Ray Charles – Live

This is another record I inherited from my friend Bob Bob(ala). I’ve posted so many of his old records already that I think he needs his own tag. I confess that when I first looked at Ray Charles Live (1973, recorded in ’58 and ’59) I thought it was a decent addition to the collection, but didn’t expect it to rock my world. I was wrong. I’ve played this entire double album many times since I got it a few years back.

Ray Charles can tear the roof off any place and in a variety of styles. There is everything here from some swinging hard bop jazz instrumentals to classic blues soul numbers like “The Right Time.” In fact, there are two recordings of that song on here and it’s still not enough for me. When the Raylette Marjorie Hendricks starts screaming “BAAAY-BAAAYeee” repeatedly I get the goosebumps. The excellent notes inside the gatefold cover describe her singing as “powerful soulfulness-bordering-on-hysteria.” It doesn’t get any better than that for me.

Danny Gatton — 88 Elmira St.

Like that tricky panoramic photograph? I can’t find a credit for the album art in the liner notes. Danny Gatton grew up in Southeast D.C. and this album title was his address. Anyone who is a serious student of guitar probably knows of Mr. Gatton, but I don’t think his audience ever got much broader than that. 88 Elmira St. came out in 1991 and it was his major label debut. The record has a little of everything that can be considered American roots music, including jazz, blues, rockabilly and funk. I have played this album at least 100 times and I’m still stunned by the imagination, soul and ferocious speed of his playing.

Danny Gatton committed suicide in 1994. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. His fans included Les Paul and Steve Vai. He was the guitarist’s guitarist.

Hear and see Danny Gatton play
More about Danny Gatton

G. Love and Special Sauce

G. Love and Special Sauce have put out a bunch of records since this 1994 debut. Even though I love this album I never bought any of their other stuff. I don’t know why, and I’m not very familiar with their later work. This self-titled debut is a classic in my opinion. I love the combination of blues, beats and hip hop. The musicianship is crazy good, and so are G. Love’s singing and lyrics. The big hit was “Cold Beverage” but my favorite is “Garbage Man.”

I never beg ba-by
I never get down, on my knees
I’m gonna get you just the same
I’ll get you just the same

“Garbage Man” — G. Love and Special Sauce

G. Love and Special Sauce Wikipedia article
G. Love and Special Sauce at MySpace
“Cold Beverage” video

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble — In Step

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble -- In Step

• Artist: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
• Title: In Step
• Year: 1989
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy and Bob
• Acquired: 2005 – Inherited from Bob Bobala
• Keeper: Yes

In Step is the last album to come out from these boys before Stevie died in a helicopter crash. It’s also his first album after he had sobered up. The album definitely has a more upbeat vibe than the earlier records. But positivity and the blues don’t really go together. In Step seems to be missing the grit of the first three records, but if that’s the price of being sober please stop killing yourself. All that said, I do like the whole record. Surprisingly, my favorite song is the nine minute jazz instrumental “Riviera Paradise” that closes the album. It’s blissfully smooth and low-key, not what you expect from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble.

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble — Couldn’t Stand the Weather

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble -- Couldn't Stand the Weather

• Artist: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
• Title: Couldn’t Stand the Weather
• Year: 1984
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 9
• Owner: Tracy and Bob
• Acquired: 2005 – Inherited from Bob Bobala
• Keeper: Yes

Oh, too many to blogs to keep up with. I haven’t been posting as often as I want. It’s too late and I’m too tired to do this record justice. Suffice it to say that Stevie Ray Vaughan was a massively talented genius and Couldn’t Stand the Weather is an excellent album. I think if I listened to it for another day I’d probably rate it a “10.” From memory I was thinking that this record wasn’t quite as good as the first, but now I’m not so sure. Stevie and Double Trouble (Tommy Shannon on bass and Chris Layton on drums) are slamming on all eight tracks. My favorite is the heavy funk title track, “Couldn’t Stand the Weather.” And their version of Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)” is phenomenal. I’m a huge Hendrix fan, but I like listening to this version just a little bit more. Vaughan’s tone is super fat. This is another record Bob should have kept.

More about Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble.

Muddy Waters — Rare and Unissued

Muddy Waters -- Rare and Unissued

• Artist: Muddy Waters
• Title: Rare and Unissued
• Year: 1982
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1982 ? Not sure where, this was near the beginning of my blues education.

I took the dog out for a minute after I started side 1. When I got back Mary told me I “missed the part about him waking up in the morning.” Good one. Anyhow, I just played the whole thing again, and then again.

