From: RTURNBUL@TOROVM1.VNET.IBM.COM
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.allmusic
Subject: Blues Roots
Date: 7 Jan 93 18:36:29 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU

As you all know, the now-legendary Sonia Kovitz has a 2-tape Blues compilation
she has put together. I got my hands on it by swapping a few of my own tunes
for it. Many moons ago I promised her a review of it, so here goes...

Firstly, this stuff is just plain great. Gives a perfect overview of some of
the old style blues and gospel up to the current blues sounds of today.
Fortunately I received my Alligator Records catalog recently so I can order
some of this. My taste in blues is typically more electric, so on first listen
I didn't care too much for the gospel and a cappella tunes. HOWEVER, a few more
turns on the deck gave me a whole new appreciation for the songs (as influence
to current day blues and as songs of their own). Didn't grab me at first, but
it grew on me in an oh-so-pleasant way.

My fave tracks were definitely by John Lee Hooker. Sonia, what album are these
from? I checked in catalogs and stores and can't find anything live by him (I
forget the title you had besides his songs). I heard recently that Keith
Richards believes that the most important element to a song is the groove.
That's the first thing he concentrates on. Well, he should send half his
royalty checks to Mr. Hooker because I think this guy invented groove.
As long as the songs were that you included, I wanted another 10 minutes
tacked on to each one. Just outstanding. Great keyboard work too...

Loved Etta James' "Out of the Rain". She uses her voice so well. None of this
up and down wailing or attempts at impressing us with high screechy notes (are
you listening Whitney and Mariah?). She just kinda toys with you and
selectively uses her power.

Marion Williams' "Jesus Travelled This Road Before Me" was one of those songs I
looked over the first time through the tape. Couldn't help but be pulled in by
its almost bouncy piano the second time though. Very spiritual.

The cut from _Mississippi Prison Songs_ is probably the most emotional, moving
song on the tape. Completely a cappella, it wouldn't be the same if it was
marred by instruments (the crackly hissy noises help too).

"Lonesome Train" by Jimi Hendrix - Wow.

As mentioned by some others "Too Many Dirty Dishes" by Albert Collins is pure
enjoyment. Classic blues with humour. Guitar as dish rag...His solo at the end
is tremendous.

The Wright Family sings a couple of gospel tunes that made me go "Yowza!". They
almost were powerful enough to make me believe...well almost. The Persuasions
fit in nicely as well. Basically it's foot-tapping blues without instruments.

Where's the song "Tupelo" from? Albert King, Steve Cropper and Pop Staples
join together to create an intense jam at the end of this sucker...I need more.

Jimmy Johnson's "Chicken Heads" was the funkiest of the group with some nice
electric piano thrown in for seasoning.

Not so favourites? Hmmm, Probably Johnny Copeland's "Well Well Baby-La"
(trumpet was kind of obtrusive, but I liked the baritone sax), Robert Ward's
almost pop rendition of "Your Love is Amazing", Swan Silvertones (this is the
kind of gospel music that usually bores me), Valerie Wellington's "A Fool For
You" (just didn't do much for me) and Tuck and Patti's "Tears of Joy" (bluesy
jazz that doesn't quite fit with the rest of the tape - guitar was bland).

Everything else was tasty treats right down the line...

Thanks for the tunes babe!

Bob Tee
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU