Alligator

alligator

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
2001 album for the Night Ranger guitarist. 'Alligator' reunites the guitarist with Night Ranger vocalist, Gary Moon and drummer, Kelly Keagy. 'Alligator' also marks the first time Gillis has taken on lead vocals. Ten tracks including, 'Bigger Than Life', 'Heart-Shaped Wings' and 'Survive'. Standard jewel case.

Alligator,Brad Gillis,Frontiers,Pop,Pop-Metal,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

Alligator

Average customer rating:

I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America
Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different
Now you can add another band to your top five list.
A Nice Suprise
excellent guitar work

The Alligator
The National
Manufacturer: Beggars UK - Ada
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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The Reminder
Mirrored
Yellow House
Sound of Silver
Set Yourself on Fire

ASIN: B0007LCNKM
Release Date: 2006-04-03

Tracks:

Secret Meeting
Karen
Lit Up
Looking For Astronauts
Daughters Of The Soho Riots
Baby, We'll Be Fine
Friend Of Mine
Val Jester
All The Wine
Abel
Geese Of Beverly Road, The
City Middle
Mr. November

Amazon.com

On their third recording, the National strikes a delicate balance between light and dark, fast and slow, American and British. While their sound is undeniably tinged with darkness, it isn't gloomy or depressing. This impression is mostly due to Matt Berninger's deep baritone, which brings to mind such sensitive, but manly Brit vocalists as Scott Walker and Stuart Staples of the Tindersticks. The National, however, are American. Formed in Brooklyn in 1999, the quintet hails from Cincinatti and doesn't sound much like a New York Band (Interpol, the Strokes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, etc.). Instead, they could be Midwestern or even Canadian in the way they combine alt-country, chamber-pop, and post-punk angst, like Toronto's Royal City or Montreal's Arcade Fire. Often compared to Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Tom Waits, the National's music is actually faster-paced and has a lighter, almost jaunty touch. In other words: they rock. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

These five Cincinnati friends recorded two albums for Brassland before signing to Beggars Banquet. Their last effort, "Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers", was touted as one of the year's best by Rolling Stone and other magazines. On "Alligator", Matt Berninger's potent baritone still intones about matters fraught, funny, and sad; about record collections, missing persons, and medium-sized American hearts. "Startling and subtly affecting, The National creeps in like the killer in a bleak gothic novel. Strings tremble, hearts break, and each smoldering song brings a harrowing tale of new pities"--Magnet.

Customer Reviews:

I Would Say The National Are The Most Underrated Band In America.......2007-06-17

I discovered this album in 07 after hearing their 07' release Boxer ( which is another excellent album) and wish I would have listened to long before, because track for track not much albums are this strong. The Geese of Beverly Road is probably my favorite followed by Abel and then closely by every other track on the album.

Fabulously Seductive, Wonderfully Different.......2007-05-30

Love the velvety baritone of the lead vocalist backed by highly talented musicians. Initially loved the track "Abel" alot, but the rest have grown on me as well. Different and unique indie sound.

Now you can add another band to your top five list........2007-01-17

Yes, it's true, this band will change your music tastes. I think I can difinitivy tell everyone I know, and some that I don't, " are you ready to listen to some amazing music?". I know that this music hits me in some ways that not everyone will relate to, but, even the lyrics' subject matter is familiar ground, and always, I begin to reminisce, as if I have been listening to their music for decades; An old stand-bye. Yes, it's true, they are on my top five... You can mellow out, or rock out with your...-; With all the varying degrees of tones, from gently flowing and well- layered tracks. National newbies can start out with Secret Meeting or Daughters of the Soho Riots. Then, you will advance towards amazing emtional pieces like Val Jester or Geese of Beverly Hills. Okay, so you buy it, you love and are like what's next. Here's the good part;
Their earlier album Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers, is at least three to four times better. Now you're glad I told you to buy it.ah-huh

A Nice Suprise.......2006-12-06

The last few years, I have been purchasing a TON of new albums. Most of them coming from word-of-mouth or wading through endless Amazon reviews. Out of every 10 or so purchased, 1 is normally good, warranting repeat listens. Alligator is most definetly the latter. I purchased it on a whim, not really expecting too much - but, I was pleasantly suprised upon my first few listens. I had been avoiding the album (you know how it is - for whatever reason). For me, it was the cover art, and the name of the band. Superficial, I know. But again, after popping this disc in the car CD player, it didn't move - for TWO months. It is one those albums, which many of the best are, where your favorite song can change from day-to-day. Where you might find yourself listening to one particular song on repeat, two or three times in a row. If you require melody, it's there a plenty. Just slightly disguisged under the brooding, baratone voice of the lead singer. He can however sing some infectious hooks that will truly get imbedded into your head and subconscious. Also, not the type of music you must mute or turn off when your *main-stream* friends hop in the car. I have gotten "who is this?" from those whose musical tastes have not evolved past local FM radio commercialized, over-marketed rock/rap/pop music. My apologies for not delving into exact descriptions of the songs and style, but this review is for those who are "on the fence" like I was, and just need a little shove. You know all those albums you buy and want to huck out the window after a listen or two? This is NOT one of those. It's a keeper. I'm stealing this motto from another Amazon reviewer, but I give a 5-star rating to an album, which, if I was to lose tomorrow, I would re-purchase asap. This, for me, is a independent classic, easily in the top 10 of modern rock albums I have been exposed to.

excellent guitar work.......2006-09-17

I've heard a lot of strange comparisons between this band and others (Nick Cave, Joy Division). I don't hear it. Maybe Mark Lanegan and American Music Club. I do hear a great band with with two excellent guitarists and a pretty good singer who hits a few flat notes here and there. The songs are good and memorable, especially "Friend of Mine" and "Karen". The lyrics are very interesting and unpredictable, but the work of the two guitarists who pluck interesting intertwined high notes more than they strum power chords is what really makes this band and this album great.

Average customer rating:

RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "TINSLEY'S BLUES GUITAR SLINGING, IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME!"
MAY BE HIS BEST

Moment of Truth
Tinsley Ellis
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Blues Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Power of the Pontchartrain
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Dirty Deal

ASIN: B000QEILK6
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Tracks:

Say Too Much
Somebody
Get To The Bottom
You're Gonna Thank Me
Tell The Truth
Too Much Of Everything
Bringin' Home The Bacon
Freeway Soul
I Take What I Want
Sleep On It
Stare At The Sun
Shadow Of Doubt

Album Description

MOMENT OF TRUTH is a giant leap forward in his career. Capturing all the power and energy of his legendary live performances, the new CD is the most guitar-driven, aggressive studio recording he has ever made. His vocals reach new heights of soulfulness and expressiveness; his guitar playing is ferocious and relentless, but when the mood calls for it, gentle and moving. But what really sets the album apart is the depth of Ellis' songwriting. The material deals in matters both personal and universal and runs the gamut of human emotions. MOMENT OF TRUTH is Ellis' most wide-ranging and inspired recording.

Customer Reviews:

RICK SHAQ GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "TINSLEY'S BLUES GUITAR SLINGING, IS AT THE TOP OF HIS GAME!".......2007-07-12

You'll never know, how happy I am to write this review on Tinsley's new CD. Tinsley, has until now, in my opinion, been a juke joint, club level, blues southern rock performer. But his performance on this CD, is first class, and in my eyes, Tinsley has now moved to center stage! As "Shaq's, The King Of The World Blues Reviewer's" loyal fans, know, I have described Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert Kings, unique string play, as "bending the strings", and I have called Buddy Guy's "snapping the strings". Well, Tinsley's string work on this CD, is so powerful, that on some songs, it sounds like he's got rocket engines attached to his guitar! I am officially christening, Tinsley's string sound as: "HEAVY STRING BLUES REVERBERATION!" A number of months ago, I was complimented by a Boston reviewer, because I didn't just give away 5 star ratings, like they were going out of style. So believe me, this is a 5 star rating. As Shaq always says: "You can't get the blues in 3-4 minutes!" This CD is loaded with two 6 minute plus songs, four 5 minute plus songs, and three 4 minute plus songs. Another area that gives me additional pleasure, is when an artist performs songs that he has written himself. It just gives the song a little more feeling and meaning to me. Tinsley has written 10 of the 12 songs on this masterpiece. Total running time 59 minutes. (NOTE TO AMAZON: I think it would be a valuable addition to your listings if you listed the lengths of the songs and CD.) In summary: I recommend this highly, and I hope for Tinsley's benefit, and mine, and all his new fans, that this CD is going to create, that he keeps releasing many more CD's of this quality, in the very near future. Welcome to center stage Tinsley!

MAY BE HIS BEST.......2007-07-12

Before this offering, I thought that STORM WARNING was Tinsley's best. I may change my mind. I will have to listen to this one more. It is certainly his loudest: listen to the samples. But loud does not mean better. Now someone like Walter Trout sounds great with his metal blues/rock sound, but, I think it hurts Ellis' style: his past music has a lot of softer parts, like EARLY IN THE MORNING. You feel that they are trying too hard to, maybe, get the younger listeners interested. What I mean is that Tinsley's style is not heavy metal. But I am not complaining. Every song is very good to excellent. The material is typical Tinsley Ellis: Robert Cray soul blues, blues, and rock. TELL THE TRUTH, I first heard on Jonny Lang's first record. Maybe Ellis is returing the favor for Jonny using his outstanding song, A QUITTER NEVER WINS, although I don't know if Ellis wrote TELL THE TRUTH. A couple of numbers I remember liking on this disc are, BRINGING HOME THE BACON, and YOU'RE GONNA THANK ME. SHADOW OF DOUBT is acoustic, and reminds me of Alan Wilson of Canned Heat. The audio quality is outstanding, although a little on the dead side. Tinsley's guitar playing is excellent but he seems to be rushing his notes. With some promotion, this release could put Tinsley into the big time.

Average customer rating:

music review
Cant go wrong with Country Ghetto
Anatomy: Grey
Another letter from home.
Less slick, more funk!

Country Ghetto
JJ Grey & Mofro
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

Alligator Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads)/ (CD/DVD)

ASIN: B000MGVBNW
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

War
Circles
Country Ghetto
Tragic
By My Side
On Palestine
Footsteps
Turpentine
A Woman
Mississippi
The Sun Is Shining Down
Goodbye

Amazon.com

Within the soul-drenched music of northern Florida's JJ Grey and band, the roots run as deep as the influences are indelible. "War" and "By My Side" sound like Southern-fried Sly and the Family Stone. "Turpentine" recalls the swamp funk of Tony Joe White. Both "A Woman" and "The Sun Is Shining Down" suggest long-lost Otis Redding sessions in Muscle Shoals, while "Mississippi" takes Stevie Wonder's "Superstition" on a trip down to the delta. From the harmonica-laced country blues of the title track to the gospel piano and choir of "On Palestine," Grey's music compensates with conviction for what it lacks in originality. --Don McLeese

Album Description

JJ Grey & MOFRO's Alligator debut, Country Ghetto features 12 original JJ Grey compositions that come right out of the Southern musical and literary tradition. Grey's ear for detail inhabits his songs, whether it is a story passed down to him from his grandmother or the tribulations of a childhood friend. His voice delivers them with an unflinching strength that makes the personal universal and paints a vivid portrait of an exact time or place with words and music. Like his songs, his rich, soulful vocals are forceful and commanding, seemingly old beyond his years. And the music, from smoldering soul ballads to gospel-fried funk to straight ahead rock `n' roll, brings it all home with danceable grooves and a melodic freshness that will stay with you long after the album ends.

Grey's songwriting influences are widespread. "I listen to people who tell the story," he says, naming Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, R.L. Burnside, Tony Joe White, Jerry Reed, Otis Redding, Dr. John, Sly & The Family Stone, Van Morrison, Bill Withers and Dan Penn. What these writers and performers have in common is a love for simplicity, evoking complex emotions with a minimal number of words. As a performer, Grey is influenced by the sexually charged blues of Howlin' Wolf, the country soul of George Jones and the hard funk of James Brown, as well as local personalities like street preachers and old time radio DJs.

Customer Reviews:

music review.......2007-07-11

I love this cd. It is in frequent rotation at my house. It is good on two levels. For one, the funky swamp infested bluesy songs will have you dancing, but the quieter "love songs" are really earthy and sensual as well. It is a great combination of styles and musical instrumentation. I hope they keep on making great music for a long time.

Cant go wrong with Country Ghetto.......2007-06-20

I could write something about how much I love every song on this album but all I need to say is INSTANT CLASSIC. If you love Southern Fried Soul Music these are your guys.

"The Sun Is Shining Down" and "Tragic" are especialy powerful songs.

Enjoy.

Anatomy: Grey .......2007-06-04

Sounds exactly like Sly meets Holmes Brothers meets Edwin Starr meets Jonny Lang meets Sonia Dada meets Black Crowes mets Creedance meets Drive By Truckers meets the Beatles. Sort of.

