Carey BELL - Superharps (II) 2001

Carey BELL - Superharps (II) 2001

Blues

The "Mississippi saxophone" remains one of the most expressive solo instruments in the blues, and this second edition of Telarc’s acclaimed Superharps features four modern day giants of the instrument: Carey Bell, Lazy Lester, Raful Neal and Snooky Pryor. Superharps II is a harmonica master class that includes a variety of harp styles, all in shades of blue.

Produced by Randy Labbe, this 13-track recording mixes and matches the players in different combinations. Carey Bell opens the set with Muddy Waters’ "Walking Thru the Park." Snooky Pryor and Bell trade solos on Pryor’s "Keyhole in Your Door" and another Waters chestnut, "She’s Nineteen Years Old." Lazy Lester and Raful Neal pair up on the former’s "Strange Things Happen" and "I Made Up My Mind." Pryor and Lester join together for "Shake My Hand" and "Blood Stains on the Wall." All four masters unite on the finale, "Harp to Harp."
Carey Bell learned his licks first-hand by studying with Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Walter Horton. Born in Macon, Mississippi in 1936, Bell taught himself to play the harmonica by the time he was eight, and began working professionally with his godfather, pianist Lovie Lee, when he was 13. He moved to Chicago in the mid-‘50s, and, besides picking up harmonica tips from Little Walter and Horton, he also learned guitar from David "Honeyboy" Edwards, although his main instrument throughout the ‘60s was bass guitar. Later on, he had lengthy spells with Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon. Besides being known as a leading harmonica player, Bell is also a very underrated singer.
Lazy Lester (a.k.a. Leslie Johnson) was born in 1936 near Baton Rouge. The early recordings of Little Walter and Jimmy Reed were his inspiration and soon got him interested in the blues harmonica. Lester is also a spirited singer and skilled multi-instrumentalist whose songwriting gifts have inspired rockers like The Kinks ("I’m A Lover, Not A Fighter"), Dave Edmunds ("I Hear You Knockin’") and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. At an age when most folks are enjoying retirement, he remains a dynamic blues artist.
Raful Neal was born in 1936 and grew up on a farm in Chamberlin, Louisiana. After his family moved to Baton Rouge, Neal's interest in music was sparked in 1954 when Little Walter came into town to play. At age 17, Neal and Lazy Lester formed a band and played the local circuit. When Lester left for Chicago, Buddy Guy took his place. The year Neal got married, the unimaginable happened: Little Walter performed in Baton Rouge, heard Neal play harmonica and invited the band to move to Chicago. Buddy Guy did move to Chicago the next year, but Neal declined. Today, he is perhaps best known for being the father of a brood of successful blues musicians, including Telarc recording artist Kenny Neal.
Born in 1921 in Lambert, Mississippi, Snooky Pryor has been grabbing the spotlight with his spirited harp playing and big, bluesy voice ever since he heard Sonny Boy Williamson II play nearly 70 years ago. Most impressive is that Pryor is widely credited for creating the electric harmonica sound. While serving in the army, he played over the camp’s PA system and developed his amplified style. He went on to gig with idol Williamson II and Homesick James, and in 1948 began a recording career with "Telephone Blues." Pryor also collaborated with Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon and Jimmy Rogers, and continues to maintain a hectic touring and recording schedule.
But there is more to Superharps II than just great harmonica players. The supporting band is no less stellar, consisting of Kid Bangham on guitar (formerly of the Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Michael "Mudcat" Ward on bass (a member of Jay Geil's Bluestime for five years), along with Per Hanson on drums (from Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters) and Anthony Geraci on piano.
Each of these artists has crafted a style by blending traditional influences with a distinct personal vision. Superharps II is a perfect showcase for their combined talents.
The first Superharps recording (CD-83472) was released in October 1999 and featured harmonica champs James Cotton, Billy Branch, Charlie Musselwhite and Sugar Ray Norcia.
**
Superharps II, Telarc's sequel to its highly successful harmonica extravaganza, serves up another Who's Who of harp legends. While the 1999 original boasted James COTTON, Billy Branch, Sugar Ray and Charlie Mussellwhite, it doesn't get much better than Carey Bell, Snooky Pryor, Lazy Lester and Raful Neal. These refined gentlemen of the blues offer solo efforts and collaborations, and the result is a very satisfying 60 minutes of music. Kid Bangham, the guitar wizard who succeeded Jimmy Vaughan in The Fabulous Thunderbirds, injects the guitar glue that holds the project tightly together.. Bell kicks off with Muddy Waters' Walking Through the Park, which features classic harmonica and tasty axework by Bangham. Raful Neal offers his own I Miss You Baby, while Pryor's Let Your Hair Down and Lester's I Hear You Knockin' are also polished originals. Snooky's in fine form throughout, and Lester lends special moments vocally to Strange Things Happen and I Made My Mind Up. Muddy's She's 19 Years Old gets reverential treatment with the one-two punch from Bell's measured singing and Pryor's harp solo. Neal is also at the top of his game throughout, and his original Starlight Diamond is well delivered. The final, Harp to Harp, was co-written by Bangham and is a virtual shootout featuring inspired instrumental solos by all. If you love the harmonica, you can't go wrong with this heaping helping of hot harps.
By Scott C. Davis.
**
Lazy Lester- (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Harmonica, Floor-Tam)
Carey Bell, Raful Neal, Snooky Pryor- (Vocals, Harmonica)
Kid Bangham- (Guitar)
Anthony Geraci- (Piano)
Michael “Mudcat” Ward- (Upright Bass)
Per Hanson- (Drums)
**
01. Walking Thru the Park– Carey Bell 4:25
02. Keyhole in Your Door– Carey Bell, Snooky Pryor 4:43
03. I Miss You Baby– Raful Neal 6:56
04. Strange Things Happen– Lazy Lester, Raful Neal 3:20
05. I Made up My Mind– Lazy Lester, Raful Neal 2:59
06. Let Your Hair Down– Snooky Pryor 5:02
07. What My Mama Told Me– Carey Bell 4:41
08. I Hear You Knockin’– Lazy Lester 3:36
09. Shake My Hand– Lazy Lester, Snooky Pryor 4:30
10. Starlight Diamond– Lazy Lester, Raful Neal 7:21
11. She’s Nineteen Years Old– Carey Bell, Snooky Pryor 6:16
12. Bloodstains on the Wall– Lazy Lester, Snooky Pryor 4:06
13. Harp to Harp– Carey Bell, Lazy Lester, Raful Neal, Snooky Pryor 8:09
**

