Soul Sessions

Soul Sessions

ASIN: B0000A1171

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Taste and consistency are not often virtues lauded by critics. Amid the constant stream of media noise, jazz writers seem to require the constant shock of "new" and aggressive sounds to attract our notice. So it would be easy to overlook another album of tasteful blues-drenched instrumentals from Jeff Golub if only it wasn't so darned good. Once again his originals reflect his influences, from Ramsey Lewis ("Boom Boom") to the Crusaders ("Back Home"), while maintaining the distinctive sound he has refined through this his eighth CD. It is still surprising how he manages to hew to the smooth jazz format while slipping in hip covers like Jesse Winchester's "Isn't That So" (sung by Marc Cohen) and the Ohio Players' "Skin Tight." What is no longer surprising is that we can always count on the guitarist to deliver just what the title promises--heaping amounts of soul. If smooth jazz is mood music then this certainly qualifies. But unlike the anonymous anodynes that pervade the genre, Soul Sessions employs the glory of the guitar and the power of the groove to create a mood that will lift your heart while it moves your hips. --Michael Ross

Tracks:

The Chokin' Kind
Super Duper Love
Fell In Love With A Boy
Victim Of A Foolish Heart
Dirty Man
Some Kind Of Wonderful
I've Fallen In Love With You
I Had A Dream
All The King's Horses
For The Love Of You

Amazon.com

Not every 16-year-old white, English girl can hang with the likes of Betty Wright ("Clean Up Woman") and Angie Stone. Joss Stone (no relation), however, is blessed with a strong voice and a will to sing old-school soul. This debut CD is worthy of more than novelty status, though. Wisely avoiding iconic songs by the genre's biggest names, Stone and a production team that includes Wright opt for lesser-known tunes more often by the likes of Laura Lee, Joe Simon, and the Soul Brothers Six--not to mention their digging out (with guest co-producer ?uestlove from the Roots) the great soul lyric in the White Stripes' "Fell in Love with a (Boy)." Joss Stone occasionally misses a connection; her "Some Kind of Wonderful" is listless, and when she develops a bit more subtlety, it'll be welcome. But The Soul Sessions has a spark beyond the album's obvious good taste. --Rickey Wright

Amazon.com

Joss Stone Photos

More from Joss Stone

Mind, Body, & Soul
Introducing Joss Stone
Mind, Body, & Soul Sessions [DVD]

Customer Reviews:

Skill way beyond her years.......2007-05-31

I am a Joss Stone fan. I didn't purchase her first two albums until recently, after buying her current release. To hear her voice and the feeling she adds to the old soul covers on this album makes you think she came up in the 60's or 70's.

The guidance of Betty Wright (The Clean-Up Woman) can be heard throughout the album, particularly on Super Duper Love. Her rendition of For The Love of You is something made for candlelight and wine. All in all this was one hell of a debut album. Please check out her other releases to notice her development.

The real deal!.......2007-01-17

I've been a longtime fan of this wonderfully talented Brit for some time now, and have reviewed her album of original material but have as of yet to write my thoughts down for her debut cover album. First of all, before one can even say a word about her musical selection one must mention the fact that this young girl was merely 16 when recording this album so when one first hears the maturity and sincerity in her voice from the start there's an extra layer of admiration for this talented artist. She's not some manufactured beauty displayed in navel bearing shirts and hip-hugging jeans in order to send teen boys into overdrive and teen girls into frenzy but has no actual talent besides the ability to act ten years older than she should.

No, Joss actually has the vocals, the devotion and the maturity to outsing and outperform some of the more powerful voices in the music industry today. Oh yeah, and she is utterly gorgeous, but that my friends is just a perk! `The Chokin Kind' and `Fell in Love With a Boy' are two standouts from the get-go, but she shines on every track here. `Dirty Man' retains all the greatness of the original while `Super Duper Love' seems to surpass its predecessor. This is highly recommended, but if you want a real treat pick up `Mind, Body & Soul' for it showcases everything that makes this genuine talent so utterly brilliant!

Relaxing.......2007-01-12

I cannot say enough good things about Joss Stone. To be so young and to have such a soulfull voice...

Too Raw?.......2006-08-07

I enjoyed this CD, BUT because of her raw sound...sometimes the throaty breathing/rasps do rub the wrong way and if you have the volume up way loud (like I usually do with this quality of voice), you can occasionally hear her smacking, maybe before she takes a breath...it's slightly unnerving. I'm looking forward to more albums to come though!

She's Fantastic! .......2006-06-14

I can't believe some of the reviews here. When I first heard Joss I was blown away by her beautiful, soulful voice. I don't hear anything screetching about it at all and in fact it is very smooth. I also don't think she is trying to imitate anyone. She's got her own style and she's is better than anyone out there right now in my opinion. Certainly much, much better than Brittany Spears who I believe has very little talent and her voice sounds tinny and immature. Also, I don't care if Joss is black or white. She's extremely talented....period. I have this CD and Mind Body & Soul. I listen to them over and over again and I can't wait until she comes out with a new CD.

Average customer rating:

A Wonderful Gift to Starved Dusty Fans
LIVE DUSTY MAGIC

Complete BBC Sessions
Dusty Springfield
Manufacturer: Umvd Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000OONPIQ
Release Date: 2007-06-11

Tracks:

Swahili Papa (Bbc Russ Conway Show 26/7/62)
Dear John (Bbc Russ Conway Show 26/7/62)
Say I Won't Be There (Bbc Ken Dodd Show 14/7/63)
La Bamba Bbc Top Gear 16/7/64
Tossin' And Turnin (Bbc Top Gear 16/7/64)
I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself (Bbc Top Gear 16/7/64)
I Can't Hear You (No More) (Bbc Top Gear 10/11/64)
Wishin' And Hopin (Bbc Top Gear 10/11/64)
Losing You (Bbc Top Gear 10/11/64)
I Can't Hear You (No More) (Bbc Saturday Club 5/7/65)
In The Middle Of Nowhere (Bbc Saturday Club 5/7/65)
Mockingbird (Bbc Saturday Club 5/7/65)
Little By Little (Bbc Saturday Club 24/1/66)
Uptight (Everything's Alright) (Bbc Saturday Club 24/1/66)
Chained To A Memory (Bbc Saturday Club 24/1/66)
We're Doing Fine (Bbc Saturday Club 12/4/66)
Every Ounce Of Strength (Bbc Saturday Club 12/4/66)
You Don't Have To Say You Love Me (Bbc Saturday Club 12/4/66)
Good Lovin (Bbc Saturday Club 12/4/66)
To Love Somebody (Bbc Dlt 5/1/70)
Son Of A Preacher Man (Bbc Dlt 5/1/70)
(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher (Bbc Dlt 5/1/70)

Album Description

Dusty Springfield was the finest female vocalist of her era, a performer of remarkable emotional resonance whose body of work spans the decades and their attendant musical transformations with a consistency and purity unmatched by any of her contemporaries. This wonderful collection compiles her complete surviving BBC sessions onto one CD for the very first time. The first three tracks, by The Springfields, includes their first single `Dear John' alongside two follow up singles `Swahili Papa' and `Say I Won't Be There'. This session and the following solo session in 1964 have only recently surfaced at the BBC, having been considered `lost' for a number of years. The album racks up five Top 10 hits alongside a string of album tracks and b-sides but most excitingly includes 'To Love Somebody', a cover of the Bee Gees classic that was originally recorded in Atlanta for inclusion in the seminal Dusty In Memphis album however that version was destroyed in a fire. This track and 'Tossing and Turning', 'Up Tight (Everything's Alright)', 'We're Doing Fine', 'Good Loving' and 'Higher and Higher (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me)' only exist in the BBC's archives. 22 tracks. Mercury.

Customer Reviews:

A Wonderful Gift to Starved Dusty Fans.......2007-06-17

Whenever any lost song by the great Dusty Springfield turns up, it's an event for her fans, but when an ENTIRE ALBUM of rare or previously unreleased material hits the marketplace, well, it's a cause for celebration. Okay, so the sound quality on some of these tracks isn't the best, and the performances by the backing musicians might be a bit muddy here and there, or the arrangements similarly cluttered, but none of this takes away from the superb vocal performances. Dusty didn't think of herself as one of the Great Ones, and she was a notorious perfectionist in the studio, but the songs included here show her to be a gifted live performer. There's a rawness and a spontaneity here that makes listening to this a real treat for those of us who mostly know the studio album versions of many of these tunes, and have heard them so many times we have memorized every second of every sound and syllable.