Another letter from home........2007-05-29

If you've never heard MoFro, then you need to tune in to and find out about some "front porch soul". If you HAVE heard the first two albums, don't think Country Ghetto is some rehash of previous material to fulfill a label contract. It IS the same soulful instrumentation and vocals. But JJ has more stories to tell and they come across to me like a letter from home - full of honest emotion about things we share, the good and the bad. Country Ghetto has a more serious feel to it for me than MOFRO and LOCHLOOSA. Its not just the lyrics of a young inciteful poet, talking about life. Its the lyrics of a man, living life with the convictions, dignity and respect for life you learn when you grow up in a Country Ghetto.

Less slick, more funk!.......2007-05-12

Sounds real old school, really brings me back to the sixties (I am old)

What it lacks in polish, it more than makes up for in pure funk.
The track, A Woman, brings a tear to my eye and goose bumps in conjuring up the spirt of Otis Redding

Average customer rating:

Koko's Still Got It!
YES, WE ARE IN THE BACK STREETS BUT WE ARE NOT CRYING
koko
GREAT SINGER RETURNS
Traditional fare with some standout moments

Old School
Koko Taylor
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Chicago Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Alligator Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Painkiller

ASIN: B000NA2744
Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

Piece Of Man
Gonna Buy Me A Mule
Black Rat
Money Is The Name Of The Game
You Ain't Worth A Good Woman
Better Watch Your Step
Bad Avenue
Bad Rooster
Don't Go No Further
All Your Love
Hard Pill To Swallow
Young Fashioned Ways

Amazon.com

Go ahead and call it a comeback. Despite her advancing years and frail health following a 2003 hospitalization, Old School shows that the Queen of Chicago Blues has no intentions of abdicating her throne just yet. Koko Taylor isn't terribly prolific--this is only her third album in 14 years--but she's also never released a lackluster effort, and this is no exception. As the title suggests, you should be prepared for tough, rugged Chicago blues sung by one of the masters of the genre, regardless of gender. Taylor's legendary booming voice does show some wear, but her husky pipes, wang-dang-doodle attitude, and sheer enthusiasm will convince any skeptics that the singer is far from phoning in her performance. The disc is split evenly between originals and covers of Willie Dixon, Magic Sam, and others, all powered by a gritty yet professional no-nonsense band featuring guitarists Steady Rollin' Bob Margolin and Criss Johnson, along with the harmonica great Billy Branch. Musically, there aren't many surprises, but at this stage Taylor isn't pushing boundaries with her meat-and-potatoes diet of grinding shuffles mixed with the occasional slow blues. Knocking off a tune or two from the hour-long program might have made this a more concise, compact statement, however. Yet with songs as frisky as "Bad Rooster"--possibly an answer to the classic "Little Red Rooster"--and a strutting version of Dixon's "Don't Go No Further," there's no doubt that Taylor remains as passionate and intense as when she was first claiming her crown, nearly four decades ago. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

With her first album in seven years, the aptly titled Old School, Taylor once again shows the world what she does so well. From foot-stomping barnburners to powerful slow blues, Koko proves in an instant that her blues are joyous and life-affirming, powerful and soul-stirring.

With Old School, Taylor brings it all back home, supported by a band of veteran musicians and young revivalists. Singing like she did for Chess Records early in her career, Taylor belts out a set of material that could easily have topped the blues charts in the 1950s, and will certainly reach the top of the blues world today.

Koko Taylor, guitarist Criss Johnson and Alligator president Bruce Iglauer produced Old School. Recorded in Chicago, the 12 songs (including five new Taylor originals and songs by Willie Dixon, Magic Sam, Lefty Dizz, and E.G. Kight) all hearken back to Taylor's early years in the Windy City. They range from the humorous truth of Piece Of Man to the rocking blues advice of Better Watch Your Step to the tough street scene of Bad Avenue (done in classic Muddy Waters style), to Koko's version of Memphis Minnie's Black Rat, a song she used to sing as a teenager. "I put my heart and soul into everything that I do," says Taylor. "I worked long and hard on Old School, and I want my fans to enjoy it as much as I do."

Customer Reviews:

Koko's Still Got It!.......2007-07-10

Koko Taylor has weathered lots in her lengthy career, but she shows no signs of aging or rust on "Old School," her latest release.

Her voice still strong, still able to plead, prod, cajole and coerce, Ms. Taylor proves that no one will be pretending to ascend to her Queen of The blues throne anytime soon.

If you've always loved Koko, you'll find that nothing has changed. And that's a good thing.

YES, WE ARE IN THE BACK STREETS BUT WE ARE NOT CRYING.......2007-06-26

Koko Taylor was a lately acquired taste as I rambled through the Chicago blues milieu trying to figure out where the blues went after it left the Delta. By that I had became a devotee after Bessie Smith, Memphis Minnie and even Victoria Spivey. No question that Koko is now the reigning queen of that genre. Her big, big booming voice and forthright manner of telling her blues stories tells all as she does some remarkable covers of Willie Dixon tunes. And that is appropraite because if I recall Willie helped discover her for the old Chess Record label. But that is neither her nor there. For those who only know Koko from Wang Dang Doodle or Back Streets Crying then you are in for a treat.

koko.......2007-06-16

Glad to know koko is back.lookin forward to new endeavers

GREAT SINGER RETURNS.......2007-06-11

Koko Taylor is one of those artists who just doesn't have a big enough catalog--we could use a LOT more music from her. She sings with passion, conviction, and a real love of music. This is real blues music too--not crossover in any direction, but true to its own great heritage. Highly recommended for all blues fans.

Traditional fare with some standout moments.......2007-05-24

The title of Koko Taylor's new CD, Old School, is a reaffirmation of the obvious. Taylor's formula hasn't wavered since she recorded Willie Dixon's "Wang Dang Doodle" in the early sixties. She makes no concession to modern musical styles, and she doesn't trouble herself with musical nuances like changes in dynamics: this is traditional, full-bore, overdriven Chicago Blues dressed in the same clothes it wore when it got off the Greyhound from Memphis.

So that begs the question: Given that unwavering consistency, why add yet another Taylor to the blues shelf?

