Blues & Gospel - Bessie Brown -> Walter Brown

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BLUES & GOSPEL

Bessie Brown -> Walter Brown

BESSIE BROWN/ LIZA BROWN
BUSTER BROWN
CHARLES BROWN
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN
CLEO BROWN
GABRIEL BROWN
J.T. BROWN
KENNY BROWN
LEE BROWN
MEL BROWN
NAPPY BROWN
REVEREND PEARLY BROWN
PINEY BROWN/ EDDIE MACK
ROY BROWN
RUTH BROWN
WALTER BROWN

BESSIE BROWN/ LIZA BROWN Document DOCD 5456 The Original Bessie Brown, 1925-1929 ● CD $15.98

Features the complete recorded works, 1925-1929 by Bessie Brown and the remaining titles of Liza Brown from 1929. Accompaniments by Clarence Williams, Benny Moten, Charlie Green, Fletcher henderson, Coleman Hawkins, Buster Bailey and others.

BUSTER BROWN Relic 7064 Raise A Ruckus Tonight!!! ● CD $14.98

The best collection of this bluesman's Fire & Gwen recordings. Sharp harp, wild guitar from Jimmy Spruill and Riff Ruffin and fine Bobby Robinson production. 7 tracks are in stereo including his big hit Fannie Mae and the set includes one unissued song (No More) and a few alternate takes and false starts - 21 tracks in all.
BUSTER BROWN: Blueberry Hill/ Blues When It Rains/ Doctor Brown/ Don't Dog Your Woman/ Fannie Mae/ Fannie Mae/ Gonna Love My Baby/ Good News/ Im Goin', But I'll Be Back/ Is You Is Or Is You Aint My Baby?/ John Henry/ Lost In A Dream/ No More/ Raise A Ruckus Tonight/ Raise A Ruckus Tonight/ Sincerely/ St Louis Blues/ Sugar Babe/ The Madison Shuffle/ When Things Go Wrong (it Hurts Me Too)

CHARLES BROWN Ace CDCHD 589 Drifting & Dreaming ● CD $18.98

21 tracks, 62 min., essential
Having already seen discs featuring his Aladdin tracks and a major slice of his Swingtime material, fans can now purchase a digital program of Brown's mid-40's numbers recorded with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers and originally issued by Modern Records. Program highlights include Travelin' Blues, It's the Talk of the Town, How Deep Is the Ocean, Warsaw Concerto (Parts 1 and 2), Make Believe Land, It Had to Be You, Sail On Blues, and When Your Lover Has Gone. Mellow music to be sure, suitable for both pursuing a lover and/or mourning her/his loss, produced with Ace's normal high standards. And do check out those great neckties on the necks of all three Blazers in the cover photo. I want one. (DH)
CHARLES BROWN: Blue Because Of You/ Copyright On Your Love/ How Deep Is The Ocean?/ I'll Get Along Somehow/ If You Ever Should Leave/ It Had To Be You/ It's The Talk Of The Town/ Make Believe Land/ More Than You Know/ Nutmeg/ Sail On Blues/ So Long/ Travelin' Blues/ Warsaw Concerto (Part 1)/ Warsaw Concerto (Part 2)/ What Do You Know About Love?/ When Your Lover Has Gone/ You Are My First Love/ You Left Me Forsaken/ You Showed Me The Way/ You Won't Let Me Go

CHARLES BROWN Alligator 4771 One More For The Road ● CD $15.98

Reissue of highly regarded album originally issued on the now defunct Blueside label. 11 tunes, most cut with a trio of Brown(p,vcl), Billy Butler(g) & Earl May(b), capturing the feel of The 3 Blazers, with appearances by Harold Ousley (ts) & Kenny Washington (d). A wide variety of material given the late-night Brown treatment, from pop - One For My Baby/ Cottage For Sale , Country - He's Got You/ Who Will The Next Fool Be & R&B - Route 66/ I Miss You So/ Travellin' Blues . (GM)

CHARLES BROWN Bullseye Blues 9501 All My Life ~~$15.98~~ ● CD $8.98

Some 45 years after his first recordings Charles Brown was still going strong in 1990 when this album was released. His voice is deeper and huskier than it was then but is still as smooth as silk and his piano playing is as good as ever and he continues to purvey that mellow sound that he pioneered and was a big influence on hundreds of performers. On this selection of old hits and newer songs he is accompanied by a tasteful and sympathetic group including veteran sax man Clifford Solomon, guitarist Danny Caron, Earl May on bass and Keith Copeland on drums. Occasional guest musicians sit in Dr John, Ruth Brown, Heywood Henry and the album's producer Ron Levy. A first rate effort all round. (FS)

CHARLES BROWN Bullseye Blues 9514 Someone To Love ● CD ~~$15.98~~ ● CD $8.98

These 1992 recordings are knock-down-drag-out good stuff. The accompanying musicians - including Danny Caron, Tommie McKenzie, Clifford Solomon, and Bobby Forte - are first rate, as is Brown's stunning piano work, which often leads the way. Tracks include the title tune, I Wonder How She Knows, Not So Far, Be Sharp You'll See, and I Don't Want to Get Adjusted. For 45 minutes of mellow and funky blues, this disc is hard to beat. Hats off to Bullseye Blues for their sympathetic production. And may I be as "in tune" in my late 60's as Brown is. It is hard to believe that a lot of his best known music was recorded over 40 years ago. He sure sounds good now. Anyway, great sound, session notes by Ron Levy, and a knockout cover picture of Brown is a silver sequined coat and cap. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN Bullseye Blues 9521 Just A Lucky So And So ● CD $15.98

10 tracks, 50 min., recommended A national treasure by now, emeritus bluesman Charles Brown, on this, his third, full length Bulleseye disc, displays his awesome talent in a variety of musical settings. There are the expected late night piano solos, but we also get small combo numbers featuring the sax of Clifford Solomon and the guitar of Danny Caron, and big band and string section arrangements, with the musical texture sometimes varying considerably within individual numbers. Highlights include extended versions of Black Night and Driftin' Blues, plus I Won't Cry Anymore, the title track, and the delightful Song for Christmas. Sound, graphics, and notes are all up to snuff. Get it while you can; this is not one to miss. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN Bullseye Blues 9551 In A Grand Style ● CD ~~$15.98~~ ● CD $9.98

Previously unissued sides recorded at various Bullseye Blues sessions by Brown in the early 90s. An after hours set featuring Charles alone with his piano on a selection of ballads and blues. Includes One Never Knows, Does One/ Black Night/ Give Me A Woman/ Charles' Chopin Liszt/ Stumbled And Fell In Love, etc.