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Carey BELL - Good Luck Man 1997

Carey BELL - Good Luck Man 1997

Blues

Carey Bell is an effective and surprisingly versatile singer but it is his powerful harmonica that really stands out. One of the last of the major Chicago blues harpists, Bell (an alumnus of the Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon bands) had led his own groups for most of the previous 30 years when he came out with this disc. His longtime guitarist Steve Jacobs offers some concise and stinging comments but the leader is virtually the whole show on his CD, which finds him leading a tight six-piece group. Nothing too unusual occurs but the music definitely has plenty of spirit. By Scott Yanow. AMG.
**
The world needs more Carey Bells. With his fat tone, outstanding phrasing and great song selection, this man is truly worthy of legendary status among harmonica players, or blues men in general, for that matter. This man, and those like him, are the ones who will keep the blues harp tradition alive for years to come.
"Good Luck Man" is Bell's follow-up to the outstanding "Deep Down." With the same harp skill and strong sense of song selection, Bell turns out a record which equals, and in some ways surpasses, its predecesor. Bell opens with a great, funky rendition of Muddy Waters' "My Love Strikes Like Lightening" which sets the standard for the rest of the album. This disc is highly enjoyable throughout as Bell showcases some outstanding originals and fine covers. Throughout all 14 tracks, Carey gives us all the great blues we want, and then some.

Carey Bell is clearly among the greatest living harpists (his only competition in my opinion being James Cotton and Sugar Blue). He has the fattest tone out there and excellent phrasing to boot. This record demonstrates those skills well, as Bell blows up a storm on all pieces. Particularly memorable are the instrumental "Bell Hop" and the elegant, low down "Hard Working Woman," the latter demonstrating Bell's unsurpassed skill on chromatic harp.