The most compelling reason is the backup band. Although most of the arrangements here are typically too busy--it seems every musician has to be there on every beat--there are moments when Bob Margolin and Criss Johnson's guitars sting through the mix to remind us that there's yet some room left in the tradition-bound twelve-bar form for a bit of unique expression and exceptional fretwork. Most remarkable of all is the harmonica accompaniment of Billy Branch. Branch's full-throated harp on pieces like "Black Rat" is reminiscent of James Cotton's standout work with Muddy Waters, who was once Koko's male counterpart in the Chess rotation. Branch's work on "Money Is The Name of the Game," gives the tune a much-needed plaintive quality that Taylor's flat-out stridency (and tendency to lead the beat rather than lag it) fails to provide.

The benchmark of the album is the closer, Willie Dixon's, "Young Fashioned Ways." It's the only tune on the album where Taylor is backed by a band billed as "The Blues Machine." Sparse and muscular, The Blues Machine leaves space in the music where Taylor's energy has room to seep out. In this revived Dixon number, the 1950's Chess Records machine roars back to life.

Average customer rating:

Dirty Deal, Coco Montoya
review of album
Coco Montoya - Dirty Deal
HOT COCO!!
Coco Fans--Get this One!!!!!!!

Dirty Deal
Coco Montoya
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Alligator Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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Painkiller
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Full Circle
In the Palace of the King
Close as You Get

ASIN: B000KLNLE6
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Last Dirty Deal
Three Sides To Every Story
Love Gotcha
How Do You Sleep At Night?
It Takes Time
It's My Own Tears
Coin Operated Love
Clean Slate
Put The Shoe On The Other Foot
It's All Your Fault
Ain't No Brakeman

Amazon.com

A grizzly-bear guitar tone and diamond-hard riffs are the strongest cards of this former Albert Collins and John Mayall sideman. Montoya turns them in often on these 11 tunes, right from the opening "Last Dirty Deal," which absolutely roars, to the climactic final solo of "There Ain't No Brakeman on This Train," which concludes the album with a flourish of six-string ferocity. Even the ballads, like "How Do You Sleep at Night," scream with edgy intensity. That's partly because producer Paul Barerre of Little Feat succeeded at capturing the essence of Montoya's live sound, but mostly because Montoya's mentor Collins put his fiery brand on his apprentice's style. It still burns, six albums into Montoya's solo career--especially when he's covering Collins's "Put the Shoe on the Other Foot," a funky shuffle full of bellowing sustained notes and stiletto melodies that reply to his singing. That song's declamatory style also serves Montoya's narrow vocal range well. And while his lyrics occasionally stumble into blues clichés--falling tears, dirty deals--his playing is unfailingly eloquent. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

Since stepping out as a bandleader in 1993, Montoya released five solo albums and performed non-stop at clubs, concert halls and major festivals all over the world. At every show, fans' jaws dropped, and critics raved about Montoya's mind-bending guitar licks and fervent vocals. "The fiery blues that issue forth from Coco Montoya's guitar are awe-inspiring and boogie requiring," says The Village Voice. With his new CD, Dirty Deal (joined by his friends from Little Feat), Montoya turns up the intensity with another dose of his feral, soul-stirring music.

On Dirty Deal, Montoya, along with his road-tested, red-hot touring band, once again uses blues as a blasting off point for his emotional, soulful music. With his icy-hot guitar playing and his passionate, unaffected vocals, he attacks each of the 11 songs with deep feeling and ferocious energy. Montoya's friends, Little Feat members Paul Barerre, Kenny Gradney, Richie Hayward and Bill Payne, add their unique talents to the mix as well. Produced by Barrere and engineer Roger Cole, every song on Dirty Deal--the rockers as well as the ballads--burns from start to finish. Montoya brings all the unbridled force of his acclaimed live shows into the studio for a foot-stomping, guitar-fueled ride. Dirty Deal is Montoya's rawest, most stripped-down and impassioned recording to date.

Customer Reviews:

Dirty Deal, Coco Montoya.......2007-07-02

I'm not a huge fan of this music genre. That said this is a solid effort by Montoya. It met my expectations.

review of album.......2007-05-15

In my opinion- The album is recorded very well . The vocals are soulfull ,excellent style blues delivered with heart . The guitars' tone sounds better than some of his other albums . It has bite . I'd like to hear him really cut loose though ,he's probably capable of much more .

Coco Montoya - Dirty Deal.......2007-03-22

My first Coco CD. First heard him play on a track on Tommy Castro's PainKiller CD (a must have). That was enough for me to buy Dirty Deal. The title track is killer. The whole CD gets better with each listen. Listening with headphones reveals some subtle rhythm tracks from time to time. Definately planning on giving his previous recordings a listen.

[...]

HOT COCO!!.......2007-03-12

the fact of the matter is that I just now ordered this CD so I haven't heard it yet but I just caught Coco at BB King's Club in New York on March 9th and he was his usual brilliant self. He played a few songs from this disc and they were great. I have seen Coco 4 times now and his playing has so much soul and passion. He's got a great voice and and his guitar playing skills are absolutely superb. He might not have invented the blues but he sure as hell plays like it. If you like the blues and wicked guitar playing then do yourself a favor and get this man's discs. You won't be sorry!

www.electriceyes.us

Coco Fans--Get this One!!!!!!!.......2007-01-22

I just played this album for the 1st time and I can't get it out of my cd player--what an awesome new release by CoCo--lots of great guitar,great singing, and well written songs by Coco. Lots of different styles he plays so well-rockin stuff, ballads, and excellent blues. Well backup band by members of Little Feat on some songs--you can tell which ones by just listening. Its one those albums you love right from the start--you can't get it out of your head. Can't wait to see him live again-----Get this one now!!!!

Average customer rating:

State of Grace, The Holmes Brothers
A very pleasing state it is
gasoline drawers
A must for your collection
Interpretive? Yes. Gospel? No, Blues, Maybe.

