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June 2006

Mel Brown The DVD Electro-Fi

Talkin' Blues' Mako Funasaka would seem to be the obvious choice to do a documentary on Mel Brown- being relatively local gave him the time to get to know his subject and he clearly has the talent that warrants respect, but it was still a two-year effort to get Mel to agree to just talk about the music he plays so well. That interview, or series of interviews, combined with concert footage and of the Blues _ A Beautiful Thing sessions, forms the backbone of this 105-minute triumph. To hear the normally silent Mel speak his mind about his recent health problems, winning a Handy Award, growing up in Mississippi, and his music is a revelation, aided in no small part by Mako's sensitive questioning. The segments on discrimination in the south and on his wariness about the record industry are fascinating. Musical highlights are many: "Red Cross Store"; "Come Back Baby", given an impassioned performance sitting at the piano in the studio; "Headed South", Mel & Snooky Pryor live with The Homewreckers, with some effective visuals of the South edited in (from Mojo Ramble); Finis Tasby's "Mean Old World", from What my Blues Are All About and Fruteland Jackson's "Laura Marie" from Blues 2.0. All feature Mel on guitar or piano and all serve as pointed illustrations for the interview or as marvelous examples of Mel's valuable contributions as a session player. Some of these are different versions from the issued ones, a benefit perhaps intended for us collectors. The official release of The DVD will be at the Silver Dollar Room on June 24^th, with Julian Fauth opening. It will also be available at www.electrofi.com or at Sam The Record Man.

David Clayton-Thomas In Concert-A Musical Biography Justin Time/Fusion

Even with a new phase of his career, with a new album, it would not have been wise to ignore the storied past of Blood, Sweat & Tears. This new CD acknowledges that past in a setting with a new band that would give that old band a run for its money and against that past, the newer songs score very well indeed. Three songs from Aurora, which was a quintet recording, plus a couple of brand new ones, get the big band treatment. Of the new songs, "Self-Centred Woman", by Clayton-Thomas and Musical Director Bruce Cassidy, is a major highlight, harkening back even further to the era of David Clayton-Thomas & The Shays when blues formed the core of his repertoire. It is the setting, though, that makes this CD stand out. The show is stunningly recorded, by Ian Terry and produced by DCT and Justin Time's Jim West. It took place at the Opera House last October 27^th and everyone is at the top of their game. The horn section is six _ strong, led by trumpeter Cassidy. The ever-present Doug Riley is at the keyboards, the magnificent Bernie LaBarge on guitar, George Koller on acoustic bass, Waleed Abdulhamid on percussion (especially on "Me & Amaretto", another new song) and Paul DeLong on drums. "And When I Die", "Go Down Gamblin'", "Lucretia MacEvil", "God Bless the Child", "Spinning Wheel", "(You've Made Me) So Very Happy", are all BS&T favourites with sparkling, expanded new arrangements courtesy of Mr. Cassidy and they'll bring a smile to your face. Billy Holiday's "Don't Explain", Jon Hendricks' "Gimme That Wine" and his own "Wild Women & Po' Boys" are the songs from Aurora and they help prove that Clayton-Thomas is really at his best fronting a big band. Fortunately for us he, and they, will be appearing at major festivals across the country this summer. Perhaps two others from Aurora, "Mercy Lord Above" and "A Visit from the Blues" will be on the forthcoming DVD of this night.

