What Are You Listening To?

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Sunshine On Leith -- CD

The Proclaimers

1988 Chrysalis Records

Sunshine on Leith is The Proclaimers' second and best known album, released in August 1988. The album had three singles, including the title track, "I'm On My Way," and "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," which also became a hit following its inclusion on the soundtrack to Benny & Joon five years later in 1993. It is about their birthplace, Leith, and the title track Sunshine on Leith is played by Hibernian F.C. at the beginning of matches.

All Songs Written By Craig & Charlie Reid, except where noted.

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" – 3:33
"Cap in Hand" – 3:24
"Then I Met You" – 3:50
"My Old Friend the Blues" – 3:06 (Steve Earle)
"Sean" – 3:23
"Sunshine on Leith" – 5:16
"Come on Nature" – 3:34
"I'm on My Way" – 3:45
"What Do You Do?" – 3:38
"It's Saturday Night" – 3:24
"Teardrops" – 2:32
"Oh Jean" – 5:55

 

[Dennie]

Thanks -- CD

Ivan Neville

1995 Iguana Records

Worthy of more attention. October 11, 2000
By Stephen Doig
Format:Audio CD

'Thanks' amounts to good straight-ahead pop/rock music which Ivan Neville has always been more than capable of producing. Perhaps better known for his drumming abilities and being the son of Aaron Neville, Ivan Neville's songwriting ability is too easily overlooked by an industry looking for the next flash in the pan. When Neville put out the excellent record 'If My Ancestors Could See Me Now' in the late eighties the buying public was too caught up in the horrid phenomena that was 'hair-rock' to appreciate the gritty yet accessible rock on offer. Like the man himself, 'Thanks' is a set of modest, colourful and thoroughbly enjoyable pop/rock songs. Occasionally there is a foray into more jazz/regae oriented material but the music here is at it's best when it sticks to the rock basics as in the very good songs 'Don't Cry Now' and 'Hell To Tell'. Overall a warm, engaging and very human recording.

1. Same Old World
2. Don't Cry Now
3. Hell To Tell
4. Get Away
5. Stay What You Are
6. Oh Now
7. Never Grow Up
8. Let It Go
9. Fool For Design
10. Thanks
11. Padlock
12. Animal Antics

 

[Dennie]

Supply and Demand -- CD

Amos Lee

2006 Blue Note Records

Amazon.com

Born to be mild? Amos Lee's sophomore effort for Blue Note follows firmly in the gentle guitar strums of his well-received 2005 debut and opening slots for Norah Jones and Bob Dylan. Little has changed the second time around, which will come as a relief to those enthralled by his first release. He remains a sensitive sort, mixing his insightful, reflective lyrics with lovely, unforced melodies played by backing musicians that stay on low boil. These tunes go down as smoothly as hot chocolate on a cold day, yet Lee brings an unassuming sincerity to the proceedings with his cozy, amiable voice. Comparisons to Bill Withers and James Taylor are accurate if inevitable, but when the gospel organ quivers into "Skipping Stone," it's clear Lee isn't stuck in a folk-pop rut.

Lee's approach is similar to the way Keb' Mo' treats the blues--he injects his cushy personality into an established genre, writes good if somewhat casual songs, and doesn't push the envelope too far. The final third of the album is perhaps too mellow, and a few midtempo tracks could have perked things up. But adult-contemporary fans looking for dependable Sunday morning music will welcome Supply and Demand as a quality follow-up brimming with subtle soul, style, and sophistication. --Hal Horowitz

Track Listing
1. Shout out Loud
2. Sympathize
3. Freedom
4. Careless
5. Skipping Stone
6. Supply and Demand
7. Sweet Pea
8. Night Train
9. Southern Girl
10. Wind, The
11. Long Line of Pain

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Full Moon Fever -- CD

Tom Petty

1989 MCA Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Ten years had passed since Petty's last solid outing (Damn the Torpedoes in 1979), and Full Moon Fever fully resuscitated the artist's career, which--some would say "arguably"--had been losing steam. With the album's four major hits and rave reviews from the critics (these things do not always go hand-in-hand), Petty must have breathed a sigh of relief. He left the Heartbreakers behind, hooked up with musician, writer, and producer Jeff Lynne, and rocked out with "Runnin' Down a Dream," got mellow and introspective on "Free Fallin'" and "A Face in the Crowd," and paid tribute (finally) to the Byrds with a cover of "Feel a Whole Lot Better." He perfected the sing-along guitar-pop song on "Yer So Bad" and had a wild time on "Zombie Zoo." Pure Petty perfection! --Lorry Fleming

All songs written by Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne, except as indicated.[2]

"Free Fallin'" – 4:14
"I Won't Back Down" – 2:56
"Love Is a Long Road" (Mike Campbell, Petty) – 4:06
"A Face in the Crowd" – 3:58
"Runnin' Down a Dream" (Campbell, Lynne, Petty) – 4:23
"I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" (Gene Clark) – 2:47
"Yer So Bad" – 3:05
"Depending on You" (Petty) – 2:47
"The Apartment Song" (Petty) – 2:31
"Alright for Now" (Petty) – 2:00
"A Mind with a Heart of Its Own" – 3:29
"Zombie Zoo" – 2:56

"Hello, CD listeners…"

Early pressings of the album on compact disc contain a hidden track at the beginning of track 6. The interlude, which is referred to in the album credits as "Attention CD Listeners", features a brief tongue-in-cheek monologue by Petty, over a background of barnyard noises:

Hello, CD listeners. We've come to the point in this album where those listening on cassette, or records, will have to stand up, or sit down, and turn over the record. Or tape. In fairness to those listeners, we'll now take a few seconds before we begin side two. [pause] Thank you. Here's side two.

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music....

The Drifters' Golden Hits -- CD

The Drifters

1968 Atlantic Records

The most affordable Drifters compilation. May 22, 2005
By Josh P.
Format:Audio CD

Released in 1968, this set chronicled the golden era of the Drifters (1959-1964). This starts right off with the sound of the "new" Drifters with Ben E. King on lead: "There Goes My Baby"; timeless classic. Next "If You Cry" and "Dance With Me" a double-sided hit; both very nice, nice songs. I dig the string arrangements. The hits continue with "This Magic Moment" and "Save The Last Dance For Me." "I Count The Tears" is one I always liked because of the "na-na-na-na-na late at night", and that's right; the Grass Roots copied that for "Let's Live For Today." Uh-uh. "Some Kind Of Wonderful" is some kind of gem; it hardly gets any attention. "Up On The Roof" and "On Broadway" feature Rudy Lewis on vocal and are ageless songs. "Under The Boardwalk" and the answer to it, "I've Got Sand In My Shoes" are really crafty and neat songs as well as "Saturday Night At The Movies" which I loved ever since I first heard it. Those three feature Johnny Moore.

The Drifters were one of Atlantic Records best-selling groups and their songs are absolutely timeless and ageless never seeming to grow old. They sort of transport you to another place where you can escape the outside world. The Rhino compilation is the best alternative for this one because of track number and sound quality. Yes, this one is pretty short but the sound is quite good actually and a lot of songs are in stereo. If you're an original album collector liking to collect CD versions of old LPs, this is a definitive set.

Track Listing
1. There Goes My Baby
2. (If You Cry) True Love, True Love
3. Dance with Me
4. This Magic Moment
5. Save the Last Dance for Me
6. I Count the Tears
7. Some Kind of Wonderful
8. Up on the Roof
9. On Broadway
10. Under the Boardwalk
11. I've Got Sand in My Shoes
12. Saturday Night at the Movies

 

[topper]

.....

(2012 release)

 

[Dennie]

RIP J.J. Cale.... :angelic-green:

To Tulsa And Back -- CD

J.J. Cale

2004 Sanctuary Records

Cale, Back From Tulsa Sounding Great!, June 22, 2004
By William Sargent (Providence, RI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: To Tulsa & Back (Audio CD)

I'd call this Cale's best since Troubador from 1976. JJ went To Tulsa And Back to record this harder-edged collection. It contains unargueably some of his best laid-back tunes, that harken back to JJ's early Shelter years albums, like Naturally, Really and Okie. JJ used some of his hometown pals to record about half of these new songs in Tulsa, and the results sounds great! "Blues For Mama" is a must for any blues fan, with its melancholy melody, moanfully wailing guitar licks and from-the-gut vocal. "New Lover" is an energetic rocker led by Cale's driving guitar, and it screams, "Oh Eric, book some studio time". "The Problem" (a political message) is destined to be a Cale classic, with his coarse whispery vocal, and acidic lead guitar, fueled along by that incredible Tulsa Sound. Aware of life on the streets, JJ gives us a view of a pair living it in "Homeless". Another favorite on this cd is "Fancy Dancer", one of those rhythmic tunes that you can't sit still to. JJ Cale delivered a gem this time... get a copy!