The first three tracks, by The Springfields, did not overwhelm this listener, and impatience began to set in almost immediately. Then, a rushed, almost frantic rendition of "La Bamba" (with poorly pronounced Spanish lyrics) threatened to sink expectations for a sublime Dusty experience. But what followed was a surprising, energetic Motown-styled version of "Tossin' And Turnin'," and these ears began to perk up. An emotionally bare and intimate reading of "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself" set up the rest of the CD, and from there it never let up.

Two very different performances of "I Can't Hear You No More" are included here, and it's a toss-up as to which is better. On the first one, the band really gets it going, The Echoes do their backup vocals just like they do on the record, but Dusty's singing is just shy of breaking apart. It's a powerful moment. The second version is a tad slower and more laid back, and has less of a wall of sound behind the vocals. It's also more like the album version. In between, a perfunctory "Wishin' & Hopin'," never a particular favorite of mine, manages to gain some interest by having a slightly kickier beat than the original single, and after that a beautifully sung version of her hit song, "Losing You" keeps this collection on the beam. The bass and drums on this one almost make it better than the original recorded studio version, and the backup vocalists are perfection itself. Another song that doesn't add any new ground is "In The Middle Of Nowhere," but it's typically well done by Dusty, and then she follows it up with a fun performance of the Charley & Inez Foxx hit, "Mockingbird," which features one of the Echoes in place of the second Dusty heard on the album version.

The final ten songs bump this CD up to the stratosphere. "Little By Little" is crystal clear and, I think, much better than the hit single version, which always sounded to me like it was recorded in a bathtub. Soul classics never put to vinyl by Dusty, "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," "We're Doing Fine," "Good Lovin," and (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher And Higher" are all given the typical, devoted Springfield treatment. She clearly loved doing this kind of music. Two of Dusty's best known hits also come in this final stretch, an impassioned "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me," and "Son Of A Preacher Man," which may not include the perfection of the Memphis musicians, but Dusty sings it even better here, if that's possible.

For me, there are two transcendent moments on this CD: "Chained To A Memory," which is sung with heartbreaking immediacy, and Robin Gibb's "To Love Somebody," which was recorded during the Memphis sessions but lost in an infamous Atlantic warehouse fire (that also robbed the world of many other great artists' master recordings). It's a truly wonderfu gift to starved Dusty fans everywhere, not only to have this song at last, warts and all, but to have each and every one of these recordings.

I'm sure I'll wish that I could get rid of the announcer's voice at the beginning of many of these tracks, after I've listened a few times, but on the other hand, this is pop music history, so I guess I really don't mind too much. The mono and sometimes mirky recording quality of this CD made me tempted to only give it four stars, but that would be unfair, since these imperfections were anticipated. The songs, and Dusty's one-of-a-kind voice are what make THE COMPLETE BBC SESSIONS so special.

LIVE DUSTY MAGIC.......2007-06-08

Having collected Dusty's records since the 60's, it's always great to have something different to add to your collection.

Most of Dusty's solo tracks on this cd were released exclusively through the Dusty Springfield Bulletin some years ago but on this new commercially released cd we had the addition of some of The Springfields hit rsongs and how well they sound LIVE!

All the tracks on the cd are from radio broadcasts and the quality is excellent, there are some of Dusty's huge hits like Son Of A Preacherman, Losing You, I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myselfg and her worldwide smash You Don't Have To Say You Love Me.
Tracks that Dusty never recorded in a studio such as Tossin' & Turnin' have a great early rawness that really adds to the performance, we also have The Bee Gees hits To Love Somebody - Dusty did record this but it was lost when there was either a fire or flood in the Atlanic studios.
Another point of interest is the inclusion of two different versions of I Can't Hear You (No More).
The Jackie Wilson hit (Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher & Higher is also another great performance from Dusty and the whole cd is such a welcome release.
Look out for the companion dvd to this set, it should be released late August so go ahead and treat yourelf to both!

Average customer rating:

One of my favourite Hendrix albums. Stellar quality. A must have.
Simply amazing
THIS IS NOT THE RYODISC RADIO ONE LIVE SESSIONS
One of the best
Definatly worth the money.

BBC Sessions
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Manufacturer: Experience Hendrix
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000007OJ9
Release Date: 1998-06-02

Tracks:

Foxey Lady
Alexis Korner Introduction
Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window?
Rhythm And Blues World Service
Hoochie Coochie Man, (I'm Your) - (Alexis Koerner)
Traveling With The Experience
Driving South
Fire
Little Miss Lover
Introducing The Experience
The Burning Of The Midnight Lamp
Catfish Blues
Stone Free
Love Or Confusion
Hey Joe
Hound Dog
Driving South
Hear My Train A Comin'

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Purple Haze
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Radio One
Wait Until Tomorrow
Day Tripper
Spanish Castle Magic
Jammin'
I Was Made To Love Her
Foxey Lady
A Brand New Sound
Hey Joe
Manic Depression
Driving South
Hear My Train A Comin'
A Happening For Lulu
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Lulu Introduction
Hey Joe
Sunshine Of Your Love

Amazon.com

Some of Jimi Hendrix's live radio broadcasts for the BBC were released by Rykodisc in 1988 on Radio One, but The BBC Sessions, remastered and fleshed out into a two-disc completist's dream, is perhaps the best document of how the Experience sounded live in 1967. From blues stomps such as Muddy Waters's "Catfish Blues" to surly R&B vamps such as the three takes of Curtis Knight's "Driving South," Hendrix explores his roots with hardscrabble passion. Meanwhile, he pushes the psychedelic-pop spectrum with surprisingly rich versions of studio-tweaked numbers like "The Burning of the Midnight Lamp." There's plenty of slop--a stumbling jam with Stevie Wonder on "I Was Made to Love Her"--and lots of horsing around and awkward interview fragments. But in its balance of pop form, interstellar improv, R&B pedigree, and sheer charm, The BBC Sessions is about as accurate and honest a snapshot of the charismatic, still-pimply 24-year-old phenom as you're likely to hear. --James Rotondi

Customer Reviews:

One of my favourite Hendrix albums. Stellar quality. A must have........2007-02-08

Jimi Hendrix first became a hit in Europe before he was noticed in the U.S. The BBC radio in England had a policy of airing a specific amount of live music broadcasts. This gave Jimi, along with Noel Reading and Mitch Mitchell, an opportunity to perform live in the BBC studios. Thus, this recording combines the best of a studio recording and a live recording by having the band perform live in the studio. The result is an amazing recording.

First of all, the quality of the recording is fantastic, especially considering the technology back then. The sound is crisp and clean. Second, the band is having a lot of fun playing and it comes through in the performances. Third, because they performed live to tape, there are no overdubs, studio effects etc. so you get to hear the band in its purest form. I own many Hendrix albums, but this is the one I listen to most often because the performance are so fresh sounding. Highly reccomended!

Before the Hendrix family got the rights to Jimi's recordings, select songs from the BBC studio recordings were previously released on a single CD, called Radio One. However, this recording contains the complete sessions, including all songs and the DJ chatter, and so is a better, more complete recording than Radio One. The BBC Sessions also contains a very informative booklet. Get it, its worth it.

Simply amazing.......2006-12-08

Never heard this before, just great stuff. How is it this guy's leftover tapes are just mind bogglingly good compared to others' pinnacle albums. If you like blues, you'll love this....