State of Grace
The Holmes Brothers
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Styles | Music

Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music

Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

Alligator Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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West
We'll Never Turn Back
The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster
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My Name Is Buddy

ASIN: B000KLNLDC
Release Date: 2007-01-16

Tracks:

Smiling Face Hiding A Weeping Heart
Close The Door
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?
Gasoline Drawers
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You (with Rosanne Cash)
Bad Moon Rising
Three Gray Walls
If I Had A Boat
Those Memories Of You (with Joan Osborne)
I Want You To Want Me
Ain't It Funny What A Fool Will Do
Standing In The Need Of Love
I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages (with Levon Helm)
God Will

Amazon.com

Elvis Costello made Nick Lowe's "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" a hard-put question--the Holmes Brothers transform it into a prayer on their spare, passionate tenth album. The disc earns its title by gently framing a clutch of originals and well-chosen covers within their signature blend of old-time gospel singing and roadhouse blues. And zydeco: they transport CCR's "Bad Moon Rising" from the mythic swamps of California songwriter John Fogerty to the authentic bayous of southern Louisiana with an accordion-led arrangement and two-step rhythm. Although these New York City-based juke joint veterans are an electric band, this time out producer Craig Street has surrounded the velvet and grit of their three-part harmonies with acoustic instruments and relaxed tempos. The uncluttered setting magnifies every nuance of their singing, making many of these performances absolutely angelic. And the simpler the better. Their slow, wistful piano-accompanied version of Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me" aches with desire and sadness. Wendell Holmes and Rosanne Cash bare the wounded soul of Hank Williams's "I Can't Help It If I'm Still in Love with You" as they trade verses over acoustic guitars and mandolins. Joan Osborne and Levon Helm contribute guest vocal on other songs, but it's the Brothers' organic union of the spiritual and the corporeal that makes this album so lovely and so thrilling. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

The Holmes Brothers return with State Of Grace, produced by Craig Street (Norah Jones, Chris Whitley, Cassandra Wilson) who also produced Simple Truths. Noted for their ability to transform songs by legendary writers from The Beatles to Tom Waits to Bob Marley, The Holmes Brothers push that tradition even farther on State Of Grace. They expertly reinvent songs by writers as diverse as John Fogerty (Bad Moon Rising), Cheap Trick (I Want You To Want Me), Hank Williams, Sr. (I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You), Nick Lowe (What's So Funny `Bout Peace, Love And Understanding?), George Jones (Ain't It Funny What A Fool Will Do), and Lyle Lovett (God Will, If I Had A Boat), delivering versions that need to be heard to be believed.

For the first time, several of The Holmes Brothers' star friends add talents to the sessions. Levon Helm, drummer/vocalist from The Band, joined by his daughter Amy Helm, makes his first vocal recording since recovering from throat cancer with a heartfelt lead on I've Just Seen The Rock Of Ages. On the Hank Williams classic I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You Wendell trades verses with Rosanne Cash in a mesmerizing performance. And old friend Joan Osborne steps out on a bluesy, storefront church version of Those Memories Of You. The Holmes Brothers interplay of their voices with their guests' is simple, musical magic.

As incredible as they are as interpreters (OffBeat calls them "the best interpretive group working today"), The Holmes Brothers are equally talented songwriters. Exceptional originals Gasoline Drawers, Smiling Face Hiding A Weeping Heart, Close The Door and Standing In The Need Of Love showcase the same true-life stories, depth of feeling, heartbreak and humor found in the timeless songs they choose to cover. With one foot firmly planted in the secular world, The Holmes Brothers layer their songs with rich gospel harmonies and alternately rough-edged and tender vocals, producing what is undoubtedly their richest and most fully realized album.

Customer Reviews:

State of Grace, The Holmes Brothers.......2007-07-02

A great group with loads of talent. The groups spirit and enthusiasm has not diminished with age. The CD contains a very interesting mix of selections.

A very pleasing state it is.......2007-05-14

A very pleasing collection of bluesy folk, soul, americana and country tunes, both upbeat and ballad styles. Fine harmonies and "from the heart" solos by veteran voices which compliment the musical selections. The more you listen the more you are pulled into these tunes. It sounds like the fellas had fun singing and playing. The smiling faces on the CD sleeve belie this feeling. After listening one is certainly happy all over.

gasoline drawers.......2007-04-04

the holmes brothers "state of grace". great! this sets the music world on fire like we all are wearing gasoline drawers!

A must for your collection.......2007-03-08

The more you listen to this CD the more you'll hear. It's great music with fabulous attitude. The lyrics are starting to bubble over into the way I talk. One of my favorite songs has the line: "I can't stand your conversation." I tried this out on my husband the other day. Fortunately we both laughed.

Interpretive? Yes. Gospel? No, Blues, Maybe........2007-02-23

This album didn't reach out and grab me at all. As a big fan of Gospel Blues of every stripe, I picked up this album with anticipation to be greatly disappointed. Half the album is old secular songs done in a different style, some work some don't. The best original track is Gasoline Drawers, the rest are unremarkable. Overall, a rather bland offering.

Average customer rating:

Just what the doctor ordered!
A fabulous bargain
Genuine Soul Rockin' Music
A great range of great artists
A great collection for anyone

Alligator Records 35X35
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000EGDMY6
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

She's Gone - Hound Dog Taylor
Have A Good Time - Big Walter Horton
Your Love Is Like A Cancer - Son Seals
Texas Flood - Fenton Robinson
I Got What It Takes - Koko Taylor
Honey Hush (Talking Woman Blues) - Albert Collins
Voodoo Daddy - Lonnie Brooks
In The Wee Wee Hours - Professor Longhair
Are You Losing Your Mind? - Buddy Guy
Don't Take Advantage Of Me - Johnny Winter
High Compression - James Cotton
Satisfy Suzie - Lonnie Mack
When A Guitar Plays The Blues - Roy Buchanan
Pride and Joy - Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
She Winked Her Eye - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Poor Tarzan - Little Charlie & The Nightcats
Can't You Lie - Tinsley Ellis

Tracks:

Lord, I Wonder - Katie Webster
Don't Lie To Me - Elvin Bishop
Lollipop Mama - William Clarke
Wild Women Don't Have The Blues - Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women
River Hip Mama - Charlie Musselwhite
Short Fuse Blues - Dave Hole
Lonesome Stranger - Carey Bell
Bad Love - Luther Allison
Bad Luck - C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band
Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning - Corey Harris
Salt In My Wounds - Shemekia Copeland
I Need Your Love In My Life - Coco Montoya
Mean Old Lady - Michael Burks
Speaking In Tongues - The Holmes Brothers
Let The Tears Roll Down - Marcia Ball
That's Right! - Roomful of Blues
Old School - Guitar Shorty
A Dying Man's Plea - Mavis Staples

