Electric Blue [Enhanced]

Electric Blue [Enhanced]

ASIN: B000B5XZRO

Track Listings

1. Intro

2. Caught in a Spin

3. Crazy

4. Love Oneself

5. I Thought It Was You

6. Electric Blue

7. Jealous

8. Shaking My Soul

9. Runaway

10. I'll Never Fall in Love Again

11. Delicious

12. Fantasy

13. See the Lights Go Out

14. Rest of Our Lives

Editorial Reviews
Rolling Stone.com
"transforms the melodic synth pop Bell forged with Erasure in the Eighties into a more high-energy, club-ready sound."

Product Description
Andy Bell lets us in to his world of dance floor pop bliss with his solo album debut, Electric Blue.

Electric Blue features 14 brand new tracks, including two duets with Claudia Brucken (of Propaganda and Act) and Jake Shears (of Scissor Sisters), and encompasses a variety of musical genres.

Electric Blue was co-written and recorded throughout 2004 and 2005 with Manhattan Clique (Philip Larsen & Chris Smith) who, as well as Erasure, have also worked with Moby, The B-52's, Stereophonics and Goldfrapp in recent months.

The first single "Crazy" will be available on three formats, with club remixes from Erasure partner Vince Clarke, plus Cicada (Electric 6, New Order), Manhattan Clique, MHC and King Roc.

Electric Blue [Enhanced]

Tracks:

Don't Know Why
Seven Years
Cold Cold Heart
Feelin' The Same Way
Come Away With Me
Shoot The Moon
Turn Me On
Lonestar
I've Got To See You Again
Painter Song
One Flight Down
Nightingale
The Long Day Is Over
The Nearness Of You

Amazon.com

It is not just the timbre of Norah Jones's voice that is mature beyond her 22 years. Her assured phrasing and precise time are more often found in older singers as well. She is instantly recognizable, blending shades of Billie Holiday and Nina Simone without sounding like anyone but herself. Any way you slice it, she is a singer to be reckoned with. Her readings of the Hank Williams classic "Cold Cold Heart" and Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You" alone are worth the price of the CD. Jones's own material, while not bad, pales a bit next to such masterpieces. They might have fared better had she and producer Arif Mardin opted for some livelier arrangements, taking better advantage of brilliant sidemen such as Bill Frisell, Kevin Breit, and Brian Blade; or if the tunes had simply been given less laconic performances. Jones has all the tools; what will come with experience and some careful listening to artists like J.J. Cale and Shirley Horn is the knack of remaining low-key without sounding sleepy--sometimes less is not, in fact, more. --Michael Ross

Amazon.com

Norah Jones Photos (by Danny Clinch)

More from Norah Jones

Not Too Late
Feels Like Home
The Little Willies

Customer Reviews:

Haunting sounds.......2007-07-06

For 3 months, my Norah Jones CDs have taken over my car stereo. This woman is very talented!

The phenom Ms Jones.......2007-06-27

This is such an outstanding production, so much better than the later(I think) CD. Miss Jones should be careful which guitar players back her up. She should stick to Bill Frizell or maybe she should try Mark Knoffler, if she can get him away from Emmy Lou.

Glad i bought it ( Part II )...!.......2007-06-20

I knew that Nora Jones was good music but i had no idea just how good...My sister-in-law bought me this CD for Father's Day...i have listened to it 3 times today. The way i would describe her lyrics and delivery is equal to "Musical Rose Petals". So smooth and so inviting is her voice. I really love the Piano work also. Her birth name being "Geethali",Nora Jones along with the likes of Michael Buble have added a nice,new,fresh selection of music to today's currently enemic sound. This album made her only the second artist ever to sweep the "Big Four" being Album,Song,Record,& Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards in 2003. Standouts for me include: "Come Away With Me","Don't Know Why", and i really like her rendition of Hank Williams SR.'s "Cold,Cold Heart". With her throw back to Billie Holiday/Roberta Flack days voice coupled with a very welcomed piano based style, Nora Jones can take me away anytime! If you've waited to give her a listen ,as did I, do yourself a favor and don't wait any longer.

I'd Love To...........2007-06-05

Okay, she's not quite a standards specialist, but a lot of people think Norah Jones is well on her way to setting some new standards of her own.

The daughter of famed Indian sitarist Ravi Shankar, Jones grew up in Dallas with her mother, and her work is firmly rooted in the dry Texas soil. The youngest in this survey (she was born in 1979), Jones burst on the scene in 2002 with this debut album of nine original songs plus a handful of country and pop standards. Renowned for her sweet and soulful set of pipes, Jones has often been compared to Billie Holiday. There's also a touch of Roberta Flack and Emmylou Harris in there.

Come Away with Me is an honest-to-goodness country-blues recording that you can sit back with on the front porch rocker on a brisk autumn afternoon. Sort of like an early James Taylor, Jones mixes a little bit of country, folk, and soul into a collection that's the perfect antidote to today's insincere fare. The public must have sensed the same thing, because it bought this CD in boxcar loads, and in 2003 Jones walked away with eight Grammies, including album of the year and best new artist.

The title track, written by Jones, is the first new song I've heard in a long time that's utterly believable. "Come away with me and I'll never stop loving you," she begs, and it's as though she's singing it to you, personally. To Hank Williams's "Cold Cold Heart" she brings an R & B feel, petitioning in anguish to her lover man to come back, body and soul. "I've Got to See You Again" is an exquisite modern torch song in the same vein, while "One Flight Down" is an upbeat tune with chord progressions right out of Paul McCartney's Wings songs, like "Carry That Load." She ends with Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You." Close your eyes, let Jones's words envelope you with their soulful caress, and you'll sense that she's a lot nearer than your living room speakers.

Good for my ears........2007-06-02

I see some reviews calling her Snorah Jones, and others which debate whether what she sings is truly jazz. Who cares! If it tastes good I eat it: if it sounds good I listen to it. This girl possesses a unique and expressive vocal instrument. It sounds good to me, facilitative for relaxing in a comfortable chair with a martini or cabernet after a hard day's work. If I were three or four decades younger, it would be perfect make out music.

