Posts in category CD Pick of the Month

Levon Helm – Ramble at the Ryman

Levon Helm

Ramble at the Ryman

Released May 17, 2011 on Vanguard Records

He’s over seventy years old now, and still nothing quite gets in the way of Levon Helm‘s tenacious desire to make music. Arguably one of the two most notable people to ever call such a little place like Turkey Scratch, Arkansas, home. The other being the legendary Robert Lockwood, Jr. Ramble at the Ryman, the newest release from Helm, is a live album. Capturing the essence of the old time medicine shows, he shares the stage with big name talent like Sheryl Crow, John Hiatt, Buddy Miller, and Billy Bob Thornton to name a few. With Helm handling vocals, drums, and the mandolin, Larry Campbell on guitar, and (Little) Sammy Davis on harmonica, it’s quite an impressive arcade of musicians.

Six of the fifteen tracks are oldies but goodies written by one of Helm’s original band mates from the Band, Robbie Robertson. Kicking off the show, is a lively version of “Ophelia”. It’s such a great song, and sets the mood for swingin’ good time. Wrapping up the album, we get to hear a fabulous rendition of “The Weight”, recorded with special guest vocalist, John Hiatt. And in between, fabulous performances of “Evangeline”, recorded with Sheryl Crow, “Rag Mama Rag”, and “The Shape I’m In”.

Harmonica aficionados should really enjoy the back to back tracks, “Fannie Mae” and “Baby Scratch My Back”. Davis owns the stage with his riveting harp playing. It’s just great to listen to. Other great listens include the chilling ballad, “A Train Robbery”. Helm sings his heart out on this one. Rounding out the rest of the album, is a very nice cover of Chuck Berry’s “Back to Memphis”.

This event is also available on DVD, which I plan to picking up sometime soon, because I love the CD so much.

Phil Smith

Tagged Levon Helm, Phil Smith

Warren Haynes – “Man in Motion”

Warren Haynes

Man in Motion

Stax Records - Released May 10, 2011

Warren Haynes will tell us all about himself if we just listen close enough. Shoot, he’ll even print the lyrics. But all we have to do is listen to the title cut. The mighty Gov’t Mule hooks & Allman Brothers duels are replaced by some soulful grooves recorded at Willie Nelson’s in Texas. Warren Haynes’ voice takes over this recording and he’s at his sad and soulful best on these nine original tunes plus a cover. Ivan Neville, organ and George Porter, Jr. add gravitas with Ron Holloway playing sax, Ian McLagan on piano and Ruthie Foster singing background vocals. Its finely crafted music that oozes soul and passion that hits on many levels. I always thought of Warren Haynes as a soul singer first and foremost and this CD shows he’s at his best in this genre. Warren Haynes is definitely a Man In Motion.

John Heim a.k.a. “Big Mo”

Tagged Big Mo, Warren Haynes

Retro Deluxe – “Watermelon Tea”

Retro Deluxe

Watermelon Tea

Rinkled Rooster

Retro Deluxe, one of the newer blues bands on the scene, is staking out its territory on the playground with the release of their second CD, Watermelon Tea. Boasting sixteen tracks, all originals, written by manager Bob Thompson, Watermelon Tea, like its namesake, is quite a refreshing treat. Founded by lead vocalist Bobby Joe Owens, and produced by Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers, South Memphis String Band), Retro Deluxe has a way of capturing that classic blues-boogie sound of the fifties and sixties.
It is impossible to miss the influence of the iconic Memphis Sun Studio greats on this album. Owens’ voice is surprising similar to that of Elvis Presley, and at times will transition the listener to a simpler time and place. Guitarist Zack Sweeney adds a touch of Led Zeppelin to Owen‘s Elvis-like vocals on ‘I’ve Got One Woman’. This favorite of mine is only a reggae beat away from Dread Zeppelin. Billy Earheart, a wild man on the piano, slaps those keys around like Jerry Lee Lewis on ‘What in the Devil Did I do Last Night’. With a sound similar to Lewis’s ‘Great Balls of Fire’, this track lyrically more of a follow-up to ’Tennessee Saturday Night’.
And for that simple and soulful sweet electric blues, ‘The Mother Nature Song’ hits the spot. One listen, and I caught myself reminiscing about soaking up some live delta blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.
Watermelon Tea is an enjoyable listen. I look forward to hearing what comes next for this band.

Phil Smith

Tagged Phil Smith, Retro Deluxe

Marcia Ball – “Roadside Attractions”

Marcia Ball - Roadside Attractions

Marcia Ball

Roadside Attractions

Alligator Records – Release date March 29, 2011

We’ve been listening to Marcia Ball for a long time and have developed expectations. ‘Roadside Attractions’ scratches all those itches with a twist or two. The biggest change is that she’s either written or co-written all twelve tunes. It’s her best hookhangin’, sadder but wiser, rockin’ the boogie, sweet and soulful, funky barbeque recording yet. It’s all stirred up and served with that rollin’ piano and a voice that’s still strong with the depth of years, humor, and experience shining through. This CD sounds like Marcia Ball’s musical cross-section of Americana and a joyous journey by bus through the small places on the road that will always exist and should be celebrated. It’s a wonderful album and I’ll bet you’ll think so, too. Guaranteed.