The only thing better than a Muddy Waters record is two Muddy Waters records. So, I’m glad I have Rare and Unissued even if it’s not my favorite by the ultimate blues maestro. Still, I plan to keep it. You can never get rid of the blues.

There’s more about the original Mannish Boy at MuddyWaters.com.

Buddy Guy — Sweet Tea

• Artist: Buddy Guy
• Title: Sweet Tea
• Year: 2001
• Format: CD
• Rating (1-10): 9
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 2006 -I can’t remember where, even though it was this year, because I done got old.
• Keeper: Yes

Today is a “G” day. Actually, yesterday was, but it was also my 93rd birthday and I was feeling too tired and feeble to post. The artist for the day is one of my faves, Buddy Guy; the album is “Sweet Tea.” And it’s oh so apropos because the first song is Junior Kimbrough’s “Done Got Old.” Just an acoustic guitar and Buddy’s, I mean Mr. Guy’s voice. The rest of this album is slamming, with some unexpected production values that make it all the more hea-vay. It’s almost like Rage/Audioslave is playing backup. Awesome.

Well I done got old
Can’t do the things I used to do
‘Cause I’ma ol-old ma-an

Well I done got old
Well I done got old
I can’t do the things I used to do
‘Cause I done got old

Remember the day baby
Done past and gone
That I could love you
Most all night long
But now things have changed
An’ I done got old
I can’t do the things I used to do
‘Cause I’m an o-old man

I can’t look, like used to
I can’t walk, like used to
I can’t lu-uv, like used to
An’ now things done changed
An’ I done got old
I can’t do the things I used to do
Because I’ma o-old man

I’ma o-old man
I’ma o-old man
I’ma o-old man
An’ I’m not the same
I’m a very old man

Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf — Muddy And The Wolf

Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf -- Muddy And The Wolf

• Artist: Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf
• Title: Muddy And The Wolf
• Year: 1984
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 2005 – Part of the inherited Bob Bobala collection
• Keeper: Yes

This record is the shiatsu! I suppose I could have filed it under “various” but here it is as today’s W record. I’m a big blues fan and this record doesn’t disappoint. I like the Muddy Waters side the most, but the Howlin’ Wolf side is also great. There’s a lotta help from a buncha younger white guys, including Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, and others.

Thanks Bob. Your record has found a loving home.

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins (and The Fuzztones) — Live

• Artist: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins (and The Fuzztones)
• Title: Live
• Year: 1985
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1985 – Mail order from the label, Midnight Records.
• Keeper: Yes

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins made a special guest appearance at a benefit show by The Fuzztones. These are the four songs on this short live record:

“Alligator Wine”
“I Put a Spell On You”
“It’s That Time Again”
“Constipation Blues”

I suppose this record could be filed under “F” for Fuzztones, but Mr. Hawkins appearance is what makes it special to me. So, “H” it is. From the crowd noise this sounds like a small club. When Fuzztones frontman Rudi Protrudi enthusiastically introduces Mr. Hawkins the crowd doesn’t exactly erupt like I would expect. What was wrong with those people?

Screamin’ Jay Hawkins — Feast of The Mau Mau

• Artist: Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
• Title: Feast of The Mau Mau
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 10
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Bought it for myself at our store RIP Records in Norfolk, VA.
• Keeper: Yes

Let me start by saying that “Feast of The Mau Mau” by Screamin Jay Hawkins gets a straight-up-stone-cold-solid 10! I’ve played this every day we were home for the last two months. Just ask my wife and kids. That’s the good news. The even better news is that it’s a double album. “Feast” is actually a re-release of two earlier albums, “What This Is” and “Because Is In Your Mind / Armpitrubber.”

I can’t tell you how exciting this music is. For me, it’s the perfect mix of blues, R&B, rock and roll, and weirdness. Occassionally he gets down right raunchy, so mind your audience. Most people know him for “I Put a Spell on You”, but there are many even better songs. Also, he’s so cool his music was featured in one Jarmusch film and he acted in another. Finally, Hawkins is a lyrical genius. Who else could rhyme with “righteous”?

Our Love Is Not For 3

You gave me a heartache
AAahh! a heartache
You gave me a heartburn!
My mind’s in neutral
Whaaa! I’m walking sideways
I can’t get righteous
I’m looking upside down
And outta-sighteous
Whaaa! You gave me a heartache
Have Mercy…

More about Screamin’ Jay Hawkins at Wikipedia.
Great NPR story about Hawkins’ alledged 70 plus children.