CHARLES BROWN Bullseye Blues 9561 Cool Christmas Blues ● CD $15.98

The smoothest bluesy Christmas - with Clifford Solomon, Johnny Otis, Bobby Forte & others.
CHARLES BROWN: A Song For Christmas/ Blue Holiday/ Bringing In A Brand New Year/ Christmas Comes But Once A Year/ Christmas In Heaven/ Merry Christmas Baby/ Please Come Home For Christmas/ Santa's Blues/ Silent Night/ Stay With Me/ To Someone That I Love

CHARLES BROWN Collectables 2891 The Very Best Of Charles Brown ● CD $15.98

25 tracks, 69 mins, highly recommended
Very nice! There've been a lot of Charles Brown CDs out drawn from his lengthy career but this is the first CD devoted exclusively to his King recordings which he made for Syd Nathan between 1961 and 1968 - many of them appearing in true stereo for the first time. This is almost all his King recordings with the exception of some of his Christmas songs (he recorded a whole LPs worth) which will not be geatly missed and are available on a King Christmas CD. It opens with his 1961 recording of Please Come For Christmas and ends with 1968 remakes of two of his classic Aladdin sides Black Night and Merry Christmas. Material and arrangements are varied ranging from straight blues to jumping R&B to doo-wop songs to a few pop flavored to an R&B cover of the bluegrass song I Don't Want Your Rambling Letter. There are a couple of fine duets with Amos Milburn, a superb cover of Rosie & The Originals' Angel Baby, the very soulful Christmas Blues and more. Throughout Charles smooth and silky vocals are a joy - groups range from small to largish with the occasional vocal chorus rearing it's ugly head. Nobody seems to know who the musicians are on these sessions which is a shame as there is some fine guitar and tenor playing on some of the tracks. A fine addition to your collection of Charles Brown recordings! (FS)

CHARLES BROWN Collectables 5631 Driftin' Blues - The Best Of Charles Brown ● CD $13.98

Another EMI reissue now available from Collectables featuring a great selection of his Aladdin recordings..

CHARLES BROWN King 775 Sings Christmas Songs ● CD $7.98

12 Christmas favorites recorded in 1961 including Please Come Home For Christmas/ Christmas In Heaven/ Christmas Comes But Once A Year/ Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day/ Christmas Blues/ My Most Miserable Christmas, etc.

CHARLES BROWN Night Train 7017 Snuff Dippin' Mama ● CD $15.98

19 tracks, 53 min., essential
This is the first of two promised discs from Night Train to feature the early Exclusive/Swingtime recordings of the man who, along with Nat King Cole, launched the mellow blues sound. As the vocalist and piano man of Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, Brown created a brand of supper club blues that has influenced many a successor, not the least of whom is Ray Charles. The stellar numbers on this first disc, laid down between 1946 and 1949, include the title track, plus I Miss You, Now That You're Gone, Sunny Road, B-Sharp You'll See, Googie's Boogie, Changeable Woman Blues, Juke Box Lil, and Moonrise. The liner notes by Richie Benway are solid, the sound, clearly dubbed from discs, varies a bit but is always acceptable, and cover graphics are better than usual for this series. Much too good to miss. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN Night Train 7024 Walkin' In Circles ● CD $15.98

CHARLES BROWN Rounder 2074 A Life In Blues ● CD $24.98

CD/ DVD combination. The CD features a live concert at The Lone Star Roadhouse with Charles accompanied by a trio including regular guitarist Danny Caron on 10 songs including I Stepped In Quicksand/ I Cried Last Night/ Seven Long Days/ When The Sun Comes Out/ Please Come Home For Christmas, etc. The DVD features a video of the concert plus two short films made in 1944 for Soundies by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers when Charles was 22 years old. It also includes video interviews, a photo gallery including many previously unpublished and a complete career discography.

CHARLES BROWN Stardust 881 The Very Best Of Charles Brown ● CD $15.98

14 tracks, 42 mins, recommended
The first 12 tracks on this CD reissues the album produced by Johnny Otis for his Blues Spectrum label in 1974. Charles is in fine form with his distinctive vocals and thoughtful piano work with Shuggie Otis providing some very tasty guitar licks as well as bass and Johnny on drums, vibes and occasional piano. The songs include a few of Charles's old standbys like Driftin' Blues and Black night along with songs by Ray Charles, Leonard Feather and some composed for the session by Otis & Brown. The last two "bonus" songs Let's Make Every Day A Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas are obviously from a different session though I would guess from around the same time. They both have pleasing vocals by Charles though the latter song is marred by some horrible electronic guitar sounds. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Aim 1304 Okie Dokie ● CD $13.98

13 tracks, 38 mins, recommended
Previously available on P-Vine 2109 with an alternate take of The Grass Is Always Greener. An interesting collection of 13 tracks recorded by this multi-talented musician in the 60s. A few were issued on local Texas labels but most were not issued before the P-Vine release. Accompanied by a couple of different bands Gate turns in an eclectic mixture of blues, jazz and country featuring him on vocals, guitar, fiddle and harmonica. About half the tracks are instrumental and includes a Latin blues flavored version of When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again on fiddle (!), hot R&B (I Want You For My Girlfriend) and a jazzy version of Milkcow Blues). The vocal performances are equally eclectic. Nothing spectacular here but an enjoyable selection from an extremely talented performer. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Alligator 4745 Pressure Cooker ● CD $15.98

An enjoyable selection of tracks drawn from the five LPs `Gate' recorded in France for the Black & Blue label in the 70s. These jazzy blues cuts usually fine him in a trio or quartet format accompanied by organ player Milt Buckner or piano player Jay McShann with the occasional assistance of the great Texas tenor sax player Arnett Cobb. The material includes new recordings of some of his old Peacock classics, new songs and a couple of tracks from his tribute album to Louis Jordan. Fine singing and lots of splendid Texas blues guitar by `Gate' plus solid accompaniment by the band. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Alligator 4779 Standing My Ground ● CD $12.98

This one was recorded in New Orleans using some of the city's top musicians, and as one might suspect, it sounds great. His guitar playing is as eloquent and inventive as ever, while still retaining that raw Texas blues sting, as he moves from style to style with a veteran's ease. Some tunes are self-explanatory, such as Cool Jazz and Louisiana Zydeco (featuring Terence Simien on accordion). Gate also plays fiddle, piano and even drums on some cuts, while the nice punchy horn arrangements shine throughout. (LP)
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Born In Louisiana/ Cool Jazz/ Got My Mojo Working/ I Hate These Doggone Blues/ Leftover Blues/ Louisiana Zydeco/ Never Unpack Your Suitcase/ She Walks Right In/ What Am I Living For

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Alligator 4804 No Looking Back ● CD $12.98

On his third release for Alligator, the ever-talented Texas guitarist/ fiddler/ singer Brown manages to meld his usual musical eclecticism into a bright, cohesive album. Some of his best stuff here - Better Off With the Blues/ Straighten Up - is on the bluesy side, but some isn't. Ellington's C-Jam Blues is an adrenalin-filled instrumental to be reckoned with, and Digging New Ground swings nicely. About half the songs were written by Brown, three by associate producer John D. Loudermilk, whose simple-minded lyric (ala Nancy Reagan) on the anti-drug Dope is one of the few missteps here. The album boasts some fine piano from Michael Holmes, nice horn charts from trumpeter Terry Townson, a barking dog, and a duet with Michelle Shocked on the ballad I Will Be Your Friend. Oh, and Gate too! (JC)
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Alligator Eating Dog/ Better Off With The Blues/ C-Jam Blues/ Digging New Ground/ Dope/ I Will Be Your Friend/ My Own Prison/ Stop Time/ Straighten Up/ The Peeper/ We're Outta Here

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Blues Collection 160202 His First Recordings, 1947-1951 ● CD $11.98

24 tracks, 72 mins, highly recommended
Terrific collection featuring almost all the recordings from the first four years of the recording career of this brilliant and influential singer and guitarist from Texas. Although in later years Gate disliked being pigeon holed as a bluesman these recordings are Texas blues at his finest. His first session in August 1947 is straight ahead T-Bone, both vocally and instrumental, but by his next session a year later his own style began to emerge with a more intense vocal and guitar style with a more down home quality to it - his playing was to influence any number of guitar players. There are some terrific songs like My Time Is Expensive/ Boogie Rambler/ Justice Blues, the much copied She Walks Right In, his tribute to a local brand of beer Pale Dry Boogie and more. The tracks from this period not included here are either unissued or so rare they were not available to the compilers of this album. Sound quality is generally excellent and there are brief notes by Jean Buzelin. A fine and important release. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Bullseye Blues 9622 Okie Dokie Stomp ● CD $11.98

Collection of 12 tracks drawn from Gates' two Rounder studio albums along with live tracks from his "Real Life" set plus the previously unissued recorded of his signature song The Drifter - a 10 minute tor-de-force on which gate plays harmonica as well as guitar. Includes Stranded/ I Feel Alright Again/ Sometimes I Slip/ Real Life/ Information Blues/ Dollar Got The Blues, etc.

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Hightone 8174 Timeless ● CD $18.98

11 tracks, 58 minutes, excellent
If you ever run into Gatemouth Brown and decide to introduce yourself, don't tell him he's a great blues musician - Gate doesn't pigeonhole himself and doesn't care to have anyone else offer to do it for him. The 58 minutes of "Timeless prove clearly that Brown is all over the map with an ability to play any style of music that he wishes. Here, he covers Fletcher Henderson's Soft Wind, Jay McShann's Jumpin' The Blues, Duke Ellington's Satin Doll, Hoyt Garrick's Dark End Of The Hallway, and Josef Zawinal's Mercy, Mercy, Mercy as well as digging into a nine-minute version of The Drifter and a handful of other originals. (CR)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Maison De Blues 982 2467 Gate's On The Heat ● CD $15.98

This CD features two sessions - one held in 1972 with "Gate" accompanied by a French rhythm section with The Memphis Horns overdubbed later. This session was originally issued as "The Drifter Rides" again. Another session was held in 1973 with "Gate" joined by Canned Heat. The album was then re-released as "Gate's On The Heat" with two of the tracks added from the Canned Heat session. This CD adds two more tracks from the latter session for a total of 12 tracks. Gate is in fine form singing and playing guitar, violin and harmonica on a collection of originals (Man & His Environment/ Please Mr. Nixon/ Dollar's Got The Blues, etc.) and fine covers Jelly, Jelly/ One Mint Julep/ River's Invitation, etc.)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Rounder 2028 Alright Again! ● CD $15.98

CD reissue of 1981 album recorded in New Orleans with good band including Alvin 'Red' Tyler on sax. It's nearly all blues - Gate is in good form vocally and on guitar, and throws in a little violin for good measure. A wide variety of material here - Frosty/ Give Me Time To Explain/ Sometimes/ Slip/ Alligator Boogaloo, etc. 10 cuts.
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Alligator Boogaloo/ Baby Take It Easy/ Dollar Got the Blues/ Frosty/ Gate Walks To Board/ Give Me Time To Explain/ Honey In The Be-Bo/ I Feel Alright Again/ Sometimes I Slip/ Strollin' With Bones

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Rounder 2039 The Original Peacock Recordings ● CD $15.98

This CD - which reissues the 1983 Rounder LP - contains 12 cuts by Brown recorded for then-new Peacock Records in Houston, between 1952-59. Every song is a triumph, from the foot-stomping Hurry Back Good News to the mournful For Now So Long to Gate's signature tune, the Pluma Davis-penned classic Okie Dokie Stomp. The ever versatile Brown sings and plays his energy-filled guitar, as well as showing off with some talented harmonica work on Gate's Salty Blues, and some fine fiddling on Just Before Dawn. Great Texas blues, complete session info, informative notes, and two unissued cuts (same as LP). Recommended, though short at 32 minutes. (JC)
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Ain't That Dandy/ Depression Blues/ Dirty Work at the Crossroads/ For Now So Long/ Gate's Salty Blues/ Good Looking Woman/ Hurry Back Good News/ Just Before Dawn/ Midnight Hour/ Okie Dokie Stomp/ Sad Hour/ That's Your Daddy Yaddy Yo

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Rounder 11527 Texas Swing ● CD $15.98

17 tracks taken from his Grammy winning album Alright Again (Rounder 2028) and the Grammy nominated One More Mile (Rounder 2034).
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Ain't That Dandy/ Alligator Boogaloo/ Baby Take It Easy/ Big Yard/ Dollar Got The Blues/ Flippin' Out/ Frosty/ Gate Walks To Board/ I Feel Alright Again/ I Wonder/ Information Blues/ Near Baku/ One More Mile/ Sometimes I Slip/ Song For Renee/ Stranded/ Strollin' With Bones

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Sugar Hill 3891 Blackjack ● CD $15.98

CD reissue of 1977 album originally issued on the Music Is Medicine label - his first full length U.S. album. A diverse collection of blues, country and jazz.

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN Verve 529 465-2 A Long Way Home ● CD $15.98

Most recent release from this versatile bluesman with a whole slew of guest musicians including Eric Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Leon Russell, Amos Garrett and others
CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Blues Power/ Deep, Deep Water/ Dockside Boogie/ Don't Cry Sister/ Don't Think Twice/ Here I Go Again/ I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)/ Long Way Home/ Mean And Evil/ Somebody Else/ The Blues Walk/ Tobacco Road/ Underhand Boogie

CLEO BROWN President PLCD 548 The Legendary Cleo Brown ● CD $15.98

17 tracks, 46 mins, recommended
Cleo was one of the first female Chicago boogie woogie singers/ pianists whose off color cabaret type stylings forged the way for Nellie Lutcher, Julia Lee and Martha Davis. Backed by small combos whose notable members included drummers Gene Krupa or Tubby Hall, guitarist Bobby Sherwood and others. Cleo's sly, sometimes coy, warblings set against strong bluesy piano solos made her one of the great boogie gals of the 30's, at times she comes off as a female Fats Waller. Includes her version of Pinetop Smith's classic Boogie Woogie plus When Hollywood Goes Black & Tan/ The Stuff Is here And It's Mellow/ Pelican Stomp/ Mama Don't Want No Peas An' Rice An' Coconut OIl/ My Gal Mezzanine, etc (OLN/FS)
CLEO BROWN: Breakin' In A Pair Of Shoes/ Give A Broken Heart A Break/ I'll Take The South/ Latch On/ Lookie Lookie Here Comes Cookie/ Love In The First Degree/ Mama Don't Want No Peas No Rice No Coconut Oil/ Me And My Wonderful One/ My Gal Mezzanine/ Never Too Tired For Love/ Pelican Stomp/ Pinetop's Boogie Woogie/ Stuff Is Here And It's Mellow/ When/ When Hollywood Goes Black And Tan/ You're A Heavenly Thing/ You're My Fever

GABRIEL BROWN Flyright 59 Mean Old Blues, 1943-1949 ● CD $16.98

26 tracks, 78 mins, highly recommended
Gabriel Brown is an intriguing and rewarding country bluesman. Originally from Florida he was first recorded there for the Library Of Congress in 1935 by Alan Lomax and Zora Neale Hurston, subsequently worked as an actor with the Federal Arts Theatre under the direction of Orson Welles and eventually settled in New Jersey. In 1943 he started recording for the legendary New York musical entrepeneur Joe Davis and over the next 9 years recorded 42 tracks for Davis about two thirds which appeared on various 78s on Davis's various labels plus some leased to other labels. The remaining cuts surfaced when Bruce Bastin was doing his groundbreaking research on Davis some years ago. Brown is an outstanding singer with a dark warm style and is an effective and fine, if sometimes erratic, guitarist. His material is varied and interesting with an interesting overlap of rural style with an urban sensibility - how many rural bleusmen sing about "the law of averages" as Brown does here on I've Done Stopped Gamblin'? Among the excellent sides here are the gorgeous introductory track I Get Evil When My Love Comes Down/ Black Jack Blues/ I've Got To Stop Drinkin'/ I'm Gonna Take It Easy/ That's Alright/ Good-Time Papa/ Mean Old Blues/ The Jinx Is On Me (with nice slide)/ Nobody Loves Like My Little Girl and more. It also includes his one stab at risque song It's Getting Soft - his biggest seller at 7,000 copies! Brown was a unique performer and apart from the occasional musical reference to Blind Boy Fuller he really doesn't sound like anyone else. This package is exemplary with excellent sound, informative notes by Lawrence Hoffman and a beautiful color photo of Brown on the cover. Brown's talents are not immediately obvious but a few listens will reveal the depath of his music. Check it out! (FS)

J.T. BROWN Delmark 714 Windy City Boogie ● CD $15.98

At last on CD - the 1956 recordings for United by this fine sax blower and his band.
J.T. BROWN: Blackjack Blues/ Blues For Job/ Cheatin' And Lyin'/ Give Her Plenty Money To Spend/ Going Home To My Baby/ Going Home To My Baby/ House Party Groove/ It's A Shame To Tell The People/ Lonely (as A Man Can Be)./ Lonely(as A Man Can Be)/ One More Chance/ Rock-em/ Strictly Gone/ Use That Spot/ Use That Spot/ Walking Home/ When I Was A Lad/ Windy City Boogie/ Wopa Jingle/ You Stayed Away To Long

KENNY BROWN Fat Possum 80344 Stingray ● CD $15.98

11 tracks, 39 min, recommended
Making his name as 2nd guitarist with RL Burnside, this is only the 2nd time in 6 years that Kenny's been front & center. A little similar to The North Mississippi All-Stars (drummer Cedric Burnside has also played with NMAS) they even share a tune, RL's Shake 'Em On Down. Also as with NMAS this is mostly a trio set, with Takeeshi Imura on bass, plus some with just Kenny & guitar & a few with sax and/or organ, includes a few RL originals with re-workings of traditional blues - Cocaine Bill/ Miss Maybelle/ Lonesome Katy Blues, etc. (GM)

LEE BROWN Document DOCD 5344 Complete Recorded Works, 1927-1940 In Chronological Order ● CD $15.98

LEE BROWN: Another Little Girl/ Carpenter Man Blues/ Cross The Sante Fe/ Down By The M & O/ Forsaken Blues/ Howling Man Blues/ I Can Lay It On Down/ Jeff Davis Highway/ Lemon Roller/ Let Me Be Your Bo Weavil/ Little Brown Skin Girl/ Little Girl Little Girl/ Lock And Key Blues/ Low Down Feelin'/ Midnight Dream/ Moanin' Dove/ My Driving Wheel/ New Little Girl Little Girl/ Perlina Blues/ Pitchin' Boogie/ Ripley Rumbling Blues/ Rolling Stone/ She's My All And All/ Treated Like A Dog

MEL BROWN Electro-Fi 3363 Neckbones & Caviar ● CD $15.98

First U.S. album in more than 10 years by this brilliant guitarist who was worked with Bobby Bland and B.B. king.

MEL BROWN & THE HOMEWRECKERS Electro-Fi 3370 Homewreckin' Done Live ● CD $15.98

Acclaimed guitarist and his band recorded live.

NAPPY BROWN Alligator 4792 With The Heartfixers - Tore Up ● CD $15.98

Reissue of 1984 album originally on the Landslide label.
NAPPY BROWN: Hard Luck Blues/ Heartbreak/ Hidden Charms/ It Ain't My Cross To Bear/ Jack The Rabbit/ Lemon Squeezin' Daddy/ Losing Hand/ Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You/ Tore Up Over You/ Who/ You Can Make It If You Try

REVEREND PEARLY BROWN Arhoolie 9025 You're Gonna Need That Pure Religion ● CD $9.98

20 tracks, 59 mins, highly recommended
Fine set of rural gospel by street singer and guitarist from Georgia. It includes 15 tracks recorded by Harry Oster in 1961 and originally issued on Folklyric and 5 songs from a 1974 radio show hosted by Chris Strachwitz which includes some fascinating interview material. Brown was not a great original but had a powerful rough hewn voice and was a decent guitarist. His material includes some nice performances inspired by the great Blind Willie Johnson with fine slide including Nobody's Fault But Mine/ Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning/ God Don't Ever Change and others. There are also other performances in a more hillbilly style like Just A Closer Walk With Thee/ Savior, Don't You Pass Me By and more. The radio show performances are even more rewarding - on several tracks he is joined on vocals by his wife Christine and two tracks feature him playing 12 string guitar including a great version of What A Morning. A most worthwhile release. (FS)

PINEY BROWN/ EDDIE MACK Delmark 754 Hoot & Holler Saturday Night ● CD $15.98

Two fine blues shouters recorded for Apollo between 1948 and 1950. Includes several previously unissued songs or alternate takes.