Amazon.com

Unlike many men, Alligator Records never forgets an anniversary. "The country's largest contemporary blues label," as it rightly bills itself, has released multidisc compilations celebrating its 20th, 25th, 30th, and now 35th years. For reasons that aren't entirely clear, only tracks recorded for an artist's first Alligator disc are chosen for this chronologically presented summary of music that stretches from Hound Dog Taylor's electrifying 1971 label debut to Mavis Staples's in 2004. Although the imprint made a tentative stab at reggae in the mid '80s, its roster generally upholds the "genuine houserocking music" credo Alligator has boasted as a tagline since the early days. Whether reviving the careers of blues rockers (Johnny Winter, Roy Buchanan, Lonnie Mack, Elvin Bishop) or ageing icons with plenty of gas left in their tanks (Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Katie Webster, Mavis Staples, James Cotton, Guitar Shorty) or finding new blood to carry on the traditions (Michael Burks, Corey Harris, Dave Hole, Tinsley Ellis, Shemekia Copeland), Alligator sets the standard for what an independent label can achieve. These 35 nuggets extracted from a catalog of 225 albums only begin to tell the label's story, but there's not a weak one in the lot. Founder Bruce Iglauer's intriguing and insightful liner notes for each act add depth to the tunes, making 35x35 a representative sampler that's also an exhilarating listening experience, and a fascinating overview of American roots music. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

35 X 35 is not just another best-of compilation. Alligator founder and president Bruce Iglauer and staff chose to spotlight songs from the Alligator debut release from each featured artist. From "She's Gone" (the very first track on the very first Alligator album, 1971's Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers) to the legendary Mavis Staples' chilling "A Dying Man's Plea," 35 X 35 is effectively a chronological history of Alligator, a story told in music highlighting every style of blues and roots music the company has released. From the searing hard blues of Hound Dog Taylor, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Luther Allison, Koko Taylor and Buddy Guy to harmonica-driven workouts from Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell, James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite and William Clarke to the Gulf Coast piano blues of Professor Longhair, Katie Webster and Marcia Ball to the acoustic music of Saffire--The Uppity Blues Women and Corey Harris, it is clear that Alligator Records has been, and will remain, at the forefront of modern blues music in all of its many shades. With personal notes on each track from Iglauer in the accompanying 40-page booklet, 35 X 35 is proof of the staunchly independent label's single-minded vision for all these years: to record nothing but deeply rooted "Genuine Houserockin' Music."

Customer Reviews:

Just what the doctor ordered!.......2007-06-02

great retrospective. true blues - soulful, raw & edgy, fun, smooth, heartbreaking - it's all here. highly recommended!

A fabulous bargain.......2007-02-26

You're paying about 35 cents a song for great contemporary blues performances. I don't think there's a better bargain on Amazon. Very guitar centric, some good harmonica solos too. Grab it if you like electric guitars playing blues.

Genuine Soul Rockin' Music.......2006-09-07

Even though this package only compiles material from Alligator Records, you probably won't find a more fascinating tour through the history of the Blues over the last 35 years. Of course, Alligator has a knack for signing up the most interesting Blues maestros. This compilation shows the development of cutting-edge Blues over the namesake era, ever since Alligator's inaugural release with Hound Dog Taylor in 1971. During much of this era, the Blues was still progressing, before settling into the respectful revivalism of recent years. In the 70s, Alligator was at the forefront with new artists who added flavor to tried-and-true styles, like the sinister Son Seals or the groovy Lonnie Brooks. Also during that decade, Alligator brought several veteran masters back into prominence, with powerful new material by the likes of Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, and Professor Longhair (noteworthy for his authoritative New Orleans style). As this compilation rumbles along, we hear a surprising amount of experimentation and progression in the 1980s, as interesting new artists expanded the basic template of the Blues, including some great finds like Lil' Mo & the Blues Imperials and Little Charlie & the Nightcats. The songs here from the 90s and 00s show that even the genius artists at Alligator followed the trend in Blues to solidify the classic template, with technical chops becoming more important than innovation - notwithstanding intriguing gospel-inflected works from the Holmes Brothers and the queenly Mavis Staples. But thanks to the impeccable expertise and taste exercised by Alligator when signing masters both new and old, this compilation is a must for any fan or historian of modern Blues. [~doomsdayer520~]

A great range of great artists.......2006-06-02

This double-CD set has great artists, great selections from the artists, and a killer set of liner packaging. You get some choice information and showings by legendary cats as well as non-household names, with explanations as to why they were great (as if the music wasn't doing that job already). And at the price, you can't beat the value.

A great collection for anyone.......2006-04-27

If you're just getting into contemporary blues or you've been listening for awhile, you're going to love this collection. Alligator has been one of the class acts of the indie labels for a long time and these discs give you an idea why they are so well thought of. 35 artists doing the first track from their first Alligator release. Marica Ball, Coco Montoya, Lonnie Mack, Johnny Winter, William Clarke and the list goes on with not a weak cut in the carload. These type of samplers are great if you're just getting into this type of music since you do get a wide selection of artists and styles. Alligator has released double disc anniversary sets in honor of yeas 20, 25, 30 and now, 35. They're all great to listen to, so grab one or all of them and have yourself a party with genuine houserocking music from people who know how to do it.

Average customer rating:

Fresh and Fabulous
Makes Your Shoes Move
Nasty (as in awesome) Debut
Better Than I expected
simply excellent

Change in the Weather
Eric Lindell
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Country Ghetto
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Songlines

ASIN: B000EGDMXW
Release Date: 2006-04-04

Tracks:

Give It Time
Two-Bit Town
Feel Like I Do
All ALone
Should Have Known
Casanova
See Me Through
Sunny Daze
It Won't Be Long
Sad But True
Let Me Know
Uncle John
Lady Jane
Lazy Days

Amazon.com

Although this is his first nationally distributed album, Eric Lindell is probably already tired of hearing himself tagged as "blue-eyed soul." But there is truth in that description. Sounding somewhat similar to Delbert McClinton and, with his lanky frame and scraggly beard, looking a bit like a tattooed young Bruce Springsteen/Tom Waits mashup, Lindell has the pipes, the style, and the songs to break out of his bluesy niche and into the mainstream. Recorded at various times in California and New Orleans with a revolving cast of musicians, Change in the Weather falls between a laid-back West Coast-styled soul, gritty Crescent City R&B, and a bit of frisky reggae. Despite the scattershot recording of these tracks, Lindell focuses the album's styles with dynamic and subtly emotional vocals that float with insistent assurance.