Overall, this is an outstanding album. True, it feels a bit like a sequel to "Deep Down," but given the quality ofmusic on both records, I don't think there can be any just complaints. "Deep Down" may still be the essential first purchase from the Carey Bell catalog, but this one would definatly be the next stop on the list.
By Alex Harpskier.
**
Carey Bell- (Vocals, Harmonica)
Will Crosby- (Guitar)
Johnny Iguana- (Piano)
Johnny B. Gayden- (Bass)
Willie Hayes- (Drums)
**
01. My Love Strikes Like Lightning 4:10
02. Love Her, Don't Shove Her 3:25
03. Sleeping With The Devil 3:48
04. Hard Working Woman 4:38
05. Bell Hop 3:42
06. Bad Habits 4:49
07. Good Luck Man 5:24
08. Hard Hearted Woman 3:55
09. Going Back To Mississippi 3:42
10. I'm A Business Man 3:22
11. Teardrops 7:08
12. Brand New Deal 4:20
13. Good Lover 3:50
14. Double Cross 2:46
**

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Carey BELL & Lurrie BELL - Goin' on Main Street 1982

Carey BELL & Lurrie BELL - Goin' on Main Street 1982

Blues

Originally recorded for Germany’s L+R label in 1982, this studio date for Carey Bell’s Blues Harp Band finds the group stretching out on seven lengthy blues jams. Son Lurrie Bell contributes some nice licks, including a tortured solo to close out a nearly ten-minute version of “I Am Worried,” and other son Carey Bell Jr. anchors the rhythm section on electric bass.
By John Bush. AMG.
**
Carey Bell– Vocals & Harmonica
Lurrie Bell– Vocals & Guitar
Elisha ‘Eli’ Murray– Guitar
Tom Zydron– Keyboards
Carey Bell Jr.– Bass Guitar
Theodore ‘Dino’ Davies– Drums
Hubert Sumlin– Guitar
Bob Stroger– Bass
Odie Payne Jr– Drums
Phil Wiggins– Harmonica
**
01. Goin’ on Main Street (3:55)
02. I Am Worried (9:40)
03. Heartaches and Pain (6:27)
04. Easy To Love You (7:27)
05. Train Ticket (4:40)
06. When a Woman Get in Trouble (6:23)
07. Tribute To Big Walter (4:13)
08. I Need You So Bad (7:21)
09. Man and The Blues (7:03)
**
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Carey & Lurrie BELL - Dynasty! 1990

Carey & Lurrie BELL - Dynasty! 1990

Blues

You have to hear it to believe it. Father & son at their best all Carey & Lurrie Bell should be rated high. I have all of the Carey Bell cd's, his second cd (Last Night) is the only weak one, a great collection for any harp lover. The vocals are also great, Lurrie's guitar is just the style I like, a nice song selection too.
By Ronnie Cowlishaw Sr.
**
Carey Bell- Harmonica,Vocals
Lurrie Bell- Guitar,vocals
Pete Allen- Vocals,Guitar
Tyson Bell- Bass
James Bell- Drums
Guitar - Lurrie Bell, Pete Allen
Steve Bell- Harmonica
Jerry Soto- Organ
**
01. Brought Up The Hard Way 5:59
02. (I Shoulda Did) What My Mama Told Me 4:18
03. Sail On 5:52
04. I'll Be Your 44 4:16
05. The Gladys Shuffle 6:08
06. I Need You So Bad 3:13
07. 1215 W. Belmont 1:45
08. Second Hand Man 6:18
09. New Harp In Town 3:24
10. Going Back To Louisiana 5:58
11. No Picks 2:33
12. I Don't Need No Woman 8:19
**
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Carey BELL & Tough Luck - Mellow Down Easy 1991

Carey BELL & Tough Luck - Mellow Down Easy 1991

Blues

The harpist hooked up with a young Maryland-based band called Tough Luck for this disc, certainly one of his better outings. The traditional mindset of the combo pushed Bell back to his roots, whether on the originals "Just like You" and the Horton homage "Big Walter Strut" or revivals of Muddy Waters' "Short Dress Woman" and "Walking Thru the Park" and the classic Little Walter title cut.
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
**
Carey cut his first record as a sideman with Earl Hooker in 1968. For the next 2 years, he and guitarist Eddie Taylor led the house band at Big Duke's Flamingo Club on Chicago's west side. He found the time to leave Big Duke's on occasion, touring Europe with John Lee Hooker in 1969, and finally quitting for good when Muddy Waters offered him a job in 1970. He stayed with Muddy for a year, recording an album with him and Steve Winwood in London before deciding to strike out on his own once again.

For the last 2 decades, Carey has continued to tour extensively as a bandleader and, on occasion, as a sideman. He toured Australia and New Zealand with Willie Dixon in 1974, and has been a frequent visitor to Europe and Canada, often with his talented guitarist son Lurrie. Stylistically, he remains true to his "musical father" in his use of melody and dynamics, yet there is a difference. Whereas Walter Horton's melodies were often ethereal, Bell's remain firmly rooted in reality. Like many great musicians, he "speaks" with his harmonica, reinforcing and commenting on the lyrics of whatever song he is singing, whether happy or sad.