"My Gal" 4:23
"Chains Of Love" 3:37
"New Lover" 3:12
"I Step" 3:20
"Stone River" 3:42
"The Problem" 4:31
"Homeless" 3:25
"Fancy Dancer" 4:50
"Rio" 3:46
"These Blues" 3:49
"Moto Mouth" 3:17
"Blues For Mama" 4:07
"Another Song" 3:24

 

[Dennie]

Trio 99-00 - CD

Pat Metheny

2000 Warner Bros. Records

For this set, Pat Metheny once again took time out of his busy schedule as a contemporary jazz superstar to take a straight-ahead trio into the studio for a day of casual blowing. Like his other previous efforts in this vein, QUESTION AND ANSWER and REJOICING, Metheny gets back to what he does best and lets it all hang out with partners Larry Grenadier and Bill Stewart. What's most impressive is that there was never any intent to make a record; it was merely a set-up-and-play atmosphere when these three virtuosos grabbed a couple of days to enjoy the act of making great music together.From the outset it is obvious that Metheny came to play his best as he sets the music ablaze with the opening burner "(Go) Get It." Stewart and Grenadier are the perfect match for Metheny's legendary musicianship as the trio covers a wide range of stylistic extremes, from the acoustic nebula of "Just Like The Day" to Wayne Shorter's harmonically offbeat "Capricorn." Metheny even covers himself with a fiery reading of his previously recorded gem "Lone Jack" and the unforgettably melodic "Travels." Of special note is the trio's slow and groovy take on the Coltrane classic "Giant Steps."

Track Listing
1. (Go) Get It
2. Giant Steps
3. Just Like the Day
4. Soul Cowboy
5. The Sun in Montreal
6. Capricorn
7. We Had a Sister
8. What Do You Want?
9. A Lot of Livin' to Do
10. Lone Jack
11. Travels

"(Go) Get It" won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo.
Pat Metheny Trio: Pat Metheny (guitar); Larry Grenadier (acoustic bass); Bill Stewart (drums).Recorded at Right Track Recording, New York, New York in August 1999.

 

[Dennie]

You Can Always Turn Around -- CD

Lucky Peterson

2010 Dreyfus Jazz

Lucky Peterson shows off his instrumental versatility on this mostly acoustic set by switching between piano, Duolian resonator guitar, and electric guitar. Vocally he's still at the top of his game and shows plenty of fire and versatility on this set by mixing renditions of blues and gospel classics with tunes from the pens of more contemporary writers like Ray LaMontagne and Tom Waits. He turns in a gritty vocal and shows off his considerable slide guitar chops on Robert Johnson's "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom," moving from icy slides to flurries of muted staccato notes. He plays Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues" like a straightforward Chicago blues using his slide to support his wailing vocals. Larry Campbell adds some unexpectedly funky blues mandolin to the track. "Death Don't Have No Mercy," the Rev. Gary Davis tune that became a folk hit in the '60s, is taken at a slow, soulful pace with several long, chilling Resonator excursions. LaMontagne's "Trouble" gets a slow reading with Peterson bringing a gospel flavor to his piano work, while his vocals are full of long, sustained notes and sanctified moans of emotion. "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" was written by Billy Taylor, but became a civil rights anthem due to a recording of the tune by Nina Simone. Peterson's wife, Tamara, joins him on the track to trade lead vocal chores. She proves herself a worthy vocal partner with her powerful vocals matching her husband's in fervor and power. Their playful give and take on the tune's coda is one of the album's high points. Peterson closes by turning Curtis Mayfield's "Think," from the Superfly soundtrack, into a country blues with his electric guitar solos sharing space with Campbell's pedal steel. ~ j. poet

Track Listing
1. I Believe I'll Dust My Broom
2. I'm New Here
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Trouble
5. Trampled Rose
6. Atonement
7. Why Are People Like That
8. Four Little Boys
9. Death Don't Have No Mercy
10. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
11. Think

Personnel: Gary Burke (drums); Larry Campbell (acoustic guitar, mandolin); Scott Petito (shaker); Lucky Peterson (vocals, electric guitar, piano).Audio Mixer: Scott Petito.Liner Note Author: Doug Yoel.Recording information: NRS Studio, Catskill, NY (03/2010).

