Title: Africa Speaks (Concord Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Santana, Gary Clark Jr., Buika
Tell me more: Africa Speaks (released on June 7, 2019) marks yet another incredible artistic step forward for legendary guitarist Carlos Santana. Long recognized and celebrated for his groundbreaking blend of rock, Latin, blues and jazz fusion, the 71-years-young Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has now added the signature sounds of Africa to his band Santana's approach for a joyful and spirited sonic adventure. The powerful production of Rick Rubin is notable here; just listen to Santana's fiery and bristling fret work on "Batonga," "Yo Me Lo Merezco" and the affecting "Breaking Down the Door." Equally important is the role of Spanish singer Buika, whose dynamic vocals are a match for Santana's amped-up guitar play. The ambitious "Oye Este Mi Canto" begins gracefully and builds to an explosive peak before descending into tranquil bliss. "Blue Skies" blends jazz with African rhythms with bona fide style; the track finds Laura Mvula adding backing vocals to the ambitious track. "Paraisos Quemados is bolstered by Benny Rietveld's funky baseline. "Africa Speaks" finds lyrics for some songs being sung in English and others in Spanish but to be sure the power and spirit of this album quickly casts its spell and doesn't let go. Please note: if you plan to purchase the album on audio CD, plan to get it at a Target store where there is an exclusive version of the album that features two bonus tracks ("Mientras Tanto," "Dios Bendiga Tu Interior"). Santana will headline at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine on June 20, and at the Hollywood Bowl on June 24. Information: concordrecords.com.
Title: The Blues Came Falling Down – Live 1973 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Robert Johnson, Keb' Mo'
Tell me more: Countless historic performances have been lost over time but thanks to Omnivore Recordings a previously-unheard 1973 concert recording featuring Memphis-born bluesman Johnny Shines is available for all to hear today. Born in 1915, singer-guitarist-songwriter Shines toured with Robert Johnson in the 1930s and played blues with the legendary likes of Robert Lockwood Jr., Little Walter, Willie Dixon and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Recorded live at Washington University in St. Louis, The Blues Came Falling Down – Live 1973 is a 20-track set that fully captures the spirit and freewheeling Southern acoustic blues that Shines had mastered decades before. Listening to Shines' version of Robert Johnson's "Kind Hearted Woman Blues," "I'm A Steady Rollin' Man" and "Sweet Home Chicago" – the latter enhanced by Leroy Jodie Pierson's acoustic guitar work – is to hear the magic of those blues classics come fully to life. Shines' own material is just as formidable, as evidenced by the vocals-anchored "Have You Ever Loved A Woman," and nuanced "The Blues Came Falling Down" and "Big Star Falling." The aforementioned Pierson's insightful liner notes provide a revealing look at the life and career of Shines (who passed away in 1992). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Artist: Buck Owens & the Buckaroos
Title: The Complete Capitol Singles, 1971-1975 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, Susan Raye
Tell me more: Buck Owens & the Buckaroos' newly-released The Complete Capitol Singles, 1971-1975 is actually the third and final in a series of wonderful titles featuring the legendary country artist's Capitol singles from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Taken from the original stereo masters, the 42-song collection also includes the B-side to all 21 singles from that span. The breadth of material on the new set extends from a heartfelt reworking of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the bluegrass gem "Ruby (Are You Mad)" to the winning country waltz "Great Expectations" and a number of fun musical curios (including "Too Old to Cut the Mustard," "Full Time Daddy," "On the Cover Of The Music City News" and "Big Game Hunter"). There are a score of terrific duets with Susan Raye (including the novelty cut "Santa's Gonna Come in a Stagecoach," joyful "One of Everything You Got" and tender "Cryin' Time") that showcase the pair's top-tier vocals. The detailed liner notes penned by author/country music historian Scott B. Bomar provide welcome insight to this outstanding two-disc set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
Ruby wasn't written by Buck Owens. That's an old tune. Originally by Cousin Emmy (Cynthia Carver) and recorded by her in the 40s. The Osborne Brothers had the hit and if you haven't seen their live version, you need to. It smokes!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the clarification! I will update my post...
ReplyDeleteI need to hear the new Santana album and I am interested in the Johnny Shines release too.
ReplyDelete