John Heim a.k.a. “Big Mo”

Tagged Big Mo, Marcia Ball

Gregg Allman – “Low Country Blues”

Greg Allman

Low Country Blues

Rounder – Release date January 18, 2011

The album notes say that “… a river runs through the blues and Gregg Allman continues to navigate it. This album deposits Gregg Allman at a fresh place on the bank.” ‘Low Country Blues’ is Gregg Allman’s first solo album in 14 years and it’s been a pleasure to listen to it. I wondered initially why he would do an album of blues classics but after listening I’m glad he did. He covers a list including Skip James, Muddy Waters, BB King, Otis Rush, Magic Sam, Sleepy John Estes and one original with Warren Haynes. Doyle Bramhall & Mac Rebbenack are also on the CD with a sterling band of supporting musicians.
Like the river, the CD is dark and deep and runs slowly with a big thumpy modern sound that gives the music vitality and continuity as the genres change. Gregg’s voice is strong and wears the secrets of the hurts that over 60 years of restless living has added. His voice is also part of my river. From “Trouble No More” crackling late at night on an AM radio to “Floating Bridge” from a computer hard drive today, the river of Gregg Allman’s voice continues. It’s good to hear it.

John Heim a.k.a. “Big Mo”

Tagged Big Mo, Gregg Allman

Bryce Janey – “Down Home Blues”

Bryce Janey - Down Home Blues

Bryce Janey

Down Home Blues

20113rd Avenue Music

The newest release from Bryce Janey is called Down Home Blues. It is all acoustic, rootsy, and it’s terrific. Playing a Gibson LG-1 acoustic guitar and a Kay stand-up bass, Janey is the sole performer on this album, and he shines. The album is exactly what the title implies, down home blues. The first song that really knocked my socks off is “Dust Off the Bottle”. What a great song. It’s very well written, very relatable, and catchy. When certain events happen in our lives, the ones that bring us down and make us sad, there is something or someone we turn to in order to start the healing process. In the case of this song, the healing begins with the bottle. “Down Home Blues”, the title track, is another impressive favorite. Immensely raw and gritty, this one was written in the style of the early blue masters Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Janey plays the slide like nobody’s business. A couple of previously recorded Janey songs pop up on this collection, albeit this time recorded acoustically. They are “Gamblin’ Mans Blues”, from Practice What You Preach and the ballad, ”Heal the Night”, from Heal the Night. Down Home Blues is comprised of mostly original compositions, but there are some “cover” treats for us as well. I always enjoy slide guitar when it’s well done, and the slide playing on Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster” is fabulous. If you been looking for a new acoustic blues album to listen to, Down Home Blues is strongly recommended.

Phil Smith

Tagged Bryce Janey, Phil Smith

Eddie Turner – “Miracles and Demons”

Eddie Turner - Miracles and Demons Eddie Turner

Miracles & Demons

Northern Blues – Released July 13, 2010

Miracles and Demons, the third solo release from Eddie (Devilboy) Turner is a pure unadulterated bluesy treat, but it‘s not what one would call a traditional blues album. Strong rhythmic beats, smoky vocals, heady and psychedelic lyrics, fantastic guitar playing and a great backup band are all attributes which make this CD quite pleasurable. Miracles and Demons starts off with “Booty Bumpin’”, a high energy blues rock selection and escorts the listener through the remainder of the thirteen track labyrinth of sound and emotions.

‘Say’, kick-started with a slow countrified slide guitar, evolves into a funky jam about the pain that goes along with a sudden breakup. Turner sings, ‘Why don‘t you say? Why don’t you say? My tears are falling .. My tears are falling from the sky’. This is definitely a favorite.

Lightening up the mood a bit with “Monkey See, Monkey Do”, Turner shows off his fun side. Then, just when one thinks they know the direction in which the musical vehicle they are riding is heading, Turner takes a hard left and pulls the listener into a jazzy nightclub for “In the Morning”. This is the perfect companion piece to Van Morrison’s “Moondance”.

Title tracks “Miracles and Demons” and “Miracles and Demons (part 2) are the closure points of each half of the album. The former, clocking in at just a bit over two minutes, is the thinner half and is a bit more raw. The later, more echoic, sports heavier guitar and more production effect.

I have got so much enjoyment from listening to Miracles and Demons, Eddie Turner has now been added to my list of favorite artists.

eddiedevilboy.com.

Phil Smith

Tagged Eddie Turner, Phil Smith

Reverend Raven – “Shake Your Boogie”

Reverend Raven - Shake Your Boogie

Reverend Raven

Shake Your Boogie

Nevermore Records - Release date Oct. 12, 2010

Shakin’ with The Rev

Reverend Raven and the ChainSmokin’ Altar Boys (one of the coolest band names ever) are rockin’ my world with their new release ‘Shake Your Boogie’. The CD jacket quotes Reverend Raven: “Recorded live on stage at The Miramar Theater, Milwaukee WI with a minimum of overdubs in two different sessions with two of my favorite line ups.” The biggest difference in the two line-ups (without typing 9 names) is Madison Slim/harmonica on four tracks and tenorman Big Al Groth on the other nine both playing strong solos and foil to The Rev’s fabulous guitar. Both rhythm sections are tighter than the bark on a tree and the Rev keeps things stirred up with some smokin’ hot solos. It looks like seven treatments of blues classics like “She’s Murder” & “Bricks In My Pillow” along with new material from The Reverend, Gerry Hundt & the rest of the band. The production, recording, mix and package are first rate. Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys “Shake Your Boogie” is $25.94 in a CD but the download is $8.99 on Amazon. They’ll put some shake in your butt!

John Heim a.k.a. “Big Mo”

Tagged Big Mo, Reverend Raven

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Posts in category CD Pick of the Month

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