Blues
Listening to and watching Carey Bell's vigorous vocals and harp playing on a new CD/DVD he share with his son Lurrie, "Gettin' Up Live" (Delmark), one will be astonished to learn that Carey had suffered a stroke, fell and broke a hip weeks before and yet still appeared at Rosa's a few days after leaving the hospital. This new recording/ video captures the two at Rosa's in July, 2006 and at Buddy Guy's Legend's in October 2006, along with some intimate performances at Lurrie's home the day after the Rosa's performance. With strong supporting musicians for the band sides and the empathy they demonstrate whenever they perform together, the Bells have produced both a strong CD and a delightful DVD. The CD has 4 performances from Rosa's, Legends, and Lurrie's home, while the DVD adds two performances from Rosa's. The band selections are excellent with Roosevelt Purifoy certainly adding solid keyboards in support and the bass drum duos of Bob Stroger & Brian `BJ' Jones or Joe Thomas & Kenny Smith keep things going. Scott Cable joins on guitar on Lurrie's vocal at Rosa's (a solid Baby Please Don't Go) and the Legends' performances. Carey is first heard on Junior Wells' What My Mama Told Me, which is appropriate because Bell's vocals evoke Wells. "Gettin' Up" is one of those funky blues Carey was effective at, while at Legends he does a couple of Little Walter numbers along with his "Low Down Dirty Shame." In addition to Bell's vocals and really solid harp, Lurrie is marvelous with his mercurial guitar playing recalling some of Jimmy Dawkins' equally fiery accompaniments on Carey's first album over 35 years. Lurrie has really emerged as one of the finest blues guitarists, especially as an accompanist with suggestions of Dawkins and the equally individualistic Hubert Sumlin. Despite the flash and sizzle of his playing, he never overshadows his father's performances, rather his embellishments and solos strengthen these marvelous performances. Carey handles three vocals at Lurrie's home in the more intimate setting including John Estes' "Broke and Hungry," and J.T. Brown's "Short Dress Woman," before Lurrie closes things out with a heartfelt traditional gospel number, "Stand By Me." The two songs on the DVD not on the CD are older Bell recordings although honestly are a tad bit weaker than those on the CD. The video on the DVD is simple and straightforward and all the more effective for its focus on Carey, Lurrie and their band. No claim that this is the best either has ever done, but this still is a first-rate disc of Chicago Blues that is highly recommended. Enjoy.
This was written prior to Carey's death, and having enjoyed him on disc as well as live over forrty years, I will miss him as will all blues lovers.
By R. Weinstock.
This brilliant effort by Carey Bell and his son Lurrie Bell, both of whom are blues legends, almost did not take place. Carey suffered a minor stroke and broke his hip, spending four months in the hospital. Three days after he left the hospital, he was on his way to Chicago to perform at a concert with Lurrie. Although still in a wheelchair, Carey is heard throughout at the peak of his powers, taking powerful and inventive harmonica solos along with most of the vocals. Lurrie's guitar work is excellent and he sings on "Baby Please Don't Go." There are two live sessions with a rhythm section, three numbers that were recorded at Lurrie's home as intimate duets between father and son, and a solo "Stand by Me" by Lurrie Bell for his wife. This is a classic and memorable program that is highly recommended to fans of
Chicago blues and Carey and Lurrie Bell.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Carey Bell- (Vocals, Harmonica);
Lurrie Bell- (Vocals, Guitar);
Roosevelt Purifoy- (Piano);
Bob Stroger- (Bass);
Joe Thomas- (Bass);
Kenny Smith & The Loveliters- (Drums);
Scott Cable- (Guitar).
**
01. What My Mama Told Me Carey & Lurrie Bell 5:52
02. Gettin' up Carey & Lurrie Bell 7:27
03. Baby Please Don't Go Carey & Lurrie Bell 3:44
04. Bell's Back Carey & Lurrie Bell 4:13
05. One Day Carey & Lurrie Bell 5:59
06. Leaving in the Morning Carey & Lurrie Bell 3:06
07. Last Night Carey & Lurrie Bell 8:01
08. Low Down Dirty Shame Carey & Lurrie Bell 5:23
09. Broke and Hungry Carey & Lurrie Bell 6:54
10. When I Get Drunk Carey & Lurrie Bell 4:53
11. Short Dress Woman Carey & Lurrie Bell 5:17
12. Stand By Me Carey & Lurrie Bell 2:39
**
NoPassword
*
Gone (DMCA)
No comments:
Post a Comment