 

[Babs]

Donald Fagan
The Nightfly...Walk Between Raindrops!
One of Babs favorites!!!!! :music-rockout:

 

[Dennie]

Greatest Hits -- CD

Gladys Knight and The Pips

1990 Curb Records

She really delivers a soulful medley of her greatest hits! July 24, 1999
By A Customer
Format:Audio CD

Gladys has always been my favorite and this CD reminded me of why. Even as a child I knew that she sung from the soul. I listen to this in the morning before work and it gets me pumped for the day and in the evenings on my treadmill. The mix between the fast songs and the slow ballads glide you through the full range of her tremendous vocals. This is a great CD and the last 2 songs on the CD give you a little bit of Gladys we don't see very often. Great CD!!!!!!!!

Track Listing
1. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
2. If I Were Your Woman
3. Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)
4. Friendship Train
5. Midnight Train to Georgia
6. Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me
7. I've Got to Use My Imagination
8. On and On
9. Letter Full of Tears
10. Every Beat of My Heart

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Dusty In Memphis -- Deluxe Edition CD

Dusty Springfield

1969/1999 Atlantic/Rhino Records

Amazon.com essential recording

Dusty Springfield never claimed to be a soul singer, but Dusty in Memphis effects a unique and deeply moving synthesis of her brand of stylish pop and the Southern R&B of the late '60s. Her soft tones and hushed, confessional readings make for definitive versions of everything from "Son of a Preacher Man" (a later version by Aretha Franklin is good but less thrillingly sensual than this one) to Randy Newman's ballads "I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" and "Just One Smile" to a swirling take on "The Windmills of Your Mind." The soul obscurity "Breakfast in Bed" even gives a knowing spin to a line from an earlier Springfield classic: "You don't have to say you love me." This expanded edition features vastly improved sound and a number of bonus tracks not on the earlier CD. --Rickey Wright

Side A

"Just a Little Lovin'" (Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil) – 2:18
"So Much Love" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) – 3:31
"Son of a Preacher Man" (John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins) – 2:29
"I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore" (Randy Newman) – 3:11
"Don't Forget About Me" (Goffin, King) – 2:52
"Breakfast in Bed" (Eddie Hinton, Donnie Fritts) – 2:57

Side B

"Just One Smile" (Randy Newman) – 2:42
"The Windmills of Your Mind" (Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Michel Legrand) – 3:51
"In the Land of Make Believe" (Burt Bacharach, Hal David) – 2:32
"No Easy Way Down" (Goffin, King) – 3:11
"I Can't Make It Alone" (Goffin, King) – 3:57


Bonus tracks 1999 Deluxe Edition, Rhino Records US

"What Do You Do When Love Dies" (with orchestral overdubs) (Mary Unobsky, Donna Weiss) – 2:42
"Willie & Laura Mae Jones" (Tony Joe White) – 2:49
"That Old Sweet Roll (Hi-De-Ho)" (Gerry Goffin, Carole King) – 2:59
"Cherished" (Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff) – 2:38
"Goodbye" (Roland Chambers, Leonard Pakula) – 2:33
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Make It With You" (David Gates) – 3:12
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"Love Shine Down" (not credited) – 2:22
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Live Here With You" (Gilbert Slavin, Michael F. Soles) – 2:44
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"Natchez Trace" (Neil Brian Goldberg, Gilbert Slavin) – 2:58
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"All the King's Horses" (not credited) – 3:10
"I'll Be Faithful" (Stereo) (Ned W. Albright, Michael F. Soles, Steven Soles) – 3:01
First release (mono): Rhino's 1992 re-issue of A Brand New Me. First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007
"Have a Good Life Baby" (not credited) – 3:09
First UK release: 2002 re-issue of See All Her Faces
"You've Got a Friend" (Carole King) – 5:28
First UK release: 4 CD boxed set Simply Dusty, 2000
"I Found My Way" a.k.a. "I Found My Way Through The Darkness" (Gilbert Slavin, Michael F. Soles) – 3:12
First UK release: compilation Classics And Collectables, 2007