Mellow Down Easy is an appropriate title for Bell's Blind Pig recording. The music has a relaxed feel to it, from J.T. Brown's "Short Dress Woman" to Jimmy Rogers' (J.A. Lane) "Walkin' By Myself". Bell pays tribute to his former bandleaders with 2 originals, "Delta Time" (to Muddy Waters) and "Big Walter Strut" (to Big Walter Horton) and his cover of "Mellow Down Easy", written by the great Willie Dixon. A master of chromatic harp, he brings Little Walter-like elements to the opening bars of "St. Louis Blues" before breaking into a light and jazzy swing tempo. "One Day" is an original twelve bar blues with Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) vocal stylings, its light tone in sharp contrast to the following, more heartfelt tune, "So Easy To Love You".

Carey Bell's blues are timeless. Mellow Down Easy is comprised of both original and cover material, yet labels such as "contemporary" and "traditional" do not necessarily apply. What you have here is simply the blues played and sung with honesty and exuberance by one of the best in the business.
**
Carey Bell– Vocals & Harmonica
Steve Jacobs– Guitar
Brian McGregor– Bass
Buddy Grandell– Drums
Lips Lackowitz– Harmonica
Kevin McKendree– Organ
**
01. Short Dress Woman 3:15
02. Delta Time 3:34
03. Five Long Years 3:47
04. Mellow Down Easy 2:58
05. For The Love Of A Woman 3:13
06. Just Like You 4:14
07. Walkin’ Thru The Park 2:42
08. St. Louis Blues 4:37
09. That Spot Right There 3:35
10. Big Walter Strut 3:19
11. One Day 3:12
12. So Easy To Love You 5:28
13. Walkin’ By Myself 3:08
**
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Carey BELL - Last Night 1973

Carey BELL - Last Night 1973
BLS 6079

Blues

Nothing flashy or outrageous here, just a meat-and-potatoes
session produced by Al Smith that satisfyingly showcases Bell's
charms. Once again, there are hearty tributes to Little Walter
("Last Night") and Muddy Waters ("She's 19 Years Old"), but
there's some original stuff too, backed by a combo that boasted
a daunting collective experience level: Taylor and Perkins return,
along with bassist David Myers and drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith.
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
**
A1. Last Night 3:38
A2. Taking You Downtown 3:02
A3. Rosa, I Love Your Soul 3:31
A4. I'm Worried 3:28
A5. Cho' Cho' Blues 2:38
A6. Tomorrow Night 2:25
B1. She's 19 Years Old 2:44
B2. Leaving in the Morning 2:25
B3. Love Pretty Women 3:23
B4. Mean Mistreater 4:18
B5. Freda 2:10
B6. I Want to See You Tomorrow Night 2:58
**
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Carey BELL - Carey Bell's Blues Harp 1969

Carey BELL - Carey Bell's Blues Harp 1969
DS 622

Blues

It's a mite ragged around the edges, but Bell's 1969 debut session certainly sports the proper ambience -- and no wonder, with guitarists Eddie Taylor and Jimmy Dawkins and pianist Pinetop Perkins on hand to help out. No less than four Little Walter covers and two more from Muddy Waters' songbook dot the set, but many of the best moments occur on the original numbers.
By Bill Dahl, All Music Guide.
**
Sidney Thomas (Drums),
Lurrie Bell (Guitar),
Carey Bell (Harmonica),(Vocals),
Eddie Taylor (Guitar),
Pinetop Perkins (Piano),(Keyboards),
W. Williams (Drums),
Royal Johnson (Guitar),
Jimmy Dawkins (Guitar),
Joe Harper (Bass).
**
A1. I'm Ready   3:08
A2. I Got to Find Somebody   4:20
A3. I Wanna Will My Love to You   3:40
A4. Blue Monday at Kansas City Red's   4:03
A5. I'm Gonna Buy Me a Train Ticket   3:47
A6. Come on Over Here   3:09
B1. I Cry So Much   4:47
B2. Sad Dreams   4:47
B3. Everything's Up Tight   4:05
B4. You Know It Ain't Right   3:45
B5. Last Night   4:34
B6. Rocking With a Chromatic   3:21
**
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Carey BELL - Heartaches And Pain 1977