THIS IS NOT THE RYODISC RADIO ONE LIVE SESSIONS.......2006-06-24

these are pre-canned radio shows with the ever unbearable alexis korner talking on top of the songs as wow cool groovy DJ "intro". the old Radio One was a real live in studio show that was GREAT. THese are mostly studio released cuts from the first and second album mixed with DJ chatter and one HEndrix interview with a phoney, well let's hear that song now shall we intro to the recorded album version! As one who has been seriously burned by repackaged Hendrix stuff in the past, and as a loong time fan (I remember when he lived and died) it takes alot for me NOT to recommend all things Hendrix, but I cannot recommend this. Find the actual LIVE RAdio One recording, not these packaged cut and pasted radio shows

One of the best .......2005-12-28

I was pretty impressed with the perfomances of Jimi Hendix in this album. He, as usual puts his soul into all of his songs, but also is able to just fool around and jam like in his cover of "Hound Dog". Jimi gets to experiment with the blues as well in this album and I personally think that is where Jimi is most talented. I am also impressed with BBC as a whole, first because I have the Led Zeppelin BBC sessions, and they were equally as awesome. Second because in BBC sessions, the artists get to just have fun with the music and play with raw talent. I highly suggest this album if you are a Hendrix fan and you should look for other BBC versions of your favorite artists as well.

Definatly worth the money........2005-12-17

This is an awesome Hendrix album I connot complain about it in one way except for the fact that the sound quality could be better but besides that this thing can't get much better. It is cool because you get to listen to Hendrix play live at the BBC Studio. If you're thinking about buying it my opinion to that question would be definatly yes I have no idea how you couldn't like this album it is well worth the money and I highly reccomend this Hendrix 2 disk set!

Average customer rating:

Craftsmanship at its Finest!
Fantastic blend
A musical masterpiece!
Superb!
Destined to become a classic

Body and Soul Sessions
Philippe Saisse Trio
Manufacturer: Rendezvous
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000EQHX9Q
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Tracks:

Do It Again
September
Lady Madonna
Harley Davidson
Lovely Day
Fire And Rain
Constant Rain (Chove Chuva)
Dolphin
Comment Te Dire Adieu
Body And Soul
We're All Alone
If I Ever Lose This Heaven

Customer Reviews:

Craftsmanship at its Finest!.......2007-03-19

I have hundreds of CDs, and dozens of cool jazz, but ONE favorite--"Body and Soul Sessions"! The craftsmanship these three players exhibit on this album is of the highest caliber, and if you listen to just three tracks, "Do It Again", "September", and "Lovely Day", you will find all of the inspiration you need for a day! Philippe's inspired playing of both acoustic AND Fender Rhodes pianos illustrates the reason he is a much sought after session player; David Finck's acoustic bass performances comprise a study in precision and artisanship, and almost excruciatingly perfect playing; Scoota Warner's flexibility, and his ability to adapt to wherever the others take the song, makes him a more than worthy complement to their musicality (my favorite phrase of the entire album is the final few measures of "September", where Philippe breaks into a Latin flavor, and Scoota switches from the rim of the snare drum to full snare; that sound adds so much to what the other two are playing that it is almost a percussionist's "triumph".

Please try this album; if you love cool jazz, you will find something you like!

Fantastic blend.......2007-01-05

This CD is a fantastic blend of Classic and Smooth Jazz. If you like Ramsey Lewis you'll love this CD.

A musical masterpiece!.......2006-08-25

A truly top class album topped-off by the first track "do it again" - for me one of the best smooth jazz tracks I have ever heard.

An absolute must for any contemporary jazz fans across the world

Superb!.......2006-05-31

This is a magnificent jazz CD, both artistically and technically. I have been a Philippe fan for about 5 years, with this being the third of his albums that I've purchased. I have always admired his eclectic blend of songs on each CD. This one is a bit more consistent, yet is remarkably fresh, with incredible phase shifts within some of the songs--a Philippe trademark in my opinion.

Don't let the "Trio" moniker fool you--the efforts on this CD skillfully punch out contemporary grooves, without betraying the trio instrumentation!! I was playing it in the car (by the way, sounds veerry nice on my Mark Levinson system), and I even caught my adolescent son bobbing his head and tapping his feet while listening to it.

I could rave on all day, but this CD is better experienced than discussed. You won't be disappointed!

Destined to become a classic.......2006-04-25

I first heard Do It Again as I was driving in Orange Co., California. It was played by on-air personality Dave Koz. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. IMHO this track is destined to be a jazz classic. This was the best jazz track I have heard in a LONG time. The PS Trio plays with a joyful exuberance that we haven't heard since the late great Vince Guaraldi. These guys sound as if they are having a blast playing - which of course they are. Every track is a treat. Sharp, clean, and precise on each of the 12 songs. If you appeciate great jazz played by extremely talented musicians then this CD is for you.

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions

Average customer rating:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Lord Have Mercy
A wonderful, varied soul record
What a re-issue should be!
Blistering, bluesy R&B

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions
Etta James
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00005B7GT
Release Date: 2001-04-24

Tracks:

Tell Mama
I'd Rather Go Blind
Watch Dog
The Love Of My Man
I'm Gonna Take What He's Got
The Same Rope
Security
Steal Away
My Mother In Law
Don't Lose Your Good Thing
It Hurts Me So Much
Just A Little Bit
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
You Took It
I Worship The Ground You Walk On
I Got You Babe
You Got It
I've Gone Too Far (Previously Unreleased)
Misty (Previously Unreleased)
Almost Persuaded
Fire
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Alternate)

Customer Reviews:

Tell Mama: The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions.......2006-11-10

Not my favorite piece, but Etta always pleases.

Lord Have Mercy.......2006-03-16

Tell me mamma... I love this CD. I think it should come with a warning label. "Caution: You will wake up the neighbors". Buy it. I can't play it quiet... I can't not sing along with it... I can't stop dancing when it is on.

A wonderful, varied soul record.......2005-06-11

More soul than blues, Etta James' "Tell Mama" originally came out in 1968 as a twelve-track LP. And here it is in its remastered 2001 incarnation, bolstered by no fewer than ten bonus tracks which earns the reissue the subtitle "The Complete Muscle Shoals Sessions".
The sound is terrific, clear and realistic, as is the production by Rick Hall. And those who feel that Etta James' Chess recordings featured too many violins and not enough power need to pick up "Tell Mama" right away!

The original album was top-notch in its own right, featuring the all-time classic soul ballad "I'd Rather Go Blind", excellent covers of Ed Townsend's "I'm Gonna Take What He's Got", Otis Redding's "Security" and Jimmy Hughes' "Don't Lose Your Good Thing", and a couple of driving up-tempo numbers, most notably Don Covay's "Watch Dog" and the magnificent title track.
Etta James never sounded better than during these four 1967-1968 sessions, and the various musicians never set a foot (or a finger) wrong.

There really isn't a single weak track among the twelve songs originally issued. Even practically unknown songs like the swaggering soul stomper "My Mother In Law" and the slow "It Hurts Me So Much", which have never been covered by anyone and don't appear on any of Etta James' compilation albums, are highly enjoyable, and Etta's rendition of "Just A Little Bit" (AKA "I Just Want A Little Bit") is a supremely funky slice of soul-blues.

And the bonus tracks aren't rejects by any means. They include "Almost Persuaded", "Misty", the rocking "You Took It", a very good interpretation of Sonny Bono's "I Got You Babe", and two soulful takes on "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man", a song which has been interpreted by everybody from Aretha Franklin to the Flying Burrito Brothers.
I'm no big Etta James fan, actually, but this album is something special. I completely fell for it the first time I put it on, and to me "Tell Mama" is the best record Etta James has ever made, one of the finest, most cohesive soul and R&B records of the late 60s.
You really ought to give it a listen.

What a re-issue should be!.......2005-02-23

In addition to the 12 re-mastered original tracks, there are 10 more (including 2 versions of "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man"). There are some good songs here that are not included on either "Her Best" or "The Chess Box", including "Watch Dog", "My Mother In Law", "It Hurts Me So Much", "I've Gone Too Far", and her funked-out Soulful rendition of "I Got You Babe". This is a must-have for Etta fans.

Blistering, bluesy R&B.......2003-01-15

The ever-vivacious Etta James is one of R&B's true greats, an artist whose work will always stand the test of time and this album, originally released in 1968, is one of her best-known and most powerful. More dynamic than expressive, James was a gal who clearly knew how to rock, capable of the same sort of expansiveness as Jimmy Rushing or even jump blues shouters such as Wynonie Harris, but also with a touch of the sleekness seen in Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. The "Tell Mama" album is a flawless, timeless crowd pleaser, packed with upbeat, compact material, a tailormade showcase for James' mousy snarl. Backed by the best of the Muscle Shoals crew, this is music that can't easily be faulted; with ten bonus tracks added on for good measure, this CD edition is pretty hard to resist.

Average customer rating:

This is as blue as jazz gets.
Turrentine with the the Gene Harris Trio - pure jazz magic..
Sloooow burn
Some Sssmmmoooth Jazz Here!
6 Stars! Words can only diminish it.

Complete Blue Hour Sessions
Stanley Turrentine & the Three Sounds
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Ballads: Stanley Turrentine
Sugar
Up at Minton's
Blue and Sentimental
Rough 'n' Tumble

ASIN: B00004TR14
Release Date: 2000-06-27

Tracks:

I Want A Little Girl
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You
Blue Riff
Since I Fell For You
Willow Weep For Me

Tracks:

Blues In The Closet
Just In Time
Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You (Alternate Take)
Where Or When
Blue Hour
There Is No Greater Love
Alone Together
Strike Up The Band

Amazon.com

The Three Sounds were pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andy Simpkins, and drummer Bill Dowdy, and they swung in-the-pocket. Although they were not as acclaimed as the Modern Jazz Quartet, the Ramsey Lewis Trio, and other marquee combos, their streamlined sound bridged Count Basie and bebop into a modern yet grooving sensibility. This two-CD set features the trio's entire 1960 Blue Hour sessions with saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. With Turrentine's robust, storytelling tenor sound, these dates are no-nonsense straight-ahead numbers and ballads, including "Willow Weep for Me," Andy Razaf's "Gee Baby, Ain't I Been Good to You," and Oscar Pettiford's "Blues in the Closet." Harris's lyrical ivory ticklings, Dowdy's zesty drum work, and Simpkins's deep and delicious bass lines get Turrentine's driving tenor as a topping and show that this ensemble was the real deal. --Eugene Holley Jr.

Customer Reviews:

This is as blue as jazz gets........2007-05-18

This is in my top 10 favorite jazz albums. Turrentine's tone has got the perfect soulful sound for this recording. I believe that no other sax player could have done it better. This CD is perfect for just relaxin, smoking a cigar (or other types of smoking), just chilling out and drinking a beer after a long day at work, background music for a hip art/record store, or even making some sweet love. enjoy it for many many years to come. Also, the extra disc is great too, but not as mellow as the first one, its more upbeat and moving, but it's still awesome.

Turrentine with the the Gene Harris Trio - pure jazz magic.........2003-09-10

Gene Harris is one of the best piano players out there, and this pairing with Mr. T is a bona-fide 5 Star classic. Having not heard it for a long time due to a totally worn out LP, I can't remember it ever sounding better; on top of which, now, we get the entire session. More Soul, more swinging, grooving Tenor genius, and a whole lot more fun and enjoyment. Stan is one of the few players on his instrument that can blow the funkiest blues on one track, and then turn around and astound you with his technical (yet always groovy) prowess on the very next cut. Stanley Turrentine was SPECIAL, and he is missed - terribly so.

Sloooow burn.......2003-03-23

A low, slow, burn of a set with a late night smokin' feel unlike anything else. Such a naked noir soundtrack you'll want to light up a cigarette when it's done.

Some Sssmmmoooth Jazz Here!.......2001-07-13

Some friends gave me this 2 CD Set for my birthday last year, and it has become one of my favorites. It's such a relaxing blend of talent. Smooth jazz w/ Turrentine on tenor sax, Gene Harris on piano, Andrew Simpkins on bass and Bill Dowdy on drums. Orginally released in 1960, this is some of the best jazz I've ever heard! Stanley Turrentine may not be as well known as some other jazz greats like Miles Davis, Bill Evans, John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck or Charlie Parker, but that doesn't mean the talent isn't there...because it certainly is! He is a jazz legend in his own right, or so I feel. Afterall, he did play a gig in the early years w/ Ray Charles and he and trumpeter brother, Tommy Turrentine Jr, played a couple of years in the Max Roach quintet. His music is very underated in my opinon.

I liked the reviewers' comments from Oregon. Read it....it's exactly what you wanna do when listening to this set. Even if you aren't a big jazz fan, this is something that I think most anyone would enjoy listening to. It's that light and that smooth. Blue Hour stays in my CD player. These cd's are remastered for your ultimate audio pleasure. Also, the liner notes give detailed info on the recording of these sessions, which is really interesting. Kick back and relax to the ultimate max with Blue Hour.

6 Stars! Words can only diminish it........2001-02-21

mmmmmmm

Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions

Average customer rating:

Private Life:...
Chronicles of her art
Private Life
the BEST Best of Grace Jones
pure listening joy, explore the rhythm and sound...

Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions
Grace Jones
Manufacturer: Island
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Nightclubbing
Slave to the Rhythm
Island Life
Bulletproof Heart
20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Grace Jones

ASIN: B000007QQK
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

Private Life (Long Version)
Private Life (Dub Version)
Love Is The Drug (Long Version)
Breakdown
Warm Leatherette (Long Version)
The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game (Long Version)
I've Done It Again
Pars (Long Version)
Pull Up To The Bumper
Use Me (Long Version)
She's Lost Control (Long Version)
She's Lost Control (Dub Version)

Tracks:

Walking In The Rain
Cry Now, Laugh Later
Nightclubbing
The Apple Stretching
Nipple To The Bottle (12' Version)
My Jamaican Guy (12' Version)
Feel Up
I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)
Demolition Man (Long Version)
Unlimited Capacity For Love
Ring Of Fire (Demo)
Man Around The House
Living My Life (7' Version)
Slave To The Rhythm (Hot Blooded Version)

Amazon.com

In the wake of Marianne Faithfull's disco-punk fusion on 1979's Broken English, Island label mate and disco diva Grace Jones made a similar left turn with a couple of albums of new-wave classics (the Pretenders' "Private Life," Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing"), new-wave "classics" (the Normal's "Warm Leatherette") and a soul chestnut or two ("The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game") given her uniquely growling treatment. As the funk grew stronger, she even placed a few hits on the charts, notably the 1982 "Pull Up to the Bumper." Private Life surveys this, the artiest of Jones's periods, including rare 12-inch and dub mixes. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Private Life:..........2007-02-15

A Great Overall collection of her bigger songs. My favorite is the extended version of "Slave to the Rhythm (8:18)" For the collection and value of the discs, I give it - Five stars!!

Chronicles of her art.......2005-06-25

The dynamic queen of outrage; her stunning, fierce looks and her legendary temper made her famous far beyond those who would ever hear her music. That's the perfect way to describe Jones' recording career. In 1979 her disco theme were cramped; forcing Grace to evolve herself and her musical aspirations. By the help of artist Jean Paul-Goude, they created the basics: a stunning androgynous look and a fast hard hitting rhythm, controlled by reggae legends Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare. "Warm Leatherette" was the first of three stunning albums recorded at the Compass Point studios in the Bahamas. The album was an immediate UK success hitting the Top 50 in the album charts; the single "Private Life" was one of her first worldwide hits establishing herself as a regular on the British top chart. "Warm Leatherette" was a compilation of several of covers, from Tom Petty "Breakdown" to Roxy Music "Love Is the Drug" to the Motown's "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" to far beyond Daniel Millers ominous title track "Warm Leatherette". "Warm Leatherette" also brought Grace the public acknowledgement she never received for her disco work; basically Grace stuck with the chosen songs and further improved them. In 1981 the second album arrived titled: Nightclubbing. Again Sly & Robbie provided the great back-up music for Grace it turned out to be Grace's most successful album to date. Proving once again that Grace had chosen the perfect songs to interpret, her amazing cover of Bill Withers' "Use Me" becomes a sexual plead, and her rocking rendition of the Police's "Demolition Man" made the original totally obsolete. "Nightclubbing" is her most delicious recording to date; from Iggy Pop "Nightclubbing" to Flash the Pan's torch song "Walking in the Rain" really put Grace on the musical map, even as far as, the New Musical Express crowned it album of the year, 1981. Despite of the great covers Grace co-wrote her perhaps biggest hit to date: Pull Up to the Bumper, which is a delicious chocolate flowing in-between dub, proving Grace to be equally versatile as the cover songs chosen. The last of three albums, came in 1982, titled, Living My Life. This time around Grace was overly more involved with the entire process, from song writing to even co-producing the songs. "Living My Life" once again proved Grace's capability as a performer. "My Jamaican Guy" has inspired many hip-hop artist over the years, noteworthy, L.L Coo J's massive hit "Doin' It". Overall "Living My Life" was such a personal piece of work, Nipple to the Bottle recycling the beat of "Pull Up to the Bumper" and "Cry Now, Laugh Later" presented the avant-garde in Grace. Think you can handle a growling rendition of Melvin Van Peebles "The Apple Stretching"? Just listen to Grace's deep conviction and be prepared to be amazed. With "Slave to the Rhythm" Grace further improved her image as the queen of outrage, proving to be one of Grace's biggest hit singles. When all is said and done, Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions is the perfect introduction to her prime-years in music. Although not career-spanning, it showcases Grace Jones' amazing capability as a singer and entertainer. Grace Jones may not regain that kind of perfection ever again, but she doesn't have to, the recordings are the chronicles of her art.