 

[topper]

Avalon: A Tribute to
Mississippi John Hurt

(2013)

"Today, she is regarded as the top female interpreter and authority on traditional blues worldwide."
~ The Blues Foundation

 

[Dennie]

But Not For Me -- Remastered CD

Ahmad Jamal... at the Pershing 1958

1958/2012 101 DISTRIBUTION

Ahmed Jamal, master of the laid-back groove, produces a timeless gem for all seasons, October 31, 2011
By The Guardian (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)


This album was compiled from a live jazz club recording in 1958 at The Pershing Lounge, and originally released on vinyl by Chess Records.

The masterful Jamal trio, with Israel Crosby on bass and Vernel Fournier on drums, get into a good groove in front of an appreciative audience. The music has a lightness of feel (some of Jamal's critics have claimed he played "cocktail bar music") but at the same time rewards the listener who pays attention. Jamal is a truly great jazzman, not least because you don't need to be a jazz-obsessive to `get' his music: just sit back and enjoy.

Jamal's accessible, easy-to-listen-to piano style belies his musical virtuosity. Greatly admired by Miles Davis and by almost all top-line jazz musicians of the day, Jamal's playing has endured and is still entertaining, relaxing and - yes - even humorous.

At least two different editions of this album are available: the original with only 30-minute running time (but every minute a gem), and an expanded version titled `Complete live at The Pershing Lounge' with added tracks and extended running time. Whichever variant you have in your collection, it is likely to be played often.

If you get to like this, give the album titled `Ahmed's Blues' a listen. It's another live jazz club recording from the period and (if this is possible) it's even better.

Track Listing
1. But Not for Me
2. Surrey With the Fringe on Top, The
3. Moonlight in Vermont
4. (Put Another Nickel In) Music! Music! Music!
5. No Greater Love
6. Poinciana
7. Woody 'N You
8. What's New?

Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); Israel Crosby (bass); Vernel Fournier (drums).

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Tracy Chapman -- CD

Tracy Chapman

1988 Elektra Records

Absolute perfection, May 27, 2002
By Ms Diva "cycworker" (Nanaimo, B.C. Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tracy Chapman (Audio CD)

I genuinely don't think this disk could be any better. There is not a single song on here that isn't a work of art. I owned this on tape initially, but I had to get the CD because the tape was getting worn out, because I listened to it constantly - particulary to Baby Can I Hold You, Why, and Talking About A Revolution.

Chapman's voice is stunning, particularly on the a capella Behind The Wall, which never ceases to bring a chill down my spine. I always thought I didn't like folk music, but Chapman has made me reconsider that belief. Her lyrics are meaningful, and the collection of songs come together to form an overall feel, a mood, that is extremely moving and empowering. She exemplifies how music can bring people together and be an impetus to change, ala the greats like Bob Dylan. Make no mistake -- this is a political album and Chapman wears her left wing leanings like a badge of honour. If you can't tolerate her political views, you probably won't like the album as much as her core fans. That said, her voice and the music itself may make it possible for you to give it at least an intial listen. Chapman is more than a singer and musician - she's a poet, and her message is one that I believe we all need to heed.

I highly reccommend this album to everyone. Even if you don't agree with her politics, hopefully she'll make you think. At the very least, you'll be listening to one of the purest, best voices in modern folk/r&b/soul around today.

All songs were written by Tracy Chapman.

"Talkin' Bout a Revolution" – 2:39
"Fast Car" – 4:56
"Across the Lines" – 3:24
"Behind the Wall" – 1:49
"Baby Can I Hold You" – 3:14
"Mountains o' Things" – 4:39
"She's Got Her Ticket" – 3:56
"Why?" – 2:06
"For My Lover" – 3:12
"If Not Now..." – 3:01
"For You" – 3:09

 

[topper]

---

Many thanks to Zing and a couple others who posted about this band in the Blues Music thread.