Average customer rating:

Love It!
Very real
Phenomenal!
The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
Ruthie Foster

The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
Ruthie Foster
Manufacturer: Blue Corn Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

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Stages
Runaway Soul
State of Grace
We'll Never Turn Back
West

ASIN: B000M06K6Q
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Tracks:

'Cuz I'm Here
Heal Yourself
Fruits Of My Labor
People Grinnin' In Your Face
Up Above My Head (I Hear Music In The Air)
Harder Than The Fall
Beaver Creek Blues
Mama Said
Phenomenal Woman
A Friend Like You
I Don't Know What To Do With My Heart

Amazon.com

Ruthie Foster's the newest voice in old-school soul. Her fifth album is a remarkable flashback to the genre's '60s and '70s heyday, framing her warm butter-and-cayenne-pepper singing with organ, electric piano, shimmering guitar textures, and strong backbeats. That sound, along with her strength as a song interpreter--rippling with beauty on Lucinda Williams's "Fruits of My Labor," stunningly emotional on Son House's cautionary Delta spiritual "People Grinnin' in Your Face"--and her fine-tuned social politics, makes Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack, and Nina Simone reasonable artistic references. For the 42-year-old Texan, this historic approach is new. Until now she's been an obscure acoustic-guitar-wielding singer-songwriter. And, indeed, the evocative lyricism of her own tunes "Harder Than the Fall," "Heal Yourself," and "Beaver Creek Blues" is clearly the work of an experienced craftsperson. But the performances on this elegant album, made under the tutelage of imaginative and empathetic Austin-based producer Malcolm Welbourne, live up to its boastful title, and seem destined to bring Foster the larger audience she deserves. --Ted Drozdowski

Customer Reviews:

Love It!.......2007-06-26

When I first listened to this cd my favorite songs were roots rockin' "People Grinnin' in Your Face" and "Up in My Room". Over a weekend I fell in love with the entire cd. The lyrics of so many of the songs are thought-provoking, humorous and heart warming. "A Friend Like You" and "Phenomenal Woman" have become theme songs for me and my women friends. Ruthie, honey, just keep being phenomenal!!!

Very real.......2007-06-08

There's nothing pretentious about this CD. I would like to be in the room with these musicians while they're doing the music to experience it first hand.

Phenomenal!.......2007-06-06

I heard Ruthie Foster in an interview on NPR (National Public Radio), on "Studio 360". NPR has done this to me before; hooked me on a sound I'd never experienced previous. I have this CD in my cubicle at work and it is all I can do not to dance or sing out loud. I am going to have to get a copy for the car and one for the house I think. This was my first Foster experience and it is as profound as Bob Marley singing "No Woman, No Cry". And Maya Angelou's poem "Phenomenal Woman" set to song by Foster is...I don't have the words.

The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster.......2007-05-30

Disappointing. Only cared for about 2 songs, which were the "preview" songs that prompted me to purchase the cd.

Ruthie Foster.......2007-05-29

I have enjoyed most of the cuts on this cd, especially Phenomenal Woman. I would like to hear more material, however. I will listen to the other two cd's that you have listed. I like her voice and her phrasing is very good. It just didn't give me goose bumps. That's my usual measure.

Average customer rating:

Sonic Blow-Out!
It's been 30 Years and going strong!!
Great Album... why two versions?
fine symphony pop/rock
OK, so I'm not going deaf.

Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A New World Record
Face the Music
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Time

ASIN: B000LE0THO
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

Turn To Stone
It's Over
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Across The Border
Night In The City
Starlight
Jungle
Believe Me Now
Steppin' Out
Standin' In The Rain
Big Wheels
Summer And Lightning
Mr. Blue Sky
Sweet Is The Night
The Whale
Birmingham Blues
Wild West Hero
Wild West Hero
The Quick And The Daft
Latitude 88 North

Customer Reviews:

Sonic Blow-Out!.......2007-06-20

The music is very familiar to any ELO fan (it helps that I consider this their best album) so I'll only comment on the sound on this new remaster. WOW!

Even if you own a first pressing vinyl copy (one of the best sounding vinyl releases ever), even if you own a Japanese copy of this on vinyl, even if you own any of the cd releases of this great album, you NEED this re-issue. Not only does it include a few bonus tracks, the remastered 2007 version (done with Jeff Lynne's participation) is absolutely STUNNING.

The deluxe version has some impressive packaging, despite the fact that it's very difficult to get the cd out of it without major fingerprints on the disc, so casual fans might want to stick to the regular jewelbox version. But, and I cannot emphasize this enough...if you are a fan of ELO in ANY degree, GET THIS!!! The sound will knock you out.

It's been 30 Years and going strong!!.......2007-03-29

If you love ELO you must own this CD, the packaging in a hardbound book form with the small put together ELO Mobile is awesome for any collector. I really enjoyed the quality of these recordings especially since I still own the Original 1977 double LP, it was also great to get a few bonus tracks not previously availible.

Great Album... why two versions?.......2007-03-26

Okay folks, first you have to realize that there are two versions of this album. The Annaversary Special Edition of which I highly recommend you purchase, and the Sony stick it to-ya version of which you will find every song crammed onto one CD... which means they shortened space time between tracks, shortened beginings (listen to the fade between Big Wheels and Summer and Lightening to hear what I mean), and worst of all lower quality sound.

AARRRGGHHHH!!!!!

Why could they not just release the great Special Annaversary version complete with the 1977 sleeves, lyrics, punch-out, poster and set a mid-ranged price for it instead of doing such an injustice to ELO's second best album?

Jeff and the boys should be charging down to whatever Sony mogul here in the USA is and show him what "Electric Light" means.

Grief!!!