Carey BELL - Heartaches And Pain 1977

Legendary producer Ralph Bass supervised this quickie session back in 1977, but it failed to see the light of day domestically until Delmark rescued it from oblivion. They did the blues world a favor: it's a worthwhile session, Bell storming through a mostly original setlist (the omnipresent Little Walter cover this time is "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"). Aron Burton and Sam Lay comprise the rhythm section, and son Lurrie contributes lead guitar.
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
**
Sam Lay- (Drums),
Bob Riedy- (Piano),
Lurrie Bell- (Guitar),
Carey Bell- (Harmonica), (Vocals),
Aron Burton- (Bass),
Alabama Pettis, Jr.- (Guitar).
**
01. Carey Bell Rocks (3:30)
02. Heartaches and Pain (5:46)
03. One Day You're Gonna Get Lucky (3:35)
04. Black Eyed Peas (4:55)
05. So Hard To Leave You Alone (7:00)
06. Stop That Train (3:40)
07. Everything's Gonna Be All Right (4:39)
08. Capri Crash (4:38)
**
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Carey BELL, Billy Branch, James Cotton, Junior Wells - Harp Attack! - 1990

Carey BELL, Billy Branch, James Cotton, Junior Wells - Harp Attack! - 1990

Blues

>> STOP BEATING AROUND THE BUSH,BEST FRIGGIN´ STUFF YOU WILL EVER GET.<<
themonk.
**
Highpoints include the Junior Wells solo track "Keep Your Hands Out of My Pocket," which is a terrific showcase for his distinctive harp style (he has a deliberately cleaner tone than the other three) and the opening "Down Home Blues," which ...    Full Descriptionis a sort of cutting contest where all four get a vocal verse, and an instrumental solo. Terrific stuff.
**
I can't imagine a better album demonstrating the power of electric blues in general or the force of the harp in particular. If there is such a thing as a perfect blues disc, this is it. Not only do the players reveal their awesome musical chops, but they let a bit of their stage personalities come through also.
**
James Cotton- Harmonica, Vocals,
Junior Wells- Harmonica, Vocals,
Carey Bell- Harmonica, Vocals,
Billy Branch- Harmonica, Vocals,
Michael Colleman- Guitar,
Lucky Peterson- Bass,
Ray "Killer" Allison- Drums.
**
01. Down Home Blues 6:23
02. Who 4:04
03. Keep Your Hands Out Of My Pockets 5:57
04. Little Car Blues 3:33
05. My Eyes Keep Me In Trouble 5:30
06. Broke And Hungry 4:30
07. Hit Man 2:36
08. Black Night 8:54
09. Somebody Changed The Lock 3:54
10. Second Hand Man 4:01
11. New Kid On The Block 4:30
**
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Carey BELL & Louisiana Red - Brothers In Blues 1993 (REPOST)

Carey BELL & Louisiana Red - Brothers In Blues 1993 (REPOST)
Label: CMA

Blues

His place on the honor roll of Chicago blues harpists long ago assured, Carey Bell truly came into his own in the '90s as a bandleader with terrific discs for Alligator and Blind Pig. He learned his distinctive harmonica riffs from the Windy City's very best (both Walters -- Little and Big, as well as Sonny Boy Williamson II), adding his own signature effects for good measure (an otherworldly moan immediately identifies many of his more memorable harp rides).
Born Carey Bell Harrington in the blues-fertile state of Mississippi, he was already playing the harp when he was eight and working professionally with his godfather, pianist Lovie Lee, at 13. The older and more experienced Lee brought Carey with him to Chicago in search of steady musical opportunities in 1956. Gigs frequently proved scarce, and Carey eventually took up electric bass, playing behind Robert Nighthawk, Johnny Young, and his mentor Big Walter Horton. Finally, in 1969, Bell made his debut album (on harp) for Delmark,
and he was on his way.
Bell served invaluable early-'70s stints in the bands of Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, touring extensively and recording with both legends. Alligator Records has been responsible for much of Bell's best recorded work as a leader, beginning with a joint venture with Horton back in 1972. Four cuts by Bell on the first batch of Alligator's Living Chicago Blues anthologies in 1978 preceded his participation in the 1990 harmonica summit meeting Harp Attack!, which brought him into the studio with fellow greats James Cotton, Junior Wells, and Billy Branch. His solo set for Alligator, Deep Down, rates as his finest album. Bell has sired a passel of blues-playing progeny; best-known of the brood is mercurial guitarist Lurrie Bell.
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
 **
01. After A While.mp3
02. Easy [When I Lost My Baby].mp3
03. Girl From Westpoint.mp3
04. House Rent Party.mp3
05. I Want To Sail A Ship Across The Desert.mp3
06. Rambling Around.mp3
07. When A Woman Gets In Trouble.mp3
08. Country Playboy.mp3
09. Blues With A Feeling.mp3
10. Sweet Geneva.mp3
11. My Friend Carey.mp3
12. Mean Old Frisco.mp3
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Carey BELL & Lurrie BELL - Gettin' Up, Live at Buddy Guy's Legends Rosa's & Lurrie's Home 2006