Private Life .......2005-04-22

By all means a phenomenal compilation that covers her outstanding years at Island Records.Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare takes a lot of the credits; an outstanding band leaded by the best musician there is makes for an experience beyond the limited range music in the 80's had to offer. Grace Jones, whipped up some truly remarkable songs, like Sting's "Demolition Man" with its electro-beat and crackling whip lashing makes for what I'd classify as downright naughty. Warm Leatherette the first of three albums by Sly, Robbie and Grace; the album represents some of Jones' most experimental stuff to date, she covers songs from Tom Petty "Breakdown" to The Pretenders "Private Life" and the truly magnificent rendition of The Motown's "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game". The aforementioned song is one of her most delicious tracks; the amazing beat is perfectly complimented by Grace's soulful vocal deliverance (anyone who claims that Grace Jones can't sing should take the time to listen to this marvelous song).

Her cover of The Normals "Warm Leatherette" is something special, indeed. The continuous hints at sex and the amazing band is truly something that everyone should experience, once in a life time that is. My favorite track off Warm Leatherette is the exotic French tune: Pars. Amazing capable of a tranquillest buzz, the breathy, sexy vocals are amongst some her finest and once again the band drains each beat to the bone, truly stunning. Also included is the hypnotic "Private Life" (Presented in both a long and a dub version) stands as one of her biggest hit singles to date. Grace hit the height of her career in 1981 with the album: Nightclubbing. The album was something completely new, a perfect kind of chill: making sex on warm leatherette. The jungle rhythm of "Pull Up to the Bumper" still sounds as fresh and naughty as did nearly 25 years ago and the dog breathing slob of "Feel Up" is equally matched by the mysterious On-Paris-streets-at-night "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango). Seldom have I heard Grace sound as intimate as she does on "I've Done It Again" which slides right down and strips you off instant breath.

The final session the album cull songs from is "Living My Life" which contains songs of the more personal direction. On the album Grace co-wrote and eventually co-produced each and every song on the album. The beast songs chosen from Living My Life are: the stunning "Nipple to the Bottle", "My Jamaican Guy", "The Apple Stretching" and the heart-throbbing "Unlimited Capacity for Love" which stands as one of my personal favorites. Private Life: The Compass Point Sessions is stunning representation of Grace's Island material; includes 26 songs and many of them are presented in extended and in different mixes. It also includes 2 previously unreleased songs prior to the album release: the funky "Vamp-ish" Man Around the House and the reggae influenced Johnny Cash cover "Ring of Fire". Private Life: The Compass Point sessions are mostly aimed at hard-core Grace Jones fans (who anxiously await a new album release) but it also makes for a great listen to the casual fan who wants to explore the "Grace Jones Legend" a little closer.

the BEST Best of Grace Jones.......2004-09-17

There are SO MANY compilations devoted to this woman's music. I think she actually has more compilation albums than she had regular albums. Whatever. This one's a real winner. Especially if you liked her early eighties work. This double cd covers everything from hard-edged dance tunes ( Warm Leatherette ) to ballads ( the gorgeous I've Done It Again ) to dub reggae ( just about everything else ). Appearing on cd for the first time are several extended versions of songs from her albums ( which were actually recorded as extended versions, by the studio band, the Compass Point All-Stars, not just remixed and extended by some studio boffin ). Great liner notes. Great cover versions. I LOVE THIS CD. Very highly recommended.

pure listening joy, explore the rhythm and sound..........2003-07-30

This is one of those CDs you can listen to over and over and it still feels fresh each time. Maybe it's just me but these tracks for the most part highlight Sly and Robbie and the whole compass point sound at its finest. It mixes rock, r'n'b, dub, reggae and funk in a perfect mix.

Tracks:

Just Want Your Love
So Good To My Baby
Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business)
My Country Man
Rain Down Rain
Way Back Home
Please Stay Away From My Sam
Jinny Mule
Send For Me
Maybelle's Blues
I've Got A Feelin'
You'll Never Know
No More Trouble Out Of Me
My Big Mistake
Ain't No Use
I'm Getting 'Long Alright
You'll Be Sorry
Hair Dressin' Women
One Monkey Don't Stop No Show
Don't Leave Poor Me
Ain't To Be Played With
New Kind Of Mambo
Ocean Of Tears
Whole Lot Of Shakin' Goin' On
The Other Night
Such A Cutie

Customer Reviews:

Her Name Is Maybelle.......2007-01-11

She was born Mabel Louise Smith in 1924; she became the singer Big Maybelle in 1952 after Fred Mendelsohn "discovered" her (something Dave Clark had previously done in 1936) and re-named the singer.

THE COMPLETE OKEH SESSIONS 1952-'55 consists of the 26 songs Big Maybelle recorded for the OKeh label October 1952 thru March 1955; songs are in chronological order. Disc packaged in black jewel case; total running time: 73:44. Booklet includes an essay by Peter Grendysa, two black & white photographs, musician personnel, and recording dates. Sound quality is very good.

Big Maybelle is most comparable to LaVern Baker, but she also has similarities to Bessie Smith. Her voice is definitely "Big"; she is not afraid to growl, moan, and wail; in that respect she is similar to Koko Taylor. The music is fun `50s Rhythm & Blues, much like LaVern Baker or Ruth Brown.

Music on the last 4 tracks was conducted and arranged by Quincy Jones. Also of note is her playful (and amusing) Mae West-like dialog on "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show" and the "Maybelle vs. the female hater" of "Gabbin' Blues (Don't Run My Business)" where Maybelle sings in response to the dialog by Rosemarie McCoy, the song's co-writer, who is basically talking trash about Maybelle. (From essay: "The song itself was based on the traditional "Dozens" or "Dirty Dozens" put-down rap from black vaudeville of the 1920s.")

Not included here are her early recordings on Decca or her three singles on King Records in the late 1940s. After OKeh she recorded for Savoy and Brunswick labels, as well as having a pop hit with a version of the rock song "96 Tears" in 1967. Diabetes and years of drug addiction brought her life to an end in 1972.

Big Maybelle is an under-recognized talent. This is a great CD for anyone who enjoys classic Rhythm & Blues and/or big-voiced divas.

Big Maybelle on Okeh.......2006-06-17

Mabel Smith (1924 -- 1972) learned music as a child singing gospel in Jackson Tenessee. She was a large woman, over 250 pounds, with a big voice to match. She received the nickname "Big Maybelle" at the time of the recordings on this CD.

Big Maybelle made a few recordings in the 1940s, but became well-known only during her years of recording for the Okeh label from 1952 -1955. Following her years with Okeh, she recorded for a number of other labels, appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958, and acquired a large following among lovers of the blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, and,near the end of her career, rock and roll. Big Maybelle's career was hampered throughout and cut short by a severe drug addiction.

This recording includes the 26 tracks Big Maybelle released for Okeh during 1952 -- 1955 and shows the singer at the height of her powers. The songs are in a variety of styles, but they are predominantly the "jump" or "swing" blues, that became popular in the later 1940s and early 1950s for dancing. These songs include a back-up band of 5 to 7 musicians featuring piano, guitar, bass, drum, and sax. The back-ups for Big Maybelle on these recordings are excellent, especially the wailing sax on many tracks.