Overall, if you can, get the Special Editions and leave the other one alone unless, like me, you intend to use one as a keeper and the other as the playing version. I highly highly recommend Out of the Blue just like all of the other Remasters and find Latitude 88 North to be worth the wait alone.

Now we need a Remastered Zoom, Armchair Theater, Kelly, and other post ELO efforts to make the collection complete.

fine symphony pop/rock.......2007-03-17

an excellent album of rock/pop music with classical overtones. the group's leader, jeff lynne, is an extremely talented individual with an extraordinary sense for fine pop melodies. the classical overtones are more mozart, than say, stravinsky or mahler. the orchestra is always moving forward, elegantly, to a satisfying resolution on each song. the songs themselves are almost all fine, but my one gripe would be that this was a two record set, thus a looong cd, and the tempos of the songs are all fairly similar (upbeat, but not really hard rocking), thus towards the end it does seem that some editing could have been used, and the whole thing made just a tad shorter. small complaint though. i highly recomment this album. wonderful stuff.

OK, so I'm not going deaf........2007-03-04

I too was disapointed in the remaster. I've read the comments on the other reviews, and there are a number of reasons why the remaster didn't seem to meet my expectations. But the bottom line is that I bought this expecting a significant upgrade in the listening experience, and I didn't get it.

The book is cool. The little cut-out spaceship and the printed stuff is a fitting tribute to this pop masterpiece, but I expected more in terms of sound, and bonus tracks for that matter (although what's there is good and we've already got a double album on one CD so there's not much space left for bonus tracks).

I suppose that if this is the best that can be done after thirty years, then as the old saying goes: that's all there is; there isn't any more.

Average customer rating:

Pick One...
The Best, Simply The Best, Singer Going
why krall whn u can fly!!
Too Many Pop Covers
Thunderbird is truly a classic

Thunderbird
Cassandra Wilson
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All the Roadrunning
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ASIN: B000EGDN0E
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Go To Mexico
Closer To You
Easy Rider
It Would Be So Easy
Red River Valley
Poet
I Want To Be Loved
Lost
Strike A Match
Tarot

Amazon.com

With a series of terrific albums, Cassandra Wilson has established herself as one of the day's great vocalists and, in branching out from jazz into blues and folk and pop, paved the way for genre-crossing stars including Norah Jones. But the Mississippi native has rarely sounded as relaxed or winning as she does on "Thunderbird," which teams her with the stalwart O Brother Where Art Thou? producer T Bone Burnett. Recorded mostly in Los Angeles, the album is noteworthy not only for its roomy, atmospheric sound and experimental touches, but also for its improvised-in-the-studio approach. Working with innovative Burnett regulars including keyboardist (and co-producer) Keefus Ciancia, guitarist Marc Ribot, and drumming legend Jim Keltner, Wilson delivers such offbeat delights as "Going to Mexico," a dreamlike, funk-tinged tune built on a sample of "Hey Pocky A-Way" by New Orleans' Wild Tchoupitoulas. Eschewing the well-known pop tunes she usually covers, she lends her huskily seductive vocals to Jakob Dylan's wistful "Closer to You" and Burnett's dark "Strike a Match," to which she claimed co-ownership by changing the time signature and adding a lyric. The inspired contributors also include programmer and bassist Mike Elizondo (producer of Fiona Apple's "Extraordinary Machine") and guitarist Colin Linden, who wails on a gripping extended reading of Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Easy Rider" and duets with Wilson on the cowboy classic "Red River Valley," which eloquently sums up her ability to breathe jazz meaning into anything she chooses. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews:

Pick One..........2007-05-01

Funky, sultry, bluesy, sexy, mellow, haunting, hypnotic, cool...this CD has it all and then some. From the opening beats of Go To Mexico to the final chords of Tarot, this is an incredibly hot disc. Wilson has certainly hooked me with her absolutely gorgeous vocals, but the music on this CD is so darn good, it doesn't make any sense. This is not your usual Cassandra and if you're looking for something different from her from a purely musical standpoint, then this is it.

The Best, Simply The Best, Singer Going.......2007-04-27

In an era where woman singers are more often judged on appearance than artistic merit Cassandra Wilson (who by the way is a major babe) continues to carve her own path and does it brilliantly. I've said it before and I'll just repeat it; Cassandra Wilson is the best singer, in any style, of her generation, period.

why krall whn u can fly!!.......2007-04-12

yes, indeed, people. and the mispelling of the word "crawl" in the title was INTENTIONAL! This is a true jazzy songbird, not a sibialnt snake shushing through the grashhhh!!

Too Many Pop Covers.......2007-03-11

Simply, this isn't one of Cassandra's best. Her last 2-3 cd's have relied too much on pop covers of various merit which really diminishes the effectiveness of one of the most marvellous voices in jazz-blues. I have seen her live several times and she outstanding as a performer and unequalled in the jazz-blues genre, but straying so far (for a wider commercial appeal?) from her blues roots only serves to murk her vocal and musical identity. My fear is this wonderful vocalist will end up in the same situation as Etta James who abandoned her Texas blues roots for a not very convincing or engaging party rock-blues repertoire.

Thunderbird is truly a classic.......2007-03-08

I really love this new album! It is different from her usual style but it's still Cassandra all the same. I love the way her smoky voice rides and intertwines with the deep base and percussions.Especially tracks like "Closer to You", "It would Be So Easy", "Poet" and "Strike a Match". You have a great introduction to her new style with "Go to Mexico" and of course her classic "bluesy" ballad styles with "Easy Rider" and "Red River Valley". My husband who had never heard of her can't get enough of this new album!
The old adage rings true...Like fine wine, she get's better with age!