Horns punctuate the Stax-styled "All Alone" and the breezy Caribbean groove of "It Won't Be Long" adds layers to the already warm, soulful approach. While he never takes a solo, Lindell's ever-present rhythm guitar drives the sound, filling the spaces but leaving room for his low-key, commanding voice. He's clearly enjoying himself, and that enthusiasm shoots out of the speakers due to the singer's snappy, never fussy production and smartly arranged tunes that call you back for another listen. On the basis of Change in the Weather, the forecast for Eric Lindell is--like his music--brisk, crisp, and balmy. --Hal Horowitz

Album Description

California-born, New Orleans-schooled singer/songwriter/vocalist Eric Lindell is a roots rocker with dozens of original songs that combine soul shaking rhythm & blues, reggae grooves, swamp pop and blues. Lindell is a fan favorite in his northern California turf and his adopted home of New Orleans (where he was featured on the cover of OffBeat magazine and performed on the main stage at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival). He is accomplished on guitar, harmonica, keyboards and bass, and has performed with some of the Crescent City's top musicians as well as some of the jam band community's biggest names (including members of Galactic). The winner of the "1999 John Lennon Songwriting Competition" for his song Kelly Ann, Lindell is now ready to bring his rough-hewn voice and memorable original songs to the rest of the music-loving world with the release of his Alligator Records debut, CHANGE IN THE WEATHER.

CHANGE IN THE WEATHER will delight and surprise music fans hungry for an extraordinary, original artist who is just getting ready to explode. Lindell's songs are cliche-free, completely original and yet have an instant familiarity to them. The laid-back grooves and hook-laden melodies hint of 1970's-era Van Morrison and Bruce Springsteen, but are not throwbacks as much as they are powerful, rootsy, thought-provoking and danceable contemporary songs. Traces of Stevie Wonder, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles and Sly and the Family Stone can be found in Eric's originals, with foot-stomping grooves coming around every corner and horns punching in all the right places. Guests on the CD include War drummer Harold Brown, Ivan Neville, and Galactic's Stanton Moore.

Customer Reviews:

Fresh and Fabulous.......2007-02-16

While tooling around on My Space one day, I went to one my "friend's" home pages, which "friend" is Tinsley Ellis. On Tinsley's page, I ran across an artist of whom I had never heard, but for some reason, I was curious about him. As I clicked on that artist's home page, one of the funkiest, most fun songs I have heard in a very long time began to blare from my speakers. I immediately added that song to my own player. That song is called "Casanova," and that artist is none other than Eric Lindell. Eric's music highlights everything that is wrong with music today. The focus is on his musicianship, his smokey vocals, and his incredible songwriting skills. His music takes me to places I've never been but want to go. The selections on this CD go from making one want to get up and jam to kicking back and enjoying the company of close friends or a significant other. If asked to give you the "highlights" on this CD, I will tell you "all of them." From the funky beat and anthem that is "Two Bit Town" to the jazzy, bluesy strains of "Sunny Daze," Eric ensures that no one will ever take your smile or change your funky style. This is a must-have for all true music lovers who appreciate the talents of a unique, multi-talented artist. Eric is primed to take blues to a whole new level. I don't know about you, but I'm going with him.

Makes Your Shoes Move.......2007-02-14

Eric Lindell who looks like a recent high school grad from the beaming picture on the cover of the CD will turn 38 this year. Lindell began working in Sonoma County, California before relocating to New Orleans. He won the 1999 John Lennon songwriting competition. With four CDs & one EP under his belt on small labels, this is first recording for the Alligator blues label. The tunes on this disc put a smile on your face and keep your toes tapping with a bluesy soul groove. The opener "Give It Time" boasts percussion by War's Harold Brown and Lindell's relaxed optimistic vocal slur, "Things will get better, a change in the weather, it just might suit you good." Another favorite of mine is "Feel Like I Do" with Brown's pounding percussion and Lindell's catchy chorus, "Baby, one two three four times a night, I wonder if you feel all right like I do." "Sunny Daze" also has sparkling percussion sounding like nouveau Santana with Lindell's slick guitar licks "Some rainy days you know I dig the rain; It's rolling down my window pain; Some rainy days I have no luck; Hell, I can't get up." While these are my very favorite tracks, the rest of the CD is strong with a soulful blues groove that's sure to make your shoes move. Run to get this one! Enjoy!

Nasty (as in awesome) Debut.......2006-12-11

Wow ... holy wow. This cd sizzles with fresh music new to the blues scene. The riffs are intoxicating(ly) great. I couldn't stop playing "Feel Like I Do," which is the third track, but it didn't take that long to proclaim this a winner. Start at No. 1, "All Alone," and the music grows from there because Lindell has a multi-faceted approach to his music with a touch of rock, pop, blues, raggae, horns/brass, and a voice knee deep in soul. His singing comes straight from the heart. The arrangements are tight. Go for it!

Better Than I expected.......2006-09-14

Fell in love with the first song that I heard on the radio (Change in the Weather). Love every song on the CD. It's a fun CD.

simply excellent.......2006-08-09

This is an absolutely excellent collection of songs. While it is reminiscent of other blues artists, and there might even be a very slight touch of Grateful Dead influence, the sound is fresh. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Great times relived
An AWESOME Vintonese Rocker
A real treat!
Marcia goes live
A little piece of home

Live! Down the Road
Marcia Ball
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Blues | Styles | Music

New Orleans Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

Texas Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0007YMV2O
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Tracks:

Big Shot
The Right Tool For The Job
Just Kiss Me
That's Enough of that Stuff
Louella
Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday
La Ti Da
It Hurts To Be In Love (w/ Angela Strehli)
Down The Road
No Ordinary Woman
Crawfishin'
Louisiana 1927
Count The Days
Let Me Play With Your Poodle

Album Description

For more than 30 years, Ball has been delivering her signature brand of Texas blues, Louisiana R&B and Gulf Coast swamp pop to audiences all over the world. She has earned a huge and intensely loyal following through critically acclaimed albums and continued non-stop touring. Live, she's simply unbeatable

LIVE! DOWN THE ROAD, a blistering set recorded at the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in 2004. The CD mixes songs from throughout her career, including longtime fan favorites like La Ti Da and Crawfishin' as well as newer material like Louella. Ball gives each song the workout of a lifetime, reinventing and reinvigorating every track with the immediacy and fire only a live show can deliver.

Customer Reviews:

Great times relived.......2007-06-15

We have heard Marcia Ball in person twice and were blown away by her performances both times. This live CD helps us relive those great evenings. She is such a talent, unlike some performers we have loved in person and not liked as well on CD. This CD proves that listening to her is about as good as the live show. Her diversity, from La-ti-da, to Louisiana 1927, makes for a great combination of songs. We discovered, also, on a long trip home from the airport in the middle of the night, that this CD is great for keeping a very sleepy driver awake! We highly recommend it.

An AWESOME Vintonese Rocker .......2007-04-11

It is hard to say this is the best she has done because Marcia rocks the house down on everything she does. "Down the Road" is full of down home music with hits such as: Down the Road - Louisiana 1927 - Crawfishin.
Its safe to say, buy it, listen to it and relish it. This will truly liven up a party when you plug this one in!

