Blues
Nappy Brown was an R&B star in the 1950s, but he dropped below the radar for many years, making a brief comeback in the `80s. He re-emerged once more in time for what would be his swan song, 2007's aptly titled LONG TIME COMING. Its mix of classic ... Full DescriptionR&B, jump blues, and Chicago sounds, energized by Brown's surprisingly youthful-sounding voice, ensured that Brown, who died in 2008, went out on a high note.
From CD Universe.
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Napoleon 'Nappy’ Brown first emerged as one of the finest Blues singers in the business in the mid 1950s, along with fellow big-voiced shouters Big Joe Turner and Wynonie Harris. Over fifty years later, and the voice that greets you on the opening track of 'Long Time Coming', 'Keep On Pleasin You’, has lost little of its potency.
Clearly influenced by Blues and Gospel, it’s only natural that these styles dominate the album. However, some big band, rock 'n’ roll and even country influences raise their heads from time to time, adding refreshing dimensions to Nappy’s sound. Nappy’s voice ranges from the soulful Gospel melisma of 'Give Me Your Love’, to the husky Blues holler 'That Man’. Nappy Brown recreates some of his biggest hits here with devastating effect, and the presence of his stellar young band lends an exciting new energy to old standards such as 'Don’t Be Angry’.
Another of Brown’s signature songs to receive a fresh interpretation on 'Long Time Coming' is 'Right Time’, a song that was a big hit in the late 1950s when Ray Charles covered it. Acoustic number, 'Cherry Red’, delivers a well-timed departure from the upbeat Blues grooves and powerful Soul ballads that make up the majority of the album. Featuring ex-Muddy Waters guitarist Bob Margolin, who lays down some beautifully jazzy country Blues licks behind Nappy’s emotive vocal performance.
All in all, 'Long Time Coming' is a return to form for the seventy-nine year old, having been largely absent from the Blues scene since the 1980s. It acts as a tribute to and a reminder of the singer’s best work, and is sure to introduce a new generation of Blues fans to one of the finest singers the genre has produced.
By Rhys Williams.
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Born: October 12, 1929 | Died: September 20, 2008
Born Napoleon Culp, he borrowed his father’s surname, Brown. He had a deep, raw voice and a powerful delivery derived from gospel. In songs like “Don’t Be Angry” and “Piddily Patter Patter” (also known as “Pitter Patter”) he developed a driving but still light approach with a basic blues band and lots of wordplay.
During his heyday, in the mid to late 50s, Nappy was a prolific recording artist for Savoy Records and a much-in-demand stage performer, often playing every night and touring all over the country. During that period he traveled and performed with Jackie Wilson, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Little Richard, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, and T-Bone Walker. He provided ground-breaking hit songs for other artists, one of his biggest being “Night Time Is The Right Time” which was recorded and made famous by Ray Charles in 1958.
Nappy Brown was active as a performer until the end, performing until his illness was too much. His last cd was recorded with a group of younger musicians with an abiding knowledge of and respect for Nappy's music and the era of its greatest success. Guitarists Sean Costello and Junior Watson, among others, provided superb backing for Nappy on Long Time Coming, his first studio recording in many years, which was released by Blind Pig Records on September 25, 2007. Said an exultant Nappy at the end of the recording sessions, “This is the best record I have done since 1955.”
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Bob Margolin- Guitar
Henry Gray- Piano
Jim Pugh- Hammond B-3 Organ
Sean Costello- Guitar
John Nemeth- Harmonica
Nappy Brown- Vocals
John Nemeth- Harmonica
Junior Watson- Guitar
Kid Ramos- Guitar
Bob Corritore- Harmonica
Mario Moreno- Bass guitar
Johnny Rapp- Guitar
Big Joe Maher- Drums
Chico Chism- Drums
Broke And Hungry Quartet- Background vocals
Clark Stern- Piano
Joe Sunseri- Baritone saxophone
Mighty Lester- Horns
Mookie Brill- Harmonica, bass guitar
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01. Keep On Pleasin' You 3:07
02. You Were a Long Time Coming 4:13
03. Don't Be Angry 2:25
04. Give Me Your Love 4:49
05. That Man 3:09
06. Right Time (associated with Ray Charles as "Night Time Is The Right Time") 3:31
07. Who 4:36
08. Cherry Red 4:03
09. Aw Shucks Baby 3:00
10. Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleepin' 5:44
11. Bye Bye Baby 3:39
12. Take Care of Me 4:27
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