Average customer rating:

Out of the Blue - Captures Memories
ELO at their most ambituious
This is a great album and an excellent remaster!
I woudn't call it a remaster when it sounds like this.
Excellent Album/ Poor Reissue

Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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A New World Record
Balance of Power
Face the Music
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Eldorado

ASIN: B000LE0TGA
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

Turn To Stone
It's Over
Sweet Talkin' Woman
Across The Border
Night In The City
Starlight
Jungle
Believe Me Now
Steppin' Out
Standin' In The Rain
Big Wheels
Summer And Lightning
Mr. Blue Sky
Sweet Is The Night
The Whale
Birmingham Blues
Wild West Hero
Wild West Hero
The Quick And The Daft
Latitude 88 North

Customer Reviews:

Out of the Blue - Captures Memories.......2007-05-18

This double album came out when I was preparing to start spring semester at a new college. The memories come surging back and the quality enhances this great sounding music. Jeff Lynne was a tune-smith supreme!! The musical peaks, crisp surges and those perfect hooks stirred memories with each song. Back in the day, these songs were played everywhere I went. ELO was the main sound of my world!! ELO was a major musical force in the 70's. Their sound is unmatched and timeless.

ELO at their most ambituious.......2007-05-04

Jeff Lynne was always a master tunesmith, but even at his best (Eldorado and Face the Music), he often tripped over his classical predelictions. "Out Of The Blue" was the climactic moment where Lynne's determination that pop music pinnacled at "I Am The Walrus" matched his classic experiments perfectly, and he was just beginning to let go of his rock and roll visions. (Even if the next tour was the infamous Spaceship Stage extravaganza.)

This is the album that yielded two flawless pop singles, "Turn To Stone" and "Mr. Blue Sky," inescapable some 30 years later. But Lynne also wanted to try out his inner "Abby Road" with the side long "Concerto For A Rainy Day." It flows like a good song suite should, more so than "Eldorado" did, and climaxed with "Mr. Blue Sky."

"Out Of The Blue" is loaded with moments of pop perfection. You can hear Lynne's evolution into Travelling Wilburys territory on "Across The Border" and "Birmingham Blues." His fascination with the American west (think "Poker" and "Down Home Town") on "Wild West Hero." His melancholy also comes to the fore on "hero" and "It's Over."

I will be one of those who is actually pleased with the remastering. The highs are a lot crisper and the soundstage seems to be broader. The annoying dropouts that plagued the previous CD are all but gone. This is the best version of "Out Of The Blue" yet. Don't be scared off by the audio-snobs - this is a brillant pop album and deserves a space in your CD collection if you're an ELO fan.

This is a great album and an excellent remaster!.......2007-03-28

For all of you reading the negative reviews now thinking "I shouldn't buy this because it doesn't sound good" forget that! From a technical side this album has always sounded great but now it sounds fantastic. Using state of the art technology Jeff Lynne personally oversaw and conducted the remastering. I too have compared the two CD releases and even the vinyl release and concluded this one just sounds best! But here's the thing, one can't fix something that's not broken. So when one thinks of a remaster one may expect a dramatic improvement in sound quality. Not so much on this remaster BUT! One will hear things that weren't as noticible before; actually make out the words on believe me now. Performances are more apparent so on and so forth. The only thing kinda lame about this expanded edition is that it gives the listener only three more tracks: two short ones and one brand new song; all of them are amazing.

Out Of the Blue is Electric Light Orchestra's most famous album, many consider it to be the best and that's difficult to argue with. The album was even more successful than another release prior to that and has some of the most famous ELO tunes on it, like Sweet Talkin' Woman and Turn To Stone and Mr. Blue Sky! This album released more singles than any other ELO album, and all of them shine. So If one is even a little interested in ELO, he/she should make sure that this decade defining album is in their possession!

I woudn't call it a remaster when it sounds like this........2007-03-20

OUT OF THE BLUE is not my favorite ELO album. It is in fact, TIME. Some of you are probaby shocked by that but hey, I like ELO a lot and I chose to have an odd choice of a favorite. This brings me to this album. Normally it should be a 4-5 star album. But I have to agree with the others about the remastering.

I have a very high end stereo, everything goes Digital cables or Digital Ballanced cables. I usually notice the smallest things. For instance the new Boston remasters, Fantastic. This remaster sounds boomy, Dull and Flat. However, the original released (Remastered by Joe Gastwirt) sound top notch compared to this.

I don't know if Jeff Lynnes ears are gone, or if he wasn't that involved. Or perhaps this is a mistake and we got an age old tape duplicate. After all, the other ELO remasters are wonderful.

FInal opinion....Buy it for the restored artwork and the two bonus tracks. It isn't a high priced remaster (other bands up the price to $18.99 to re-release this kind of stuff).

Excellent Album/ Poor Reissue.......2007-03-08

I had been looking forward to this reissue for some time now as "Out of the Blue" is Jeff Lynne's masterpiece. Unfortunately this reissue, while fixing some major flaws in previous CD versions, falls very short of the mark in many other ways. Overall the stereo seperation has been greatly improved but the sonic fidelity seems to have suffered quite a bit. There is audible distortion on some tracks and a general lack of luster and sheen to most of them, This was not the case with the previous version on cd.
Also, although this product is described as "with book" , the only thing I got was a small booklet and a jewelcase, not the package with the pop out flying saucer. NO big deal, but Amazon should correct the item description.
Basically the main attraction for THIS reissue for me is that the drop outs at the end of "It's Over" have been fixed .. (pro tools anyone?)
Side by side with the previous CD release, it is obvious to MY ears that this product is not as good sounding. I would venture a guess that SOME of the tunes have been slightly remixed OR the incorrect masters were used resulting in a mix that is different to my ears.
All of this doesn't matter if you have never heard this album before. It is a bonifide masterpiece and belongs in any serious collection of pop music. The songs are as great as they were the day they were writen. Maybe even better!