Carey BELL & Lurrie BELL - Gettin' Up, Live at Buddy Guy's Legends Rosa's & Lurrie's Home 2006

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
**
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Gone (DMCA)

Carey BELL - Deep Down 1995

Carey BELL - Deep Down 1995
Label: Alligator
Recorded at Streeterville Studios, Chicago, Illinois

Blues

Now one of the few survivors of the Chicago blues harmonica scene that once included Little Walter and Sonny Boy Williamson, Bell has the control, full tone, and attack of his mentors. A former sideman for Muddy Waters, he was one of the last to learn his craft at the hands of the masters. This, his first Alligator album from 1995, updates several blues harmonica classics (Little Walter's "I Got to Go," Sonny Boy Willliamson's "After You," and a superb reading of Walter Horton's "Easy"), without ever losing sight of Alligator's company credo of "House Rockin' Music." In truth, Bell is not a great vocalist, and if the Walters and the Sonny Boys were still around, he wouldn't get a look-in. As it is, he's one of the few surviving bluesmen to come up from Mississippi, having seen and heard much of what the old guys saw.
By Colin Escott. AMG.
**
I have heard a great deal of praise for this album over the several years since I became a harpist and I had long been curious if it was worth the great reviews it got. Finally, I afforded the opportunity to hear it for myself when I recieved it as a gift. My initial reaction was WOW! I had heard Carey Bell before, but not like this. This album has a distinctly tough, gritty feeling, the like of which I haven't heard since I picked up Junior Wells' outstanding "Hoodoo Man Blues."
The harp is the real show stealer here. Carey Bell has always been a bit underrated, not getting quite the same recognition as James Cotton or Little Walter. On this album, Carey clearly demonstrates that he can match anyone playing today. His tone is unbelievably fat, and his phrasing is remarkably intricate. Coupled with his ability to blow chromatic harmonica like no other, Bell really is one of the greatest players out there.

Carey Bell is not the most talked about vocalist, and has actually been derided as being a sub par singer. I don't get it. He's not Muddy Waters, but in his own way, Carey is a good blues singer. His rough voice works well, particularly on such tracks as "When I get Drunk."

The backing band is definatly in the groove too, with Lucky Peterson giving great work on keys and Carey's son, Lurrie, puts on a show on guitar.

Overall, this is a stellar blues album. I had always liked Carey's work. After I heard this, he quickly became a personal favorite in the word of harmonica players. Once you hear this disc, you'll understand exactly what I mean.
By  Alex "Harpskier".
**
More than a quarter century after he cut his debut album, Bell recently made his finest disc to date. Boasting superior material and musicianship (guitarists Carl Weathersby and Lurrie Bell and pianist Lucky Peterson are all stellar) and a goosed-up energy level that frequently reaches incendiary heights, the disc captures Bell outdoing himself vocally on the ribald "Let Me Stir in Your Pot" and a suitably loose "When I Get Drunk" and instrumentally on the torrid "Jawbreaker." For a closer, Bell settled on the atmospheric Horton classic "Easy"; he does it full justice.
By Bill Dahl, AMG.
**
Lucky Peterson- (Piano),
Lurrie Bell- (Guitar),
Ray Allison- (Drums),
Carey Bell- (Harmonica),(Vocals),
Johnny B. Gayden- (Bass),
Carl Weathersby- (Guitar).
**
01. I Got To Go 3:56  
02. Let Me Stir In Your Pot 3:42
03. When I Get Drunk 5:16
04. Low Down Dirty Shame 4:29
05. Borrow Your Love 3:59
06. Lonesome Stranger 4:03
07. After You 3:41
08. I Got A Rich Man's Woman 4:43
09. Jawbreaker 2:57
10. Must I Holler? 7:00
11. Tired Of Giving You My Love 3:49
12. Easy 4:44
**
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