It's probably natural to have some falloff this week after the excitement of so many awesome releases last week. I'm still jamming to the four CDs from Blue Bella as well as that Peter Karp & Sue Foley CD. I still haven't had time to delve into the White Stripes live CD and that is going to have to be rectified. The beat goes on, though, and we have albums what need discussing for March 23, so best we get on with it.
Joe Bonamassa
Black Rock
Joe 's previous record The Ballad of John Henry was once again the #1 album on the blues chart last week and now he's ready with a brand new record. Black Rock mixes covers and originals. Joe is covering Leonard Cohen's "Bird On A Wire." He's also covering a favorite from my hero Otis Rush, "Three Times A Fool." Joe is one of the biggest names and biggest draws on the blues circuit and this is a noteworthy release. For a limited time, you can download "Blue and Evil" from Black Rock free from Amazon. I must do two things: 1) acknowledge good friend Joan Hunt for introducing me to Joe and 2) pick a copy of this one ASAP.
Chuck Berry
Have Mercy: His Complete Chess Recordings 1969-1974
God bless you, Hip-O Select. This is the third and final 4-CD re-issue of Chuck Berry's vital, legendary output for the historic Chess label. I have volumes one and two and you can bet I'm going to have this third installment. Berry left the Chess label for three years only to return in 1969, which is where Have Mercy picks up. Most rock historians will tell you Chuck's best days were behind him by '69 and they may have a point but there were still some great songs that came from the mind and guitar of Chuck Berry during this period.
She & Him
Volume 2
Zoey Deschanel and M.Ward's collaboration has spawned a sequel. Indie people were largely in love with the first collection. Early reviews on Vol. 2 have been mostly positive although I did finally find one that was less enamored of it. For whatever reason, I've not been inclined to dial either of these up but this release is getting some buzz so I offer it up to you.
Article comments
1 - Joanie
I'm glad I could talk you into Joe (it only took what? A year or so?).
Gotta tell ya, I'm still happily exploring and studying the blues and it's much more fun to have a friend like you on the journey with me.