Average customer rating:

Down home jazz
What a great sounding CD
84117
Awesome!
Jimmy You were the Greatest!!! RIP

Back at the Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Midnight Special
The Sermon!
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ASIN: B000005H4M
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Back At The Chicken Shack
When I Grow Too Old To Dream
Minor Chant
Messy Bessie
On The Sunny Side Of The Street

Amazon.com

This is the kind of nasty, back-alley music that makes you wince in ecstasy. With Stanley Turrentine's tenor and Kenny Burrell's guitar sharing solo space, the Hammond master digs in with a blues-drenched shovel. While certainly fluent in the bop idiom, Smith's organ work maintains a direct emotional peg that reflects the swing and jump blues of a previous generation. Turrentine, a relative newcomer at this point (1960), proves a perfect foil for Smith's funky ideas, forgoing flashy bop runs in favor of soulful, expressive passages. Even on chestnuts such as "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street," the foursome boils the melodies down to their barest bluesy core. Back at the Chicken Shack is the prototypical soul-jazz recording. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Down home jazz.......2007-02-07

Jimmy Smith (1925-2005) recorded this classic for Blue Note on April 25, 1960, popularizing the Hammond B-3 electric organ in the process. This is soul-jazz funk music, with its strong relationship to the blues and gospel music. The sidemen on this recording are: Stanley Turrentine (tenor sax), Kenny Burrell (guitar) and Donald Bailey (drums).

"Back at the Chicken Shack" was recorded during the same session that the famous "Midnight Special" came out of. The title track on this release is immersed heavily in the blues, made clear by the accent on Jimmy's organ. Track two, "When I Grow Too Old to Dream", showcases Stanley Turrentine reworking a classic Romberg and Hammerstein II title.

Track three, "Minor Chant", is an original composition by Turrentine that swings really hard. The track first appeared on Turrentine's album "Look Out" recorded earlier for Blue Note. Smith gets plenty of solo time to share with Stanley's heated solos. Track four, "Messy Bessie", is another heavily blues influenced excursion, this one showcasing Turrentine, Smith and Burrell with respective solos. And track five, the standard "On the Sunny Side of the Street", Smith & Co. execute this one with precision and finesse.

This is a well produced, well executed, incredibly enjoyable album from Smith's extensive career. Not owning this album leaves a giant whole in your jazz collections. Digitally transferred by Ron McMaster, this session is crisp and alive. Jimmy Smith's ""Back at the Chicken Shack" easily earns itself five stars in my opinion.

What a great sounding CD.......2005-09-26

If you like jazz organ you will love Jimmy Smith's playing. I highly recommend this CD - ruggedthug.com

84117.......2005-05-22

i bought this for a friend a long time ago, and then bought myself a copy some time after that. it has an awsum cover and is just really enjoyable to listen to, especially in the summer months. a long time ago i thought it was a sequel or something, but it's not.

Awesome!.......2005-02-21

I agree 100% with Guy from New Haven. And even though I don't possess all of Jimmy's albums, this has to be his best... Maybe the the best jazz album ever!!! Never heard anything so groovy; it's B3 organ, Tenor Sax and good rhythm galore!!!

I don't know which track is best because they're all stunning but to name a few, maybe "Minor Chant" by Stanley Turrentine (who brilliantly plays the sax throughout the album), stands out a little... not by much though. "When I grow too old to dream": what a sweet melody!... Messy Bessie (by Jimmy) is so good, I would have appreciated a finale instead of the fade-out we got (but that's okay). And technically, the 1960's Blue Note pure, clear, and no-fuss analog recording sounds flawless.

If you're jaded with the traditional organ-drums-guitar formation, check this out because tenor saxophone truly adds a uniquely elegant and amazingly powerful dimension to Jimmy's already great sound! This will put a smile on your face and make your head bounce!

Jimmy You were the Greatest!!! RIP.......2005-02-11

It's a sad day for me today because I just heard that the great Jimmy Smith passed away 2 days ago at his home near Phoenix. He was far and away THE GREATEST HAMMOND B3 PLAYER WHO EVER LIVED!!!
I can't think of anyone else who had such an impact and defined the classic jazz blues sounds of the 50's and 60's like he did!
As for this album, Back at the Chicken Shack, I agree with previous reviewers who consider this and Midnight Special as his two best! I like them both equally!
And one final note, I was lucky to see Jimmy three times, most recently three years ago at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Southern California, and he graciously signed my vinyl album cover of "Chicken Shack" which also has the autographs of the late great saxaphonist Stanley Turrentine and guitarist Kenny Burrell! I am very proud to own this album and hope to be able to perhaps donate it to a Jazz museum for future generations to see. Jimmy, thanks for all the incredible music! Rest in Peace.

Average customer rating:

Don't Overlook The CD/DVD Combo
More than easy listening from the Big Easy!
4 1/2 stars.
real music...real songs
Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint...it doesn't get much better than this....

The River in Reverse

Manufacturer: Verve Forecast
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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All the Roadrunning
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ASIN: B000FA58IY
Release Date: 2006-06-06

Tracks:

On The Way Down
Nearer To You
Who's Gonna Help A Brother
Sharpest Thorn
Tears
River In Reverse
Freedom For The Stallion
Broken Promise Land
Ascension Day
International Echo
All These Things
Wonder Woman
Six Fingered Man

Amazon.com

Some inspired music has arrived in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (mainly on New Orleans-themed benefit albums), but nothing as audaciously ambitious as this cross-generational collaboration between Crescent City mainstay Allen Toussaint and former British upstart turned adventurously eclectic veteran Elvis Costello. As a songwriter, producer, and arranger, Toussaint has been responsible for hits from artists ranging from Irma Thomas, Ernie K-Doe, and Lee Dorsey to the Pointer Sisters and Labelle. Costello, long a huge fan of Toussaint's music, sings relatively familiar fare such as "On Your Way Down" and "Freedom for the Stallion" from Toussaint's extensive songbook along with obscurities mainly recorded by Dorsey. Toussaint supplies his distinctive piano and horn arrangements--as well as lead vocals on "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?"--with Costello's Imposters serving as the rhythm section. Yet the real revelation comes from the new material, including the title track (a searing Costello composition in the Toussaint soul-spiritual mode) and five new Costello/Toussaint compositions that spotlight Toussaint's signature sound without diminishing Costello's creative contributions. What could have been a curiosity is instead a hallmark in the catalog of each artist. --Don McLeese

Album Description

The River in Reverse is Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint's spirited and deeply soulful new album, including seven songs from Toussaint's remarkable catalog; five newly written by the two; and one new song, the title track, written by Costello. Sessions for the album took place over a whirlwind two weeks late last year in Hollywood, CA and at Piety Street Studios in Toussaint's hometown of New Orleans. Produced by Joe Henry, the album masterfully combines Costello's band the Imposters with Toussaint's horn section (Amadee Castenell, Joe Smith, Sam Williams, and Brian Cayolle) and guitarist (Anthony Brown).