A real treat!.......2007-03-09

Marcia Ball, from Vinton, Louisiana, has such a unique style... this CD is a treat for anyone who enjoys New Orleans style music, and any type of music, actually. Marcia has phenominal range. It'll get you up and moving!

Marcia goes live.......2006-03-22

I was hoping this live album would bring out all the energy Marcia brings to live performances and to a great extent it did. I find her studio albums burdened with ballads and just not the same as watching her pound the keyboard and sing. This is a generally consistent album of her best material, except for the puppy dog song but I may be in a small minority on that. GR

A little piece of home.......2006-02-25

The first time I heard Marcia Ball was in downtown Dallas at the Farmers Market eating breakfast with my husband. A gentleman was playing music for those eating on the outside court. The music was so great that after we finished eating we went up to him to find out who that artist was and needless to say it was Marcia Ball...we enjoyed it them and still enjoy it. I love to listen to it after a hard day at work...it sooths my soul and brings a back a little piece of home life.

Average customer rating:

Have a Little Faith
Seasoned chanteuse ... Ms. Mavis
Staples is spiritually and musically convicted
pure enjoyment
Mavis takes you into a different sphere.

Have A Little Faith
Mavis Staples
Manufacturer: Alligator Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | R&B | Styles | Music

General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music

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A Woman Like Me

ASIN: B0002A5R6A
Release Date: 2004-08-17

Tracks:

Step Into The Light
Pop's Recipe
Have A Little Faith
God Is Not Sleeping
A Dying Man's Plea
Ain't No Better Than You
I Wanna Thank You
I Still Believe In You
At The End of the Day
There's A Devil On The Loose
In Times Like These
Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Amazon.com

As the lead female voice of family gospel band the Staple Singers, Mavis Staples has shown more than a little faith across four decades, using her voice as a powerful instrument in the battle for civil rights and the eternal struggle for salvation (as well as pop hits). Here, on her first CD of new material since 1993's Prince-produced The Voice, the 64-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer seems relaxed. That's why acoustic treatments of tunes like "Step Into the Light" and the Blind Lemon Jefferson tribute "A Dying Man's Plea" sound so good wrapped around her warm honey-and-grits tones, with slide guitars and fiddles following the easy flow of her melodies. Nonetheless, there's a simmering intensity to her performances, though she eases for sweet recollections in the uplifting biography of her late father Roebuck, "Pop's Recipe." Yet Staples always remains strong enough to render the disc's overabundance of lite-funk arrangements irrelevant. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

HAVE A LITTLE FAITH is a stirring collection of uplifting, gospel-rooted songs deeply-seated in Staples'faith and spirituality. Produced by Jim Tullio and Staples, the album features the strongest collection of material—both originals and interpretations—Mavis has ever assembled. With help from the Dixie Hummingbirds, HAVE A LITTLE FAITH takes listeners deep into the heart of the singer Vibe magazine called "one of pop's most distinctive voices."

Customer Reviews:

Have a Little Faith.......2006-08-29

She had it Then...She has it Now...One Word, One Name, Synonymous with Soul..."Mavis"

Seasoned chanteuse ... Ms. Mavis.......2006-04-12

I first heard this cd on a blues radio station in Houston, Texas (KPFT) and 'A Dying Man's Last Plea' was what sent shivers down my spine. I like the entire cd but this song is the one I play over and over.

Staples is spiritually and musically convicted.......2006-04-02

Mavis Staples
Have A Little Faith Alligator

On her first album of new material since 1993, Mavis Staples proves to be, spiritually and musically, convicted. She still has her instantly recognizable and dynamic voice. It distinctively features throughout 12 songs on her Alligator debut. All are uplifting and contain encouraging messages about being the best you can be, equal rights, helping each other, spirituality in God, believing in your dreams, and keeping the faith. Her unheralded backing band, features her sister, Yvonne, on background vocals. The production is very polished.

"Pops Recipe" is rather funky and is an homage to Mavis' father. He had 13 siblings, dropped out of school to pick cotton yet became a gospel and soul legend. Pops taught his children to ("Accept responsibility / don't subscribe to bigotry, hypocrisy, duplicity.") "Ain't No Better Than You" contains equally strong lyrics such as ("Change will come but not overnight / it's the waiting / that's so frustrating.") The slow and deeply moving, "God Is Not Sleeping", is beautiful and brilliant. Several numbers mix gospel with R&B such as "I Still Believe In You" and "There's A Devil On The Loose". The latter describes the evil that is brought to individuals and society. The Chicago Music Community Choir's gospel backing vocals are astounding on "In Times Like These".

The meaningful lyrics to these inspirational songs are a stark reminder of the strife's and struggles that many have to endure. Yet, this is healing music -- designed to help our hurting and deeply suffering world. Like an open door, Staples' powerful voice and contemporary musical arrangements are welcoming so that you don't miss out on a lost opportunity. For 51 minutes, she instills faith in the deepest cynic and provides hope for the broken-hearted.

-- Tim Holek

pure enjoyment.......2005-09-02

There's a reason Mavis and this CD won four W.C. Handy Awards...it is a terrific disc. The songs are uplifting and inspiring. The production is immaculate. The background musicianship is superb. And, of course, there is that strong, angelic voice. No reason to look further...buy this CD.

Mavis takes you into a different sphere........2005-06-29

This is the finest album I have heard in years. From track to track.

Mavis Staples' deep,lush, contralto voice, has only become richer with time.
Working not over the fantasic muscians on this album, but with them. Giving you the feeling that this is a true ensemble. The slide guitar, the hint of sax, the awsome percussion, the blues, mixed with rythem,funk and soul that so brilliantly seems to caress her voice.

'Keep The Faith' is an album for a person of any faith. Of any heart, of any life.
The songs chosen are of empowerment and strength. They ring true.

One can not help but feel the deep rooted passion of Mavis.
Her delivery of a lyric is something only a woman of her experience could do. Wether at full throttle, or whispering to get your attention. She has a divine and truly musical ability.
Each song is it's own unique treasure.

It is easy to understand why Prince chose this voice for his Graffiti Bridge album and movie. Why Bob Dylan, Aretha, Al Green and so many others fell in love with this talent.

After listening to this C.D., I listened to it again and again.
Later, I purchased a few copies for some friends that were not familiar with her.

THAT, is the gift of music. Mavis is a gift to us.

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