ROY BROWN Ace CDCHD 459 Mighty Mighty Man! ● CD $18.98

22 tracks, 57 min., recommended
Ace's strategy here is like that used on the Wynonie Harris disc above. The focus is on worthy later tracks, numbers recorded pretty much after Brown's days as a consistent hit maker. And again Ace has dug up gems missing from other reissues, drawn from sessions in 1953 to 1955 and from Brown's last King session in 1959. Highlights here include Mr. Hound Dog's in Town/ Trouble at Midnight/ Everything's All Right/ Up Jumped the Devil/ Fannie Brown Got Married Adorable One, and Good Looking and Foxy Too. Well worth adding to your 50s blues collection, with production values in keeping with Ace's already high reputation. (DH)
ROY BROWN: Adorable One/ Ain't Got No Blues Today/ Ain't It A Shame/ Ain't No Rockin' No More/ Black Diamond/ Bootleggin' Baby/ Don't Let It Rain/ Everything's All Right/ Fannie Brown Got Married/ Gal From Kokomo/ Good Looking And Foxy Too/ Letter To My Baby/ Mr Hound Dog's In Town/ No Love At All/ Queen Of Diamonds/ Rinky Dinky Doo/ School Bell Rock/ Shake 'Em Up Baby/ This Is My Last Goodbye/ Trouble At Midnight/ Up Jumped The Devil/ Worried Life Blues

ROY BROWN Ace CDCHD 1072 Good Rockin' Brown - The King & Deluxe Acetate Series ● CD $18.98

24 tracks, 67 mins, essential
Ace does it again! Some time ago they acquired the rights to reissue King and DeLuxe recordings made between 1944 and 1951 from the original 16 inch acetates which have remained untouched for many years. These acetates, many thought to have been lost in a warehouse fire, have been transferred the Ace's headquarters in London and Ace stalwarts Tony Rounce and Peter Gibbon have been slowly working their way through them since December 2004 finding the original first generation recordings of many classic sides, loads of unissued material as well as previously unknown recordings. They are starting what promises to be an extensive series of reissues drawn from these acetates with this great collection of primo blues shouter Roy Brown. This CD presents one take of every surviving acetate recorded by Brown in 1947 at Cosimo Matissa's J&M studio in New Orleans. It opens with a previously unissued alternate take of his first hit Good Rockin' Tonight which is very different from the issued version. It also includes unissued alternates of two other early classics Mighty Mighty Man and Miss Fanny Brown plus seven issued sides and a whopping 14 songs previously unissued in any form. These unissued songs are every bit as good as the issued recordings ranging from the intense slow blues I'm the Man Who Sings The Blues and Jailhouse Blues to the hard rocking Farm Town Gal and Looking For A Woman. Sound quality is stunning and there informed notes by Rounce. Coming soon from Ace is a whole CD of previously unissued demos by Brown from the same year - wow! (FS)

ROY BROWN King Blues KSCD 1404 Greatest Hits ● CD $7.98

8 tracks - Good Rockin' Tonight/ Long About Midnight/ Love Don't LOve Nobody/ Old Age Boogie/ Rockin' At Midnight/ Hard Luck Blues/ Boogie At Midnight/ Miss Fanny Brown, etc.

ROY BROWN & OTHERS JSP JSPCD 7756 New Orleans R&B ● CD $28.98

Four CD set of New Orleans blues and R&B featuring two CDs worth of Roy Brown, one CD of Dave Bartholomew and one of Professor Longhair.
DAVE BARTHOLOMEW: Ah Cubanas/ Ain‘t Gonna Do It/ Bad Habit/ Bum Mae/ Carnival Day/ Country Boy/ Country Boy Goes Home/ Dave‘s Boogie Woogie/ Frantic Chick/ Girt Town Blues/ Going To Chow/ Good Jax Boogie/ High Flying Woman/ High Society Blues/ In The Alley/ Messy Bessie/ Mr Fool/ Poppa Stoppa Theme Song/ She‘s Got Great Big Eyes/ Stardust/ Sweet Home Blues/ That‘s How You Got Killed Before/ The Golden Rule/ Tijim/ Twins/ ROY BROWN: Answer To Big Town/ Bar Room Blues/ Beautician Blues/ Big Town/ Boogie At Midnight/ Brown Angel/ Butcher Pete - Pt. 1/ Butcher Pete - Pt. 2/ Bye Baby Bye/ Cadillac Baby/ Deep Sea Diver/ Double Crossin‘ Woman/ Dreaming Blues/ End Of My Journey/ Good Man Blues/ Good Rockin‘ Man/ Good Rockin‘ Tonight/ Hard Luck Blues/ Hurry Hurry Baby/ I Feel That Young Man‘s Rhythm/ I‘ve Got The Last Laugh Now/ Judgement Day Blues/ Lolly Pop Mama/ Lonesome Lover/ Long About Sundown/ Long bout Midnight/ Love Don‘t Love Nobody/ Midnight Lover Man/ Mighty, Mighty Man/ Miss Fanny Brown/ Miss Fanny Brown Returns/ Money Can‘t Buy Love/ New Rebecca/ Please Don‘t Go/ Rainy Weather Blues/ Riding High/ Rock-a-bye Baby/ Rockin‘ At Midnight/ Roy Brown‘s Boogie/ Special Lesson No. 1/ Sweet Peach/ Teenage Jamboree/ The Blues Got Me Again/ Too Much Loving Ain‘t Good/ Train Time Blues/ Travelin‘ Man/ Whose Hat Is That/ Woman‘s A Wonderful Thing/ Wrong Woman Blues/ fore Day In The Morning/ PROFESSOR LONGHAIR: Bald Head/ Ball The Wall/ Been Foolin‘ Around/ Between Midnight And Day/ Boyd‘s Bounce/ Bye Bye Baby/ Byrd‘s Blues/ East St. Louis Baby/ Hadacol Bounce/ Her Mind Is Gone/ Hey Little Girl/ Hey Now Baby/ Hey Now Baby/ In The Night/ Longhair Stomp/ Mardi Gras In New Orleans/ Mardi Gras In New Orleans/ Oh Well/ Professor Longhair Blues/ Professor Longhair‘s Boogie/ She Ain‘t Got No Hair/ She Walks Right In/ Tipitina/ Walk Your Blues Away/ Who‘s Been Fooling You/ Willie Mae

RUTH BROWN Fantasy 9662 Blues On Broadway ● CD $15.98

This new collection has an after-hours blues feel about it, with Ruth sounding more like a supperclub singer than at any time since her re-emergence in the Eighties which culminated in a Tony Award for her musical lead in Black & Blue, a comic Broadway show out of which St. Louis Blues / If I Can't Sell It, I'll Keep Sittin' On It, and Tain't Nobody's Business If I Do are recreated here with smooth hammond organ and tasty piano acc. from Bobby Forrester, soulful tenor injections from Red Holloway. alto embellishments from Hank Crawford, and solid stickwork from Grady Tate. Ruth's voice is not as youthful as it once was, but she can get smokey on the back-alley blues songs. (OLN)

RUTH BROWN Fantasy 9663 Fine And Mellow ● CD $15.98

Ruth's latest album finds her in great form, as always. Comprised of 2 bi-coastal recordings, the settings are 8-9 piece bands backing her on a selection of primarily R&B standards like Fine And Mellow/ Salty Papa Blues/ I'll Drown In My Own Tears/ Knock Me A Kiss. So nice to hear Ruth and her band stretching out, and even better still that this great lady, a veteran of the 1950's R&B era, is still around to enjoy the acclaim that has come her way the past few years. Right on, Ruth! MD)

WALTER BROWN & JAY MCSHANN Jasmine 376 Forget Your Troubles & Jump Your Blues Away ● CD $15.98