Toussaint led the ensemble from the piano, with Imposters keyboard player Steve Nieve switching to Hammond B3. The majority of the tracks were cut with the entire group in the room and Costello singing live, occasionally adding his guitar to the mix. Costello selected songs from deep within the Toussaint catalogue such as "Nearer To You," "Freedom for the Stallion," and "Tears, Tears and More Tears." Toussaint kicks off the lead vocal on his composition, "Who's Gonna Help Brother Get Further?" and trades vocal lines with Costello and bassist Davey Faragher on several other tracks.

All of the horn arrangements are marked with Toussaint's distinctive style and, commented Costello, "add a second voice" to the title track, the one song that Costello wrote alone. Just before the recording began, the duo holed up in New York to write together throughout October, a quick-moving process that resulted in four songs on the album of various combinations of words and music.

The songwriting collaboration began with Costello writing lyrics for Toussaint's beautiful minor key variation of Professor Longhair's "Tipitina." The resulting piece is now entitled "Ascension Day." Other new titles include "The Sharpest Thorn," "Broken Promise Land," and "International Echo."

Toussaint previously produced a 1983 Costello cover of Yoko Ono's "Walking on Thin Ice" with the Attractions and the T.K.O. Horns, and also contributed piano to the New Orleans-recorded "Deep Dark Truthful Mirror" from Costello's 1989 album Spike.

Immediately following Hurricane Katrina, Toussaint relocated to New York City, where the two renewed their musical friendship at several benefit concerts and club gigs during a seven-day period from the 17th of September, leading to discussions of this new album. The powerful song "The River in Reverse" was written by Costello on September 24th, 2005, and performed by him for the first time at that night's "Parting the Waters" benefit event organized by the The New Yorker magazine.

More Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint

King of America
Elvis Costello
Imperial Bedroom
Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Painted from Memory
Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach

The Wild Sound of New Orleans: The Complete 'Tousan' Sessions
Allen Toussaint
Finger Poppin' and Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions for Minit Records 1960-1962
Various Artists
Connected
Allen Toussaint

Customer Reviews:

Don't Overlook The CD/DVD Combo.......2007-05-05

Yes indeed! So you're thinking about getting this great collaboration that came out in 2006 on CD, which is a wonderful thing to be thinking about, as most of the other reviewers here will attest to. But hey, please don't forget to look in the next bin at THE EXACT SAME TITLE IN THE CD/DVD COMBO PACKAGE (ASIN: B000FBH476) AND IT'S FOR THE *EXACT SAME PRICE*!! What was that? Well SOMEBODY you know must have a DVD player, and they can invite you over for dinner! It's worth it on so many levels, just to see them starting the project in LA, see them at Sunset Sound breaking out the ever-so-soulful song "What Do You Want The Girl To Do" (not on the CD), see them talking about actually going to The Big Easy soon after Katrina and debating whether it's a good idea or not since it could be seriously discouraged by the authorities, not to mention real upsetting for Allen Toussaint (having just lost his house and possessions there), see them flying coach from LA to NO, and then see them pick up the sessions again at a studio right there in the Crescent City! The material from the CD comes to life ten-fold, and the city by (and still in) the river welcomes them with open arms! As Toussaint says at one point "There will always be a New Orleans, and now.. there will be a Very New Orleans!" It's a joy to watch.

So to re-cap: the CD's great, 4 stars. But don't forget to look one shelf over at the CD/DVD combo, an easy 5 star package. And at zero extra dollars, it's a no-brainer!

More than easy listening from the Big Easy!.......2007-03-15

Elvis Costello teams up with legendary New Orleans jazz pianist Alain Toussant for a collection of beautiful songs with a quiet dignity beneath the riffs. A portion of the profits go to help New Orleans musicians who were Hurricane Katrina victims. But I never knew Big Easy jass could be so thoughtful and sophisticated.

4 1/2 stars. .......2007-03-13

my, mr costello is certainly prolific in the recording studio. yet another album. and hooray, i say. the man rarely, rarely lets one down. this time out he is paired with new orleans great allen toussaint. together they have crafted an extremely fun recording. rock, blues, and funky soul ring out here. mr toussaint's piano playing is filled with infectious enthusiasm and mr costello's vocals are filled with emotion. that costello voice, to me, is stunning. it's ablility to express different moods and a variety of emotions can hardly be bettered in rock music. his songwriting has always gotten attention, but i feel his singing has not recieved the full appreciation from critics that it deserves. anyway, this is a fantastic piece of work. selected by "no depression" magazine as the 4th best album of 2006, don't miss it.

real music...real songs.......2007-01-11

very refreshing. Real songs and real musicians. Great live feeling. Great horns, keys, drums arrangement.

Thank god Costello is around to keep it high and real!

Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint...it doesn't get much better than this...........2007-01-06

This collaboration is totally AMAZING.....soulful...meaningful- probably on a personal as well as on a more alturistic/socially relevant level..and finally, very sexy. I've been a fan of Elvis since the late 70's...GOD am I that old?? He has always inspired and made me think beyond the borders. Now I am a fan of Mr. Toussaint's as well. The CD starts off wonderful and keep giving more and more. Even when you think you have already heard the best it can possibly offer, it then crescendos and ROCKS you with SIX FINGERED MAN..! It's really hard to pick a favorite on this one. FREEDOM FOR THE STALLION will make you stop in your tracks and THINK. It's is one of those basic...true...important pieces that make you take notice. THE SHARPEST THORN is extremely melancholy, and personal. BROKEN PROMISE LAND, THE RIVER IN REVERSE, ASCENSION DAY, and INTERNATIONAL ECHO (Love that one!!) have Elvis' print all over it...and can ONLY be made even better and just absolutely perfect with Mr. Toussaint's contribution. Mr. Toussaint's ALL THESE THINGS is totally amazing!!! Very true and just damn sexy. WONDER WOMAN will make you smile and just want to get up and dance. Just give yourself a gift this new year....and treat yourself to this CD. You will not be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

and a half stars. some songs are pretty good, but 51 Phantom is better
Amazing.
Not what we expected but great anyway
Remember When They Played Blues?
VERY GOOD

Electric Blue Watermelon
North Mississippi Allstars
Manufacturer: Ato Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hill Country Revue: Live at Bonnaroo
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Shake Hands With Shorty

ASIN: B0009Y26PE
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Tracks:

Mississippi Bollweevil
No Mo
Teasin' Brown
Moonshine
Hurry Up Sunrise
Stompin' My Foot
Bang Bang Lulu
Deep Blue Sea
Mean Ol' Wind Died Down
Horseshoe
Bounce Ball

Amazon.com

Blues revivalists? Jam band? Power trio? Psychedelic tripsters? Southern rockers? While previous releases have found the pride of North Mississippi exploring various manifestations of their musical identity, on Electric Blue Watermelon they pull everything together and bring their artistic progression full circle. While acknowledging the seminal influence of Delta bluesman Charley Patton ("Mississippi Bollweevil") and fife master Otha Turner ("Teasin' Brown," "Bounce Ball"), the album finds common spirit in contemporary hip-hop on "No Mo" and "Stompin' My Foot," with guest rapper Al Kapone helping the band bridge past and future. Lucinda Williams teams with guitarist Luther Dickinson for a playful duet on "Hurry Up Sunrise," while steel guitarist Robert Randolph and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band extend the album's aural palette. Over the course of almost seven and a half minutes, "Mean Ol' World Wind Down" takes the listener on a musical journey from fife-and-drum roots through Bo Diddley insistence to Allman Brothers expansiveness. No matter how far they extend their musical vistas, the Allstars are always bringing it all back home. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

and a half stars. some songs are pretty good, but 51 Phantom is better.......2007-04-13

I've seen north mississippi allstars live a few times the best being memphis in may 2005 during sunset on the missippi river. I got electric blue watermelon first, really loved it for a couple of times but then ran across 51 phantom later on. man that one is way more heavy down south blues, and had less of the silliar songs. ( didn't like hurry up sunrise, or stompin' my feet, or deep blue sea,) the rest were ok.

to wrap it up, move onto polaris or 51 phantom, or even shake hands with shorty, or polaris

rank 1) 51 Phantom 2)shake hands with shorty 3)Polaris 4) Electric Blue Watermelon

Amazing. .......2007-02-19

Probably one of my favorite CD's of all time. North Mississipi Allstars never disappoint and this CD is no exception. It's a shame more people don't appreciate this kind of music because THIS is talent. Most of the crap you hear on the radio is over produced garbage (Paris Hilton has a cd? seriously?!). But this just makes me realize that there ARE real musicians out there and that some people DO get it. Buy it...you WILL NOT be disappointed!

Not what we expected but great anyway.......2007-02-04

I've been a NMA fan since they started playing the Library in Oxford, MS (btw its right next to Proud Larrys where RL Burnside played too). And like you I expected NMA to stick with the hill country blues sound that got them where they are, but I shouldnt have. These guys have enough talent to branch out and still be true to the blues but break new ground. They tried to do that with Polaris but failed, but they nailed it this time. A song doesnt have to have a standard blues progression to be the blues. Blues is a state of mind and a feeling, and this CD has it! I look for great things from this band for years to come.

Remember When They Played Blues?.......2006-12-06

Despite the fact that no one ever finds it "helpful" to post a negative review, I could not hold back. This is a horrible album. I fell in love with NMA when they performed on Conan (so long ago) and I rushed out to buy "Shake Hands with Shorty." To this day it is still one of my favorite albums, played constantly. I haven't heard anything since, until I got this CD, and I've got to wonder if I'm even listening to the same band.

I should have known better, I suppose. The crowded cover artwork is a pretty good indication of what's to come--an eclectic mishmash that hits on no other levels than being an eclectic mishmash. The real charm of this band had been their authentic simplicity, and thanks to it, a dirty swamp sound that effused their tracks. Frankly, it was a good, honest sound, something seriously lacking in today's music scene. All the guests on this album serve to simply water down and dilute that sound to something devoid of heart, but easier to swallow, I suppose.

It starts off just fine with "Mississippi Boll Weevil," a stomping swamp song if there ever was one, but it's a misleading lead off track. "No Mo" has to be one of the worst listening experiences I've ever endured... and that was only the second track. I listened on in vain hopes that it would get better, and it doesn't. Yes, Lucinda Williams is here, but one track is not enough to save an album.

It's sad to say that NMA are more of a jam band than a blues band these days. If one wants to excuse these musical dalliances on Electric Blue Watermelon as experiments in genre expansion, so be it, but they'll have to be recognized as failed experiments.

VERY GOOD.......2006-08-23

GREAT BUY.
WOULD BUY ANOTHER IF I LOST THIS ONE!!

Average customer rating:

You Don't Know what u are talking abaht
Get over yourself, fat boy
a great CD
A nicely diverse album with Saint James Infirmary
I never "got" Van Morrison...till now...