DK Ibomeka Love Stories Wychwood Park/Fusion

DK, it was Deekaye, is a young local singer whose performances have made him a man to watch. He has appeared on a couple of CDs and now his own is here. He has chosen a contemporary R&B ballad style, gorgeously produced by Haydain Neale of Jacksoul, and I think they have a huge hit on their hands. DK and Neale have supplied most of the songs and there are a number of songs that justify a review in this column. DK has a beautiful warm voice that makes the most of these ballads. He can belt it out too, at least in relative terms, "So Long (It's Alright)" is a fine original bluesy goodbye song that might be a slow song on any other album but at whatever tempo, it's a standout. "If It's Over" and a truly subdued "Found Around The Blues" should satisfy any blues lover as will the version of the Beatles' "Oh! Darling" (!). "Ain't No Woman" is another highlight and the original song has a line about wanting `sugar in my bowl'. The next and closing song is a version of that Nina Simone standard and it fits in perfectly. George Koller on bass, Davide Direnzo on drums, Justin Abedin on guitars, Ron Lopata on keys and Neale on backing vocals all do their part wondrously for a CD that can fit in to almost any taste. You should be hearing this one all over the radio dial. The CD will be out on the 6^th and the official Toronto launch is at Hugh's Room on June 14. DK's attractive web site is www.dkibomeka.com.

Johnny Ferreira Rock & Roll Saxophonist Pair-A-Dice

If you're into the sound of early rock & roll with its honking saxes over a driving beat, this is a CD for you. Burnaby, BC's wild sax man is back, on tenor & baritone and vocals with ten original songs that capture the sound of an era perfectly. These are not museum pieces, though, there's an energy that comes from loving and living the music. "Wine Women & Song" roars out of the starting block with Colin James on guitar and Eric Webster on piano. Robbie King, the late B3 legend stars on "Swing That Thing" but there are too many names here to mention everyone. Each track has a couple of backup vocalists and a different horn-heavy band lineup. "If That Ain't Love" is a particularly good rocker, followed by "Lady", a lovely showcase for the tender ballad side of his sax style. This is Ferreira's fourth solo CD to add to much studio work since his tenure with an early version of the Colin James Band. Find out more at his web site, www.johnnyferreira.com, and learn more from www.saxontheweb.com.

Leon & Eric Bibb Praising Peace-A Tribute to Paul Robeson Stony Plain/Warner

In all the celebration around the 30^th Anniversary of Stony Plain, it might be easy to overlook one of the three releases. And that would be a shame. Leon Bibb was a close friend of the famed baritone and Robeson was Eric's godfather. The classical singer & activist deserves much more recognition especially now that the causes he worked so hard for are once again being forced into our consciousness. Twelve of the songs most famously associated with Robeson get tremendous performances here and four new compositions by Eric, including one incorporating a recording of Robeson's voice, round out the album. Few people could have performed "Joe Hill", "Ol' Man River" or "Danny Boy" as effectively. Paul Robeson Jr. provides most thoughtful liner notes. Although they are somewhat difficult to find, Robeson's originals are still available. This volume both belongs beside them and hopefully will help restore the originals to their rightful place.

Michael Coleman & the Delmark All-Stars Blues Brunch at the Mart Delmark/Festival

The Jazz Record Mart and its record label, Delmark, host a Sunday Brunch that has become as much a part of the Chicago Blues Festival as Grant Park itself. For the first time, last year's Brunch was recorded and now you can hear for yourself what a fine time can be had in the Windy City on a Sunday morning in June.

Owner Bob Koester provides coffee and Danishes for the bleary-eyed club-goers and perhaps it's not quite a coincidence that he has his inventory there for you to browse through as you eat and listen. Michael Coleman and his band are the hosts this Sunday morning in a satisfying program of traditional blues. The artists, not surprisingly I guess, all record for Delmark but as he only chooses the best of the local talent, this is hardly an issue.

Ten artists guest with the band and I only have room for some mentions: Bonnie Lee does a fine "Sad & Evil Woman" and Steve Freund returned from California for the festival and turns in a smoking guitar solo on his "My Little Playhouse". The late Willie Kent sings "Something New". Zora Young does a fine "Toxic" from her new CD. And there's Little Arthur Duncan and Aaron Moore. Coleman and his band shine throughout and get two features, "The Sky is Crying" in that relaxed manner that one only hears in the best clubs and "You're Going To Miss Me" - it's well past time for a new CD from Mr. Coleman.

If you can't make it to the Festival this year, this will make an excellent substitute.

- John Valenteyn, jvalenteyn8724@rogers.com

 

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