23 tracks, 64 mins, highly recommended
Most welcome reissue of this fine and distinctive vocalist accompanied by the great Kansas City piano player Jay McShann who leads various different groups ranging from trio to quartets to full orchestras sporting such musicians as Charlie Parker, gene Ramey, "Lucky" Enois, Paul Quinichette, Jesse Price, Ben Webster and others. It includes the original recording of the superb Confessin' The Blues which became a hit selling over half-a-million copies leading to the inevitable new Confessin' The Blues. There are lots of other fine songs here like 'Fore Day Rider/ Red River Blues/ Cryin' Won't Make Me Stay/ Lonely Boy Blues (two versions - one studio and one live at the Club Plantation in Los Angeles)/ Hometown Blues/ W.B. Blues/ Lovin' A Beggar/ You Better Leave My Woman Alone, etc. Brown was a most appealing singer with a softer voice than some of his contemporaries but a most expressive one. Sadly his hard living life style led to his early death at the age of 39 in 1956. Sound quality is excellent and there are knowledgeable notes by Dave Penny. (FS)

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BESSIE BROWN/ LIZA BROWN	Document DOCD 5456	The Original Bessie Brown, 1925-1929	● CD $15.98
Features the complete recorded works, 1925-1929 by Bessie Brown and the remaining titles of Liza Brown from 1929. Accompaniments by Clarence Williams, Benny Moten, Charlie Green, Fletcher henderson, Coleman Hawkins, Buster Bailey and others.

BUSTER BROWN	Relic 7064	Raise A Ruckus Tonight!!!	● CD $14.98
The best collection of this bluesman's Fire & Gwen recordings. Sharp harp, wild guitar from Jimmy Spruill and Riff Ruffin and fine Bobby Robinson production. 7 tracks are in stereo including his big hit Fannie Mae and the set includes one unissued song (No More) and a few alternate takes and false starts - 21 tracks in all. BUSTER BROWN: Blueberry Hill/ Blues When It Rains/ Doctor Brown/ Don't Dog Your Woman/ Fannie Mae/ Fannie Mae/ Gonna Love My Baby/ Good News/ Im Goin', But I'll Be Back/ Is You Is Or Is You Aint My Baby?/ John Henry/ Lost In A Dream/ No More/ Raise A Ruckus Tonight/ Raise A Ruckus Tonight/ Sincerely/ St Louis Blues/ Sugar Babe/ The Madison Shuffle/ When Things Go Wrong (it Hurts Me Too)

CHARLES BROWN	Ace CDCHD 589	Drifting & Dreaming	● CD $18.98
21 tracks, 62 min., essential Having already seen discs featuring his Aladdin tracks and a major slice of his Swingtime material, fans can now purchase a digital program of Brown's mid-40's numbers recorded with Johnny Moore's Three Blazers and originally issued by Modern Records. Program highlights include Travelin' Blues, It's the Talk of the Town, How Deep Is the Ocean, Warsaw Concerto (Parts 1 and 2), Make Believe Land, It Had to Be You, Sail On Blues, and When Your Lover Has Gone. Mellow music to be sure, suitable for both pursuing a lover and/or mourning her/his loss, produced with Ace's normal high standards. And do check out those great neckties on the necks of all three Blazers in the cover photo. I want one. (DH) CHARLES BROWN: Blue Because Of You/ Copyright On Your Love/ How Deep Is The Ocean?/ I'll Get Along Somehow/ If You Ever Should Leave/ It Had To Be You/ It's The Talk Of The Town/ Make Believe Land/ More Than You Know/ Nutmeg/ Sail On Blues/ So Long/ Travelin' Blues/ Warsaw Concerto (Part 1)/ Warsaw Concerto (Part 2)/ What Do You Know About Love?/ When Your Lover Has Gone/ You Are My First Love/ You Left Me Forsaken/ You Showed Me The Way/ You Won't Let Me Go

CHARLES BROWN	Alligator 4771	One More For The Road	● CD $15.98
Reissue of highly regarded album originally issued on the now defunct Blueside label. 11 tunes, most cut with a trio of Brown(p,vcl), Billy Butler(g) & Earl May(b), capturing the feel of The 3 Blazers, with appearances by Harold Ousley (ts) & Kenny Washington (d). A wide variety of material given the late-night Brown treatment, from pop - One For My Baby/ Cottage For Sale , Country - He's Got You/ Who Will The Next Fool Be & R&B - Route 66/ I Miss You So/ Travellin' Blues . (GM)

CHARLES BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9501	All My Life	~~$15.98~~ ● CD $8.98
Some 45 years after his first recordings Charles Brown was still going strong in 1990 when this album was released. His voice is deeper and huskier than it was then but is still as smooth as silk and his piano playing is as good as ever and he continues to purvey that mellow sound that he pioneered and was a big influence on hundreds of performers. On this selection of old hits and newer songs he is accompanied by a tasteful and sympathetic group including veteran sax man Clifford Solomon, guitarist Danny Caron, Earl May on bass and Keith Copeland on drums. Occasional guest musicians sit in Dr John, Ruth Brown, Heywood Henry and the album's producer Ron Levy. A first rate effort all round. (FS)

CHARLES BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9514	Someone To Love	● CD ~~$15.98~~ ● CD $8.98
These 1992 recordings are knock-down-drag-out good stuff. The accompanying musicians - including Danny Caron, Tommie McKenzie, Clifford Solomon, and Bobby Forte - are first rate, as is Brown's stunning piano work, which often leads the way. Tracks include the title tune, I Wonder How She Knows, Not So Far, Be Sharp You'll See, and I Don't Want to Get Adjusted. For 45 minutes of mellow and funky blues, this disc is hard to beat. Hats off to Bullseye Blues for their sympathetic production. And may I be as "in tune" in my late 60's as Brown is. It is hard to believe that a lot of his best known music was recorded over 40 years ago. He sure sounds good now. Anyway, great sound, session notes by Ron Levy, and a knockout cover picture of Brown is a silver sequined coat and cap. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9521	Just A Lucky So And So	● CD $15.98
10 tracks, 50 min., recommended A national treasure by now, emeritus bluesman Charles Brown, on this, his third, full length Bulleseye disc, displays his awesome talent in a variety of musical settings. There are the expected late night piano solos, but we also get small combo numbers featuring the sax of Clifford Solomon and the guitar of Danny Caron, and big band and string section arrangements, with the musical texture sometimes varying considerably within individual numbers. Highlights include extended versions of Black Night and Driftin' Blues, plus I Won't Cry Anymore, the title track, and the delightful Song for Christmas. Sound, graphics, and notes are all up to snuff. Get it while you can; this is not one to miss. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9551	In A Grand Style	● CD ~~$15.98~~ ● CD $9.98
Previously unissued sides recorded at various Bullseye Blues sessions by Brown in the early 90s. An after hours set featuring Charles alone with his piano on a selection of ballads and blues. Includes One Never Knows, Does One/ Black Night/ Give Me A Woman/ Charles' Chopin Liszt/ Stumbled And Fell In Love, etc.