What's Wrong With This Picture?
Van Morrison
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000A55GR
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

What's Wrong With This Picture
Whinin Boy Moan
Evening In June
Too Many Myths
Somerset
Meaning Of Loneliness
Stop Drinking
Gold Fish Bowl
Once In A Blue Moon
Saint James Infirmary
Little Village
Frame
Get On With The Show

Customer Reviews:

You Don't Know what u are talking abaht.......2006-06-15

Stick to reviewing Elvis and books about hairstyles from the 1980's. Van IS still the man, and will always be so. He knows more about music and writing music than any band to come through over the last ten years. Guns and Roses...... rubbish

Get over yourself, fat boy.......2006-04-15

Just who wants to hear Van Morrison complain like an old ninny about the press, or the pitfalls of being a godlike, mythical celebrity trapped by his own legend and fame--and all of it contained in bland rocking-chair Muzak jazz. Three chords and some bad lyrics and right away they come on with a messiah complex. (You fans and your empty lives are partly to blame for all this.) "I just want to sing my songs," he whines. (Who's stopping you?) John Waters once said: if you want to be left alone, pick up a monkey wrench and fix toilets and stay out of show business. Besides, I didn't know Van the Man was all that famous. Does anyone under 50 know who he is? I sure haven't seen any articles in the paper about him lately. Old hippies might still babble about "Into The Mystic" and his performance in "The Last Waltz." I heard him sing "Gloria" on an oldies station the other day and I went straight for Rush Limbaugh. Are the royals in England so desexed these days that the Daily Sun has to write up Van Morrison to this degree of musical paranoia??

a great CD.......2006-03-25

This CD is one of Van's best. I highly recommend to not only Van fans, but casual listeners.

A nicely diverse album with Saint James Infirmary.......2005-10-20

A nicely diverse album, one of Vans best in many years. Saint James Infirmary is a much recorded standard that dates back to Joe "King" Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Stan Kenton, Pete Seeger, Josh White, Dave Van Ronk, Jackie Wilson, Joe Cocker, White Stripes, Eric Clapton. Van Morrison's version makes a worthwhile addition (for a very different interpretation, try the excellent Joerg Sommermeyer 2002 version on "Total Overdrive", [...])

jimmysun

I never "got" Van Morrison...till now..........2005-07-19

I never "got" Van Morrison. For years reviewers (Lester Bangs for instance) have gone ga-ga over Astral Weeks placing it 2nd only to the Beach Boys Pet Sounds in their all-time hit parades. When I was a kid I bought TB Sheets & thought "What's all the hub bub over this guy? This LP is gawd awful!" Sure I heard the hits on the radio. Good stuff, but I never bought another Van record. Plus I thought Them rocked & Morrison would never be as good as that again.
Then came the Martin Scorcese films on the blues on PBS, the one on the British blues scene in particular. While Jeff Beck & Tom Jones (Tom Jones?) are stumbling around listening to & trying to emulate a great old blues song, in walks Van Morrison, picks up an acoustic guitar & starts wailing the blues like falling off a bike. At that moment, my opinion of the Man changed. I went out (to Amazon) & immediately purchased "What's Wrong With This Picture" his, at the time, latest album. Slowly but surely I am now on a quest to buy every Van Morrison CD & book. Even went to Atlantic City to see him last month on a rare concert date & paid the most ever for a show. Color me converted. Hell, I'm even trying to "get" Astral Weeks...maybe Lester was right...

Average customer rating:

Taking the long road
If you can see her live, then: get! If not...
The Best!!
Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!
Stages is Awesome

Stages
Ruthie Foster
Manufacturer: Blue Corn Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

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Runaway Soul
The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
Full Circle
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State of Grace

ASIN: B00023B1GW
Release Date: 2004-06-08

Tracks:

Ocean Of Tears
Crossover
Another Rain Song
Real Love
God Bless The Child
Turn Me On
Death Came A Knockin' (Travelin' Shoes)
Get Out Of My Way
Lost In The City
Prayin' For Rain
Church
Walk On
Oh! Susannah
Full Circle

Customer Reviews:

Taking the long road.......2007-02-25

Ruthie Foster shows the full range of her musicianship on this remarkable recording, which captures not only her rich voice but her wonderful sense of humor and love for music that stretches over a broad range of genres. Whether playing on a tango theme or drawing from her wonderful dip bag of folk music, Ruthie never fails to please the listener, especially on this album.

If you can see her live, then: get! If not..........2006-12-04

...then you owe it to yourself to buy this album. You won't miss her on stage again: expect goose bumps, and maybe some damp eyes, just listening to the CD. This is one of the best live recordings -- of anyone -- that I have heard. Buy it now, as the first in your collection, and you can tell your friends later: "Ruthie Foster? Oh yeah, I know her music!"

The Best!!.......2005-06-15

Ruthie Foster is THE BEST pure singer I have ever heard. When she sings Walk On and/or Oh Susannah - chills...
I absolutely LOVE HER - not only her singing but her guitar playing also. Check out/download her video at Kerrville from the internet and see her perform. A genius who can sing anything: blues, folk, whatever. I LOVE her - she is my favorite singer. Both her Stages and Runaway Soul albums- whew!!
Wish she would perform on national TV...

Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!.......2004-11-11

A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready." I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent. In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classic gave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes. She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com. The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect. I agree with the other reviewer. It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!" Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory. Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament. It is a shockingly insightful performance. Haunting. I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't. Just buy it and enjoy it.

Stages is Awesome.......2004-08-09

This is simply the best live album I have heard! Having seen Ruthie Foster live at the Canmore Folk Fest - Stages stays true to her performance and gives the listener insight in to the fabulous range and style of Ruthie Foster - highly recommended.

Album Review:

Album Review

Album Review

King of America Elvis Costello	Imperial Bedroom Elvis Costello & the Attractions	Painted from Memory Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach
The Wild Sound of New Orleans: The Complete 'Tousan' Sessions Allen Toussaint	Finger Poppin' and Stompin' Feet: 20 Classic Allen Toussaint Productions for Minit Records 1960-1962 Various Artists	Connected Allen Toussaint