~ (happy face)


should be getting "Badlands" in a couple days . . .

 

[Dennie]

Happy Moods - Remastered CD

Ahmad Jamal

1960/2012 101 DISTRIBUTION

A Splendid Reissue August 17, 2009
By over and under
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

What a great time it is to be a fan of Jazz. Even though the 50's and 60's are long gone, we're still treated to a steady trickle of reissues of our favorite artists, sometimes even getting recordings that have lain on the shelves for decades and only now are seeing the light of day.

Simply put, this is a great reissue, with Ahmad Jamal working intelligently and creatively through a number of standards and new compositions. Those who say Jamal is only effective in a live setting are closing their ears to some of the finest studio jazz around. There is real energy in this release and it's well worth your time.

Does the music bear out the title? Yes, it is a happy record, but no more joyous than any other recording Jamal has commited himself to. Truth be told, the real joy was finding this cd by accident after having not listened to Jamal for several years. Happy Moods, indeed.

1. Little Old Lady
2. For All We Know
3. Pavanne
4. Excerpt From The Blues
5. Youd Be So Easy To Love
6. Time On My Hands
7. Raincheck
8. Ill Never Stop Loving You
9. Speak Low
10. Rhumba No. 2

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Farmers In A Changing World -- CD

The Tractors

1998 Arista Records

Amazon.com

In 1994 a group of grizzled country and R&B veterans, led by Steve Ripley (a J.J. Cale and Leon Russell sideman), released a meticulous, bouncy record of neotraditional country and swampy rock that became the fastest-selling platinum album in history. They called themselves the Tractors, and despite a Christmas disc and a few cuts on tribute albums, the band hasn't been heard from since. Their full-length follow-up to The Tractors may be one of the year's best-sounding rock & roll or country albums: the mix all but hurls itself from the speakers and the playing sounds like craftsmen with their professional guard down. There are playful false starts and endings, greasy guitar licks--even some slide from Bonnie Raitt--ebullient piano, and warm, moaning horns. The band slaps its musical wizardry across boogie-based tunes--dance and old rock & roll are the lyrical themes--and the whole feels like a rockin' roadhouse blues album, a renegade homage to country rockers Jerry Lee Lewis and Delbert McClinton, and a joyful, spontaneous slice of American music. --Roy Kasten

Track Listing
1. I Wouldn't Tell You No Lie
2. Linda Lou
3. How Long Will It Take
4. Shortenin' Bread
5. World's Biggest Fool, The
6. Poor Boy Shuffle
7. With a Girl Like You
8. Elvis Thing, The
9. Way Too Late
10. Foot Stomp Stompin'

 

[Dennie]

Today's work truck music...

Escondido -- CD

J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton

2006 Reprise Records

Amazon.com

J.J. Cale penned two of Eric Clapton's career-defining solo hits, "Cocaine" and "After Midnight." And since Clapton has often fashioned his persona in a WWJD manner (what would J.J. do?), this collaboration is long overdue. But despite the rather slick production and long list of guest backing musicians (including four bassists, four drummers, five other guitarists, and three percussionists), The Road to Escondido is still dominated more by Cale than Clapton. The relatively reticent Okie wrote 11 of the 14 tracks, and it's his low-key soufflé of blues, jazz, and country that shapes and directs the disc's tone, with Clapton along for the ride. The opening "Danger" sets the dusky mood as the duo rides a typical Cale swamp groove that gives way to a tightly wound Slowhand solo. They trade lead vocals on a lovely version of the after-hours jazz blues classic "Sporting Life Blues," and the ubiquitous John Mayer makes an impressive appearance on the subtle blues of "Hard to Thrill."Clapton hasn't sounded this relaxed or involved in his own material for years. The traditionally laid-back, if not quite snoozy, Cale responds with a comparatively energized performance, likely due to the high-profile company. When the two harmonize on the mid-tempo foot tapper "Anyway the Wind Blows," the result is so natural and spontaneous it's a shame these two didn't join forces earlier. On paper, it appears that Cale has the most to gain from partnering with an established superstar, but the fact is this collaboration yields Eric Clapton's most engaging and contagious roots-rock release in a long time. --Hal Horowitz

All songs by J. J. Cale except where noted.

