as often as we were used to. Again, Davis does what he does best on this album-its the songs that keep one going back for more. Check out "Gettin' Old" for a witty and hilarious look and aging and "Driving The Backroads" for a take on the classic Howlin' Wolf groove. Did I mention the playing was also top-notch? It is. -SG
John Valenteyn, solely responsible for John's Blues Picks:
Various Artists Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues Sony/Legacy
This much-delayed box of DVD's has just been released and goes to the head of my list this year. Each one of these seven shows deserves repeated viewings and complete performances of newly recorded songs are included among the extras. A more complete review will be in John's Blues Picks next issue. Perhaps an expensive gift but it will be much appreciated.
Guy Davis Chocolate to the Bone Red House/Festival
Davis has an uncanny connection to pre-war blues, his ability to make the distance disappear is nowhere more apparent than on this wonderful CD.
Various Artists Modern Downhome Blues Vol. 1 ACE
In the early `50's, all the attention may have been on Muddy and Little Walter in Chicago but Ike Turner took the Modern Records crew through the south. If you don't have any of these, you'll be amazed. Get every one of this series
Big Dave McLean Blues from the Middle Stony Plain/Warner
This veteran Winnipeg bluesman has only a few albums to show for a lifetime in the blues. This is easily the best one and I'm amazed it isn't on the nominee list.
Steve James Fast Texas Burnside
James is an astounding guitarist with a marvellous sense of humour. His latest exploration of obscure pre-war blues is a must have.
- gathered John Valenteyn, jvalenteyn8724@rogers.com