CHARLES BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9561	Cool Christmas Blues	● CD $15.98
The smoothest bluesy Christmas - with Clifford Solomon, Johnny Otis, Bobby Forte & others. CHARLES BROWN: A Song For Christmas/ Blue Holiday/ Bringing In A Brand New Year/ Christmas Comes But Once A Year/ Christmas In Heaven/ Merry Christmas Baby/ Please Come Home For Christmas/ Santa's Blues/ Silent Night/ Stay With Me/ To Someone That I Love

CHARLES BROWN	Collectables 2891	The Very Best Of Charles Brown	● CD $15.98
25 tracks, 69 mins, highly recommended Very nice! There've been a lot of Charles Brown CDs out drawn from his lengthy career but this is the first CD devoted exclusively to his King recordings which he made for Syd Nathan between 1961 and 1968 - many of them appearing in true stereo for the first time. This is almost all his King recordings with the exception of some of his Christmas songs (he recorded a whole LPs worth) which will not be geatly missed and are available on a King Christmas CD. It opens with his 1961 recording of Please Come For Christmas and ends with 1968 remakes of two of his classic Aladdin sides Black Night and Merry Christmas. Material and arrangements are varied ranging from straight blues to jumping R&B to doo-wop songs to a few pop flavored to an R&B cover of the bluegrass song I Don't Want Your Rambling Letter. There are a couple of fine duets with Amos Milburn, a superb cover of Rosie & The Originals' Angel Baby, the very soulful Christmas Blues and more. Throughout Charles smooth and silky vocals are a joy - groups range from small to largish with the occasional vocal chorus rearing it's ugly head. Nobody seems to know who the musicians are on these sessions which is a shame as there is some fine guitar and tenor playing on some of the tracks. A fine addition to your collection of Charles Brown recordings! (FS)

CHARLES BROWN	Collectables 5631	Driftin' Blues - The Best Of Charles Brown	● CD $13.98
Another EMI reissue now available from Collectables featuring a great selection of his Aladdin recordings..

CHARLES BROWN	King 775	Sings Christmas Songs	● CD $7.98
12 Christmas favorites recorded in 1961 including Please Come Home For Christmas/ Christmas In Heaven/ Christmas Comes But Once A Year/ Let's Make Every Day A Christmas Day/ Christmas Blues/ My Most Miserable Christmas, etc.

CHARLES BROWN	Night Train 7017	Snuff Dippin' Mama	● CD $15.98
19 tracks, 53 min., essential This is the first of two promised discs from Night Train to feature the early Exclusive/Swingtime recordings of the man who, along with Nat King Cole, launched the mellow blues sound. As the vocalist and piano man of Johnny Moore's Three Blazers, Brown created a brand of supper club blues that has influenced many a successor, not the least of whom is Ray Charles. The stellar numbers on this first disc, laid down between 1946 and 1949, include the title track, plus I Miss You, Now That You're Gone, Sunny Road, B-Sharp You'll See, Googie's Boogie, Changeable Woman Blues, Juke Box Lil, and Moonrise. The liner notes by Richie Benway are solid, the sound, clearly dubbed from discs, varies a bit but is always acceptable, and cover graphics are better than usual for this series. Much too good to miss. (DH)

CHARLES BROWN	Night Train 7024	Walkin' In Circles	● CD $15.98

CHARLES BROWN	Rounder 2074	A Life In Blues	● CD $24.98
CD/ DVD combination. The CD features a live concert at The Lone Star Roadhouse with Charles accompanied by a trio including regular guitarist Danny Caron on 10 songs including I Stepped In Quicksand/ I Cried Last Night/ Seven Long Days/ When The Sun Comes Out/ Please Come Home For Christmas, etc. The DVD features a video of the concert plus two short films made in 1944 for Soundies by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers when Charles was 22 years old. It also includes video interviews, a photo gallery including many previously unpublished and a complete career discography.

CHARLES BROWN	Stardust 881	The Very Best Of Charles Brown	● CD $15.98
14 tracks, 42 mins, recommended The first 12 tracks on this CD reissues the album produced by Johnny Otis for his Blues Spectrum label in 1974. Charles is in fine form with his distinctive vocals and thoughtful piano work with Shuggie Otis providing some very tasty guitar licks as well as bass and Johnny on drums, vibes and occasional piano. The songs include a few of Charles's old standbys like Driftin' Blues and Black night along with songs by Ray Charles, Leonard Feather and some composed for the session by Otis & Brown. The last two "bonus" songs Let's Make Every Day A Christmas and I'll Be Home For Christmas are obviously from a different session though I would guess from around the same time. They both have pleasing vocals by Charles though the latter song is marred by some horrible electronic guitar sounds. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Aim 1304	Okie Dokie	● CD $13.98
13 tracks, 38 mins, recommended Previously available on P-Vine 2109 with an alternate take of The Grass Is Always Greener. An interesting collection of 13 tracks recorded by this multi-talented musician in the 60s. A few were issued on local Texas labels but most were not issued before the P-Vine release. Accompanied by a couple of different bands Gate turns in an eclectic mixture of blues, jazz and country featuring him on vocals, guitar, fiddle and harmonica. About half the tracks are instrumental and includes a Latin blues flavored version of When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again on fiddle (!), hot R&B (I Want You For My Girlfriend) and a jazzy version of Milkcow Blues). The vocal performances are equally eclectic. Nothing spectacular here but an enjoyable selection from an extremely talented performer. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Alligator 4745	Pressure Cooker	● CD $15.98
An enjoyable selection of tracks drawn from the five LPs `Gate' recorded in France for the Black & Blue label in the 70s. These jazzy blues cuts usually fine him in a trio or quartet format accompanied by organ player Milt Buckner or piano player Jay McShann with the occasional assistance of the great Texas tenor sax player Arnett Cobb. The material includes new recordings of some of his old Peacock classics, new songs and a couple of tracks from his tribute album to Louis Jordan. Fine singing and lots of splendid Texas blues guitar by `Gate' plus solid accompaniment by the band. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Alligator 4779	Standing My Ground	● CD $12.98
This one was recorded in New Orleans using some of the city's top musicians, and as one might suspect, it sounds great. His guitar playing is as eloquent and inventive as ever, while still retaining that raw Texas blues sting, as he moves from style to style with a veteran's ease. Some tunes are self-explanatory, such as Cool Jazz and Louisiana Zydeco (featuring Terence Simien on accordion). Gate also plays fiddle, piano and even drums on some cuts, while the nice punchy horn arrangements shine throughout. (LP) CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Born In Louisiana/ Cool Jazz/ Got My Mojo Working/ I Hate These Doggone Blues/ Leftover Blues/ Louisiana Zydeco/ Never Unpack Your Suitcase/ She Walks Right In/ What Am I Living For