"Danger" – 5:34
"Heads in Georgia" – 4:12
"Missing Person" – 4:26
"When This War Is Over" – 3:49
"Sporting Life Blues" (Brownie McGhee) – 3:31
"Dead End Road" – 3:30
"It's Easy" – 4:19
"Hard to Thrill" (Eric Clapton/John Mayer) – 5:11
"Anyway the Wind Blows" – 3:56
"Three Little Girls" (Eric Clapton) – 2:44
"Don't Cry Sister" – 3:10
"Last Will and Testament" – 3:57
"Who Am I Telling You" – 4:08
"Ride the River" – 4:35



J.J. Cale: Guitars, keyboards, vocals.
Eric Clapton: Guitars, vocals.

Derek Trucks: Guitar.
Jim Karstein: Drums, percussion.
James Cruce: Drums, Percussion.
Pino Palladino: Bass guitar
Steve Jordan: Drums.
Abe Laboriel, Jr: Drums.
Gary Gilmore: Bass guitar.
Willie Weeks: Bass guitar.
John Mayer: Guitar.
Albert Lee: Guitar.
Billy Preston: Hammond Organ, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer.
Walt Richmond: Piano.
Doyle Bramhall II: Guitar.
Nathan East: Bass guitar.
Christine Lakeland: Guitar, vocals.
Simon Climie: Percussion.
David Teegarden: Percussion.
Taj Mahal: Harmonica.
Dennis Caplinger: Fiddle.
Bruce Fowler: Horns.
Marty Grebb: Horns.
Steve Madaio: Horns.
Jerry Peterson: Horns.

 

[Dennie]

Body & Soul -- Remastered CD

Erroll Garner

1991 Columbia Jazz Masterpieces

As was the case with Fats Waller, Erroll Garner's natural and advanced musical talent ingratiated him to jazz aficionados and experts alike. Garner took to the piano intuitively, never needing to take lessons because of his exceptional ear for music. Further breaking the mold, he transcended many of the jazz styles he came up with, including both swing and bebop. You hear the power of swing pianist Earl Hines in his fleet and robust approach, and, yes, he once played with Charlie Parker, but as heard on this Columbia collection from 1951-1952, Garner concocts a unique blend of the big band's svelte rhythms and bebop's heady swing. On the 20 gems found on Body and Soul, Garner employs a rush of dynamics, yet never compromises the inherent lyricism of the set's many standards. This balancing act cuts across a varied set of brisk swingers (Waller's "Honeysuckle Rose"), fine ballads ("I Can't Get Started"), and medium-tempo strollers ("It's the Talk of the Town"). In light of Garner's thoroughly engaging and self-contained work at the piano, even the fact that bassist John Simmons and drummer Shadow Wilson are practically inaudible becomes negligible. Garner bolsters many of these "little symphonies" with clever intros: a miniature recasting of the song's chord and harmonic structure, heard to sublime effect here on "Summertime" and "Body and Soul" (Garner would expand these preambles in the future, particularly on solo piano outings). And in response to criticisms of his playing being too ornate (extra tremolo on the ballads), it should be said that part of Garner's charm is his "old-fashioned" phrasing, part of the romantic and urbane touch he employs to keep said indulgences in check most of the time. Body and Soul is a fine collection of early Garner sides. Highly recommended. ~ Stephen Cook

Track Listing
1. The Way You Look Tonght
2. Body and Soul
3. Indiana
4. Honeysuckle Rose
5. I'm in the Mood For Love
6. I Can't Get Started
7. Piano, Play Play
8. Undecided
9. You're Blase
10. Sophisticated Lady
11. Ain't She Sweet?
12. I Didn't Know
13. Fine and Dandy
14. Robbins' Nest
15. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
16. It's the Talk of the Town
17. You're Driving Me Crazy
18. Ja-Da
19. Summertime
20. I Never Knew

Personnel: Erroll Garner (piano); John Simmons (bass); Shadow Wilson (drums).Includes liner notes by Kevin Whitehead.Digitally remastered by Tim Geelan (Sony Music Studios, New York, New York).