But the main attraction of this CD is Big Maybelle herself. She was gifted with a powerful, gravelly voice that she projected with her ample heart and body in whatever she sang. She could be gritty and forceful, a woman version of a "shouter" and yet could sing with sweetness and tenderness. Her voice was full of vibrato, purring, growling, and passion. Big Maybelle was a lady blues singer in the worthy line of Bessie Smith.

The tracks I particularly enjoyed on this CD includeed "Rain Down Rain", with Big Maybelle's passionate singing accompanied by a honking sax, the slow, wailing "Maybelle's Blues", the uptempo and rhythmical "I've got a feeling (somebody's trying to steal my man)", "Ain't no use," another slow ballad, and "Don't Leave Poor Me." Some of the songs on this CD that achieved popularity include the "Gabbin' Blues" with its trading of insults (called dirty dozens), "One Monkey Don't Stop no Show" which has been covered many times and "Whole Lot of Shakin' Going on" which, with honk-tonk piano not prominent on Maybelle's recording, Jerry Lee Lewis made famous.

This CD is deservedly included in a list of 50 essential blues CDs in a recent excellent overview of the blues,"The NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Blues" by David Evans. In addition, Evans includes Big Maybelle's recording of "My Country Man" from this CD as one of 50 individual essential blues recordings. Evans offers a detailed account of Maybelle's rendition of this song and concludes that "[t]he performance is tight and professional representing the best of jump blues." (p.180)

I am pleased to see many thoughtful and appreciative reviews of this CD and this site. This CD is an excellent introduction to a great lady blues singer who remains too little known and a good way to expand your knowledge of the the unique American art form of the blues. The CD includes detailed liner notes by Peter Grendysa.

Robin Friedman

Look No Further - Big Maybelle is the Real McCoy!.......2005-12-23

These 26 essential tracks that Big Maybelle recorded for Okeh records are the real McCoy. Her reputation as one of the most exciting female vocalists to ever sing the Blues is more than ably demonstrated here, and these tracks are the purest Blues she ever recorded. Unlike some of her pop and jazz records - and Big Maybelle excelled in all of these styles - almost all of these tracks have the distinction of bearing the unmistakable stamp of pure Blues music, something that is mighty rare among female practitioners of the art. The music world abounds with many female vocalists who were labeled "Blues" singers without their ever fully indulging in the form. While Big Maybelle herself made some excellent R & B and even pop records, when she sang the Blues, she went all the way, as some others did not. And if you want proof, one listen to these excellent tracks is all you will need.

Her sound is as big as she was, and her phrasing and delivery are as earthy as the Blues can get. At times, she sounds quite a bit like her mentor, Bessie Smith, whose style she clearly loved and emulated - if you listen carefully to her rendition here of Please Stay Away From My Sam, you could almost swear you're listening to the Empress, come back and recorded on better equipment. But Big Maybelle also bears the marks of a true original - she is always true to her own voice and vision, which is every bit as powerful as her phrasing is divine.

If you are not familiar with her, these tracks will grow on you immediately. If you have any of her other recordings, you will understand why these sessions are essential. The musicians who back her up are excellent, and all are totally in sync with her style.

In reality, anyone who loves Jazz, R & B or Blues can appreciate Big Maybelle. The few "pop" numbers among the material presented here showcase her diversity brilliantly. Her rendition of "You'll Never Know" is quite unlike any other version I've ever heard before, in both style and presentation, and a prime example of what a true "torch" singer can do with a sad song. The same is true of the wonderful ballad Ain't No Use, which seems to have an identical first bar to Percy Mayfield's Please Send Me Someone to Love, then veers off into one of the most effective torch songs I've ever heard. Ditto for You'll Be Sorry, a tune that sound like something Irma Thomas may have done in her early years, which of course came after these tracks. And Ocean of Tears is pretty much in a class by itself; a true Blues song that doubles as a torch song, Big Maybelle's wailing will convince you that she has the pain in her heart that the lyrics say she does. But I don't mean to get caught up on the ballads; the barrelhouse Blues numbers are the real attraction here - just one listen to Ain't To Be Played With, One Monkey Don't Stop No Show or even Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On will confirm that. The more I listen to Big Maybelle, the more she surprises me with every phrase of every song.

The tracks contained on this album showcase one of the most sadly neglected artists of all time, at her prime. Music like this is priceless, but priceless doesn't necessarily mean expensive. This album is modestly priced, and considering it contains 26 glorious tracks of one of the greatest blues singers who ever lived, it's a downright bargain.

Highly recommended.

Great Maybelle.......2005-10-09

To hear a great voice (I try to avoid the superlative)in a wonderful setting look no further : this is IT! I think this is the best compilation of Maybelle(or any other singer in the R&B/jazz/Blues field) EVER!

one of the best.......2005-09-15

If you don't already know about Big Maybelle, brother, are you in for it. She had it all, but messed up her life with an addiction to heroin, but boy, could she belt out a song. She was a big influence on Aretha, another all time great. The CD Blues, Candy & Big Maybelle is also a great one to get.

Father Of The Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions

Average customer rating:

The Father of the Delta Blues
Desert Island CD of the first rank!
HoosierDaddy
Son House is the real deal. Listen and learn
Better Son House Exists

Father Of The Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions
Son House
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Slide Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The Complete Library of Congress Sessions, 1941-1942
Complete Recorded Works of Son House & the Great Delta Blues Singers
The Complete Recordings
Complete Recordings 1929-34
The Complete Blind Willie Johnson

ASIN: B000002877
Release Date: 1992-06-30

Tracks:

Death Letter
Pearline
Louise McGhee
John The Revelator
Empire State Express
Preachin' Blues
Grinnin' In Your Face
Sundown
Levee Camp Moan

Tracks:

Death Letter (Previously Unreleased Alternate Take)
Levee Camp Moan (Previously Unreleased Alternate Take)
Grinnin' In Your Face (Previously Unreleased Alternate Take)
John The Revelator (Previously Unreleased Alternate Take)
Preachin' Blues (Previously Unreleased Alternate Take)
President Kennedy (Previously Unreleased)
A Down The Staff (Previously Unreleased)
Motherless Children (Previously Unreleased)
Yonder Comes My Mother (Previously Unreleased)
Shake It And Break It (Previously Unreleased)
Pony Blues (Previously Unreleased)
Downhearted Blues (Previously Unreleased)

Amazon.com

According to legend, it was Son House's blistering bottleneck guitar that prompted Robert Johnson to pick up a six string. House's potent early recordings from 1930 and 1941 to 1942 showcased his raw, emotionally powerful style, but never received the acclaim of Johnson's. When he was rediscovered during the '60s blues revivalist movement, House's voice still possessed wall-shaking intensity and his idiosyncratic slide guitar still had bite. These 21 recordings (including five alternate takes) offer superior fidelity and significant room for House to stretch out. The first disc features his classic "Preachin' Blues," a stirring a capella "Grinning in Your Face," and a nine-minute "Levee Camp Moan," with Canned Heat's Al Wilson on harp. Disc two (outtakes and alternates) includes an odd homage to President Kennedy and a riveting version of the spiritual "Motherless Children." --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

The Father of the Delta Blues.......2005-08-20

I`ve written reviews for releases by Charley Patton and Robert Johnson,the importance of those recordings are well understood and that leads us to Edward"Son"House.Although others made their mark no one had more influence over the blues scene in the 30`s than this man.A combination of preacher and bluesman,Son was always in conflict because of his secular upbringing and the freedom and experiences that being a traveling blues singer could and did offer.
Although he only recorded a few sides in the early 30`s and then again in the early 40`s,that was it.Soon after he moved up north taking a job as a porter on the railways of the northeast.Fast forward to the early 60`s when he was tracked down and asked to perform,which he did,basically re-learning the guitar and then landing gigs at coffee houses and colleges then later festivals around the U.S. and Europe.In 1965 when he recorded these tracks he was at the height of his powers....with a hard often violent playing style and powerful voice he brought the delta blues style he helped create into the present with powerful performances of such classics as Death Letter,Grinnin in Your Face,Preachin Blues,Pony Blues and the list goes on.
With sound quality as an excuse for not wanting to listen to recordings of 78`s from 60 or 70 years ago,these discs are of the highest fidelity so the choice is yours.
Essential and worth every penny,you should make this part of your collection....the blues has never sounded better than this.

Desert Island CD of the first rank!.......2005-02-09

The Blues- either you get it or you don't. If you're one of the ones who does and you don't have this, then you need to stop whatever you're doing and get this. NOW. It's just that damn good. It's just that damn great! This is one of the CDs that gets me through the high times, the low times and all time in-between.

For me it ultimately comes down to two guys: Skip James and Son House. The two embody the differing poles of early blues aesthetic: James' eerie falsetto keen, odd/moribund lyrics (I'd rather be the Devil) minor key-tuned guitar and intricate finger work, under-stated and introspective; then you got House's deep and (utterly masculine) hollerin' vocals, his combative slide work on his National Steel resonator, his frenetic performances- visceral.

Both men had a deeply spiritual bent.

Now then, there are purists and then there are PURISTS. Some reviewers may say that the later Son House (these studio recordings) is lacking the ferocity and skill and power/delivery of his earlier self (the Lomax Library of Congress recordings and the Paramount recordings from the 30's). They may be right but I don't think so. I'm not knocking his earlier recordings- I swear by everything the man did. It's a tradeoff, basically- sound quality vs. intensity is one way of putting it, though, again I disagree: I think the man was just as gigantic on these two CDs as he was back in the day... And you can tell that his soul, his voice, his anima, had been tempered by the passing years. His intensity seems focused and buttressed to me, not worn out. He sounds like the most alive man I have ever heard.

These two CDs beyond are great, though I like the first better. The classic, "Preachin Blues," puts fire in your guts. "Death Letter," (maybe the best blues tune ever crafted) is jilting and hair-raising. Both takes. The same for "Levee camp Moan." The a capella versions of "John the Revelator" are marvelous. "Louise McGhee" is sublime.

Now- On some of the later alternate takes, House loses a bit of luster... The man coughs a little towards the end, but so what. Alan Wilson's harp never gets in the way, and works well. The Charley Patton cover is a fine time.

I've blathered about enough. I hope I've persuaded you a little- read on. My two cents: All of this is essential. ALL. You just don't hear stuff this good. It will have you humming along, singing at work, tapping your foot. It will make you want to learn to play the blues (and there's hope for you! Incidentally, House didn't learn guitar 'til he was 24- picked it up in a matter of weeks, so they say).

Pick this up.

HoosierDaddy.......2004-05-23

When it comes to the delta blues,this is it!Son House(Eddie James House Jr.)These recordings are a major plus for your collection.I'm trying too find the words to express this review but I can't, just buy it and injoy!

Son House is the real deal. Listen and learn.......2004-03-03

Son House taught Robert Johnson the slide blues. Son House taught Muddy Waters. When Son House started performing at Blues festivals again in the mid 1960s, some of Muddy's younger band members would start to go off for a smoke or whatever when the old man came on stage. Muddy wouldn't let them. Muddy Waters would tell all his band members to be quiet and pay attention when the man played because even compared with Muddy, this was the real deal.

Rediscovered in Rochester, New York, relearning to play the guitar, (how this country abuses the masters that come from its people, particularly its Black people), put back on the stage by the folk revival's blues section.

People outside of the blues life focus on the guitar playing or the rhythm of the singing, but where the power comes from is the feeling and the words that are put together, the life and the meaning of the blues. Son House in his youth and his old age, on this and his other sides, always gave it.

So Like Muddy Waters, I would like you to know that
Son House is the real deal.
Listen and learn

Better Son House Exists.......2002-12-06

These 1965 recordings by Blues elder Son House are decent. This powerful and compelling singer is aged, but still at the top of his form. The song selection is great, and the sound quality is also good, but better recordings exist. Fans should specifically look at the 1941 Library of Congress recordings capture a younger Son House, and Masters of the Delta Blues, for even earlier Son House songs.

Bowie at the Beeb: The Best of the BBC Radio Sessions

Average customer rating:

More essential than you might think....
The best of early bowie in one inspiring collections
CHANGESBEEBOWIE
A sprawling triple CD effort
CD 2 still the best, but CD3 doesn't disappoint/Bowie Rocks!

Bowie at the Beeb: The Best of the BBC Radio Sessions
David Bowie
Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Black Tie White Noise
Tin Machine II
David Bowie
Scary Monsters
The Man Who Sold the World

ASIN: B00004Y7WV
Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

In The Heat Of The Morning
London Bye Ta Ta
Karma Man
Silly Boy Blue
Let Me Sleep Beside You
Janine
Amsterdam
God Knows I'm Good
The Width Of A Circle
Unwashed And Somewhat Slightly Dazed
Cygnet Committee
Memory Of A Free Festival
Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud
Bombers
Looking For A Friend
Almost Grown
Kooks
It Ain't Easy

Tracks:

The Supermen
Eight Line Poem
Hang On To Yourself
Ziggy Stardust
Queen Bitch
Waiting For The Man
Five Years
White Light/White Heat
Moonage Daydream
Hang On To Yourself
Suffragette City
Ziggy Stardust
Starman
Space Oddity
Changes
Oh! You Pretty Things
Andy Warhol
Lady Stardust
Rock 'N' Roll Suicide

Tracks:

Wild Is The Wind
Ashes To Ashes
Seven
This Is Not America
Absolute Beginners
Always Crashing In The Same Car
Survive
Little Wonder
Man Who Sold The World
Fame
Stay
Hallo Spaceboy
Cracked Actor
I'm Afraid Of Americans
Let's Dance

Amazon.com

Comprehensiveness isn't always a virtue, as this three-CD set proves. It gathers together everything David Bowie recorded for the BBC between the years referenced in its title, plus a third disc taken from a June 2000 London concert for the famed British radio broadcasting company. Head first to disc two, which focuses on Bowie's in-studio recreations of material from Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, and marvel at the glam-rockabilly heat generated by Bowie's Spiders from Mars band. By comparison, the other two discs are a disappointment. The first reveals a musical chameleon uncomfortably changing his spots, from music-hall entertainer to free-festival folkie to sub-Dylan sage. The third and final disc betrays a different problem. By 2000, Bowie had calcified into a very slick entertainer. His performances here, particularly of later material such as "I'm Afraid of Americans" and "This Is Not America," are technically fine but a little bloodless--disappointingly human instead of wonderfully alien. --Keith Moerer

Customer Reviews:

More essential than you might think...........2005-11-05

`Beeb' is a British affectation for the BBC, the state-run media which plans (or planned) all television and radio for Great Britain. Bowie was around when the BBC was implementing its 4-station radio broadcasting, and he became one of the first guests in early 1968. BBC rules were strange and archaic by American standards, insisting that pre-recorded music represent only a fraction of airtime, the point being that this would provide employment for professional musicians. So it was that David Bowie appeared with a crew of musicians to perform his songs live a number of times over a four-year period.
I'm a very big fan of Bowie's early work (reference my review of Images 1966-1967 if you're interested), but the earliest sessions on this collection are the least fulfilling. Disk one holds interest to Bowie-philes for historic reasons, but it is disk two that presents the artist in full flight. Working with Mick Ronson, his Ziggy Stardust-era songs shine brilliantly here, in some cases rivaling the album versions. "Hang On to Yourself," "Suffragette City," and "Ziggy Stardust" all rock with authority and grace. "Queen Bitch" has more energy than the version on Hunky Dory, while the songwriting brilliance of songs like "Changes" and "Oh You Pretty Things" come through loud and clear. Most telling are the two Velvet Underground songs performed here. Both "White Light/White Heat" and "Waiting For My Man" are definitive, surpassing all Bowie versions that were previously available and perhaps even surpassing Lou Reed's original versions.
For those of you who are lucky enough to find it, a limited edition of this package comes with an extra disk of Bowie performing live at the BBC radio theatre in June of 2000. Search it out! The extra disk is extraordinary, featuring some of the best live Bowie ever recorded. The band is phenomenal, playing each song to perfection without sacrificing any energy. This version of "Stay" blew me away, forcing me to recognize the sheer funky power of this band. Just as mind-boggling are the versions of "Fame" (a new, `improved' version!), "Absolute Beginners" and "Man Who Sold the World". Every track on this extra disk is exceptional, making it an absolute must for even casual fans of David Bowie. A- Tom Ryan

The best of early bowie in one inspiring collections.......2004-11-23

David Bowie is indisputibally on of the most talented artists in music ever. His songwriting is always at a peak, and was always excellent in his early days, and that is proved on this fantastic collection from the BBC. All live, but you wouldn't know it because it's sounds as clear as his studio recordings. And how about those lyrics? Bowie is so inventive, and he's never gotten the due he's deserved. Look at the amount of work he's accomplished, and look how good he can still be; even better than most. He's amazing. One listen to this collection and you'll realize he's amazing too, i hope. If you're still in doubt listen to all of ziggy stardust, but trust me you'll love it.

CHANGESBEEBOWIE.......2004-09-09

CD2 - The first CD could be a symphony of (flatus) and I'd still give this 5 stars for the nearly immaculate performances on the second disk. In particular, "Hang Onto Yourself" (track 3), "White Light/White Heat," and "Suffregette City" (featuring Mick Ronson making this totally hot kissing noise with his guitar)crackle with energy. It is truly a thrill to hear these old favorites in such a new (as such) and exciting light. Bowie and Co. burn down the BBC studios. Repeatedly. Any rock fan (but especially an old Bowie fan, of course) is likely to meltdown in ecstacy upon hearing this.

CD1 - Many hardcore fans will surely (sweet milk) over CD1 as well although I'm not personally crazy about all of it. Some of David's early Brittish folk period is represented which can be a bit hippy-dippy at times. The first 4 tracks, recorded in May of '68, fit that description although they do feature brilliant in-studio orchestral accompaniment.

Much of CD1 does in fact rock. "Let Me Sleep Beside You" and "Janine" are very good, easy-going rockers recorded with Junior's Eyes who had a short-lived collaboration with Bowie and the session was never broadcast. Bowie delivers a stunning solo performance of Jacques Brel's "Port of Amsterdam" (vocal and guitar). The same session shows off Mick Ronson just a few days after hooking up with Bowie for the first time. They perform an intriguing, half-written version of "Width of a Circle." Ronson really cuts loose on "Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed" and "Cygnet Committee" is positively intense. Some studio hum can be heard on the session, an atmospheric reminder of the electric nature of these proceedings (that may or may not appeal to the listener). "Memory of a Free Festival" had sadly been edited for time and remains so.

Recorded in June of '71, the last session on CD1 features all of the future Spiders From Mars as well as some friends on vocals and guitarist Mark Carr-Pritchard who played for a phantom Bowie project called Arnold Corns. Early embryonic versions of "Moonage Daydream" and "Hang Onto Yourself" were recorded and released under that name. The group stomps through "Bombers," a rare HUNKY DORY-era cut that sounds better (and less cheesy) than the studio version which I have as a bonus cut from the RYCODISK release of HUNKY DORY. "Looking For A Friend" is a country-ish, Stones-y rocker and they also turn in a rousing cover of Chuck Berry's "Almost Grown." And Bowie performs "Kooks" solo on vocal and guitar which he had just written for newborn son Zowie.

Note: Those concerned about excessive voice-overs from BBC radio hosts (like the ones that marred the Jimmy Hendrix BBC release) can relax. There's very little talking over the songs and quite a bit of interesting Bowie banter on CD1. CD2 has nothing but back-to-back songs. Tracks begin with actual songs, not the preceeding dialogue.

Bonus Disk (June 27, 2002 live at BBC Radio Theatre) - ****1/2 Excellent line-up (Earl Slick, Mike Garson), great choice of songs, Bowie in top form. Still, something's missing. A little too slick and professional, maybe? But this is great stuff. "Seven" comes off really well. "Always Crashing In The Same Car" is excellent and much more organic than the album version. The studio wizardry of "Little Wonder" and "Hallo Spaceboy" is expertly reproduced. This album takes on more definition with repeated listens and sounds better over time too. (Many live recordings can initially sound "same-y" from song to song due to same background vocalists, etc.)

We can probably thank Kurt Cobain for reviving Bowie's interest in the post-apocalyptic "Man Who Sold The World," wonderfully played here. "Fame" is vamped-up with a slightly altered rhythm, still funky as ever. "Stay" rocks out. And on the final cut, "Let's Dance" is reimagined as a Carribean breeze before, suddenly, the beat kicks in and the audience "trembles like a flower."

This entire package is most worthy. Highly recommended!

A sprawling triple CD effort.......2004-05-16

I rarely listen to this although having said that I have been listening to it a lot more recently. The fact is is that this is a hard thing to recommend. You might not have some of the songs that are on here and for that you might want to top up. I bought it as an overview of Bowie's earlyish career ( I'm not going anywhere near The Laughing Gnome ). Which in hindsight was probably a bit of a mistake but I wouldn't buy this album if it didn't have the extra CD - call me banal if you will but that's what happens when you have collector tendancies in you!

Bowie's early stuff ( pre-Ziggy ) sounds anodyne and twee. The conversations you hear on the CD make Bowie seem genuinely nervous but pleasantly friendly. Of course he might not do one song " because to do it would be possibly over everyone's budget." You could take that as nerves if you will but this is the BBC we're talking about. Their budgets at the time were not astronomical.

I've said this before that when you see " Live At The BBC " it doesn't really mean it's really *live* if you've ever heard BBC radio presenters like John " that was quite tasty " Peel or any others you'll know that they say " and we have [musician's name] here live in the studio." It's in a studio and it will never give you a live feel for the songs. It's just BBC engineers working on Bowie's songs and in return you could I suppose think of them as session outtakes from his album. But one thing should be made clear - if you haven't got Bowie's version of Jacques Brel's Amsterdam, this is where you can get it. It's passion almost matches Le Grand Jacques in it's intensity

As the second CD moves and the classics come in you begin to think " this is more like it " and Bowie seems more at ease with everything. Notice his covers of White Light/White Heat ( " make me sound like Lou Reed ")

Now the third CD becomes even more sprawling since it tries to fill in all the places that the first two CDs left out. And it's not always a winner. Little Wonder and I'm Afraid of Americans are terrible songs but actually sound better than what they sounded like on their original album. Still doesn't make it good but at least you can probably tolerate it this time. But overall it didn't capture the gig very well since I saw this on TV when I was 15 and I thought the gig was fantastic. Bowie really had them going ( but then that was to be expected right? ), the CD just doesn't capture the songs well and though I like nearly all of the songs, it lacks the cohesion that the show actually had. Still, for the money I paid for this it's not too bad. But then, there's always a nagging feeling that it could be improved but whatever about that, the sheer amount of material you have here you can be somewhat happy if you want to buy this.....of course that is if you are a diehard fan. If you're not - try figuring out which compilation you want to get of Bowie. There's a lot of them around!

CD 2 still the best, but CD3 doesn't disappoint/Bowie Rocks!.......2003-02-11

I did track down this version that has the fine recently recorded third CD, HOWEVER, I would have been happy to have just heard the original two CD collection. On Disc 3, I was impressed with some of the old songs that were chosen such as "Man Who Sold The World" and some classics I have never heard done live like "Ashes To Ashes" and "Stay." The biggest and best surprise is the closer: "Let's Dance." Sweet!

This is certainly an interesting collection of songs! I can't say I love DISC 1 in general, but there are some nice surprises. "Kooks" is a lovely little song! The band playing with Bowie is quite good in "The Width Of A Circle" and "Unwashed And Somewhat Slightly Dazed." I heavily prefer Disc 2 because I have loved the "Ziggy Stardust" material for many years. The familiar songs sound different but as enjoyable as the released versions. Bowie was great at reworking good songs into even better songs, which is quite apparent on "I'm Waiting For The Man" and "White Light/White Heat." I can't say enough positive things about Disc 2 other than "Freak out, in a Moonage Daydream! Oh yeah!"

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