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Alligator 4804	No Looking Back	● CD $12.98
On his third release for Alligator, the ever-talented Texas guitarist/ fiddler/ singer Brown manages to meld his usual musical eclecticism into a bright, cohesive album. Some of his best stuff here - Better Off With the Blues/ Straighten Up - is on the bluesy side, but some isn't. Ellington's C-Jam Blues is an adrenalin-filled instrumental to be reckoned with, and Digging New Ground swings nicely. About half the songs were written by Brown, three by associate producer John D. Loudermilk, whose simple-minded lyric (ala Nancy Reagan) on the anti-drug Dope is one of the few missteps here. The album boasts some fine piano from Michael Holmes, nice horn charts from trumpeter Terry Townson, a barking dog, and a duet with Michelle Shocked on the ballad I Will Be Your Friend. Oh, and Gate too! (JC) CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Alligator Eating Dog/ Better Off With The Blues/ C-Jam Blues/ Digging New Ground/ Dope/ I Will Be Your Friend/ My Own Prison/ Stop Time/ Straighten Up/ The Peeper/ We're Outta Here

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Blues Collection 160202	His First Recordings, 1947-1951	● CD $11.98
24 tracks, 72 mins, highly recommended Terrific collection featuring almost all the recordings from the first four years of the recording career of this brilliant and influential singer and guitarist from Texas. Although in later years Gate disliked being pigeon holed as a bluesman these recordings are Texas blues at his finest. His first session in August 1947 is straight ahead T-Bone, both vocally and instrumental, but by his next session a year later his own style began to emerge with a more intense vocal and guitar style with a more down home quality to it - his playing was to influence any number of guitar players. There are some terrific songs like My Time Is Expensive/ Boogie Rambler/ Justice Blues, the much copied She Walks Right In, his tribute to a local brand of beer Pale Dry Boogie and more. The tracks from this period not included here are either unissued or so rare they were not available to the compilers of this album. Sound quality is generally excellent and there are brief notes by Jean Buzelin. A fine and important release. (FS)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Bullseye Blues 9622	Okie Dokie Stomp	● CD $11.98
Collection of 12 tracks drawn from Gates' two Rounder studio albums along with live tracks from his "Real Life" set plus the previously unissued recorded of his signature song The Drifter - a 10 minute tor-de-force on which gate plays harmonica as well as guitar. Includes Stranded/ I Feel Alright Again/ Sometimes I Slip/ Real Life/ Information Blues/ Dollar Got The Blues, etc.

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Hightone 8174	Timeless	● CD $18.98
11 tracks, 58 minutes, excellent If you ever run into Gatemouth Brown and decide to introduce yourself, don't tell him he's a great blues musician - Gate doesn't pigeonhole himself and doesn't care to have anyone else offer to do it for him. The 58 minutes of "Timeless prove clearly that Brown is all over the map with an ability to play any style of music that he wishes. Here, he covers Fletcher Henderson's Soft Wind, Jay McShann's Jumpin' The Blues, Duke Ellington's Satin Doll, Hoyt Garrick's Dark End Of The Hallway, and Josef Zawinal's Mercy, Mercy, Mercy as well as digging into a nine-minute version of The Drifter and a handful of other originals. (CR)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Maison De Blues 982 2467	Gate's On The Heat	● CD $15.98
This CD features two sessions - one held in 1972 with "Gate" accompanied by a French rhythm section with The Memphis Horns overdubbed later. This session was originally issued as "The Drifter Rides" again. Another session was held in 1973 with "Gate" joined by Canned Heat. The album was then re-released as "Gate's On The Heat" with two of the tracks added from the Canned Heat session. This CD adds two more tracks from the latter session for a total of 12 tracks. Gate is in fine form singing and playing guitar, violin and harmonica on a collection of originals (Man & His Environment/ Please Mr. Nixon/ Dollar's Got The Blues, etc.) and fine covers Jelly, Jelly/ One Mint Julep/ River's Invitation, etc.)

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Rounder 2028	Alright Again!	● CD $15.98
CD reissue of 1981 album recorded in New Orleans with good band including Alvin 'Red' Tyler on sax. It's nearly all blues - Gate is in good form vocally and on guitar, and throws in a little violin for good measure. A wide variety of material here - Frosty/ Give Me Time To Explain/ Sometimes/ Slip/ Alligator Boogaloo, etc. 10 cuts. CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Alligator Boogaloo/ Baby Take It Easy/ Dollar Got the Blues/ Frosty/ Gate Walks To Board/ Give Me Time To Explain/ Honey In The Be-Bo/ I Feel Alright Again/ Sometimes I Slip/ Strollin' With Bones

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Rounder 2039	The Original Peacock Recordings	● CD $15.98
This CD - which reissues the 1983 Rounder LP - contains 12 cuts by Brown recorded for then-new Peacock Records in Houston, between 1952-59. Every song is a triumph, from the foot-stomping Hurry Back Good News to the mournful For Now So Long to Gate's signature tune, the Pluma Davis-penned classic Okie Dokie Stomp. The ever versatile Brown sings and plays his energy-filled guitar, as well as showing off with some talented harmonica work on Gate's Salty Blues, and some fine fiddling on Just Before Dawn. Great Texas blues, complete session info, informative notes, and two unissued cuts (same as LP). Recommended, though short at 32 minutes. (JC) CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Ain't That Dandy/ Depression Blues/ Dirty Work at the Crossroads/ For Now So Long/ Gate's Salty Blues/ Good Looking Woman/ Hurry Back Good News/ Just Before Dawn/ Midnight Hour/ Okie Dokie Stomp/ Sad Hour/ That's Your Daddy Yaddy Yo

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Rounder 11527	Texas Swing	● CD $15.98
17 tracks taken from his Grammy winning album Alright Again (Rounder 2028) and the Grammy nominated One More Mile (Rounder 2034). CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Ain't That Dandy/ Alligator Boogaloo/ Baby Take It Easy/ Big Yard/ Dollar Got The Blues/ Flippin' Out/ Frosty/ Gate Walks To Board/ I Feel Alright Again/ I Wonder/ Information Blues/ Near Baku/ One More Mile/ Sometimes I Slip/ Song For Renee/ Stranded/ Strollin' With Bones

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Sugar Hill 3891	Blackjack	● CD $15.98
CD reissue of 1977 album originally issued on the Music Is Medicine label - his first full length U.S. album. A diverse collection of blues, country and jazz.

CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN	Verve 529 465-2	A Long Way Home	● CD $15.98
Most recent release from this versatile bluesman with a whole slew of guest musicians including Eric Clapton, Sonny Landreth, Leon Russell, Amos Garrett and others CLARENCE 'GATEMOUTH' BROWN: Blues Power/ Deep, Deep Water/ Dockside Boogie/ Don't Cry Sister/ Don't Think Twice/ Here I Go Again/ I'll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)/ Long Way Home/ Mean And Evil/ Somebody Else/ The Blues Walk/ Tobacco Road/ Underhand Boogie

CLEO BROWN	President PLCD 548	The Legendary Cleo Brown	● CD $15.98
17 tracks, 46 mins, recommended Cleo was one of the first female Chicago boogie woogie singers/ pianists whose off color cabaret type stylings forged the way for Nellie Lutcher, Julia Lee and Martha Davis. Backed by small combos whose notable members included drummers Gene Krupa or Tubby Hall, guitarist Bobby Sherwood and others. Cleo's sly, sometimes coy, warblings set against strong bluesy piano solos made her one of the great boogie gals of the 30's, at times she comes off