Music
Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Evening (Severn Records)
Other than reissues, true gutbucket blues CDs have been a rarity for more than a decade. Enter Exhibit A—Evening. One of the better harp players on the scene today, Sugar […]
Obituary: Larry Hamilton (1951-2011)
Larry Hamilton, a singer/songwriter who might be best known for a self-titled 1997 NYNO CD produced by Allen Toussaint, died December 28, 2011. Born in Galveston, Texas, March 23, 1951, […]
Steve Cropper, Dedicated: A Salute to the 5 Royales (429 Records)
This is an all-star CD, and most all-star CDs are disappointing. Nevertheless, I couldn’t wait to hear this one. With B.B. King, Sharon Jones, Delbert McClinton, Bettye LaVette on board, […]
Obituary: Billy Diamond (1916-2011)
Billy Diamond, who was instrumental in the launch of Fats Domino’s career, passed away in Los Angeles, October 20 from natural causes. He was 95. Diamond was born in New […]
Bob Andrews, Chills and Fever (Independent)
Former Brinsley Schwarz/Rumour keyboardist Bob Andrews has immersed himself in New Orleans piano since moving to the city. On this self-produced album, he largely and agreeably leans toward the R&B […]
Henry Gray, Lucky Man (Blind Pig Records)
When blues pianist Henry Gray released Lucky Man in 1990, it was his first solo American album despite years of recording and playing with Howlin’ Wolf. This release is the […]
Etta James, The Essential Modern Records Collection (Virgin Records)
These were Miss Peaches’ first recordings from the mid-1950s, recorded for the legendary Los Angeles label. Discovered by bandleader Johnny Otis as a teenager, originally, James had mixed success cutting […]
Various Artists, Ace Story Volume 3 (Ace Records)
A couple of issues ago, we reviewed the first two volumes in this important series, both of which had a New Orleans rock ’n’ roll slant. This one does too, […]
Obituary: Benny Spellman (1931-2011)
Benny Spellman, who accounted for the wonderful two-sided 1962 national hit “Lipstick Traces” b/w “Fortune Teller,” and supplied the baritone interjections on Ernie K-Doe’s number one hit “Mother- In-Law,” died […]
Albert King, The Definitive Albert King on Stax (Stax Records)
The very first blues album I ever purchased was Albert King’s Born Under a Bad Sign. Forty-two-years later, I still have it and play it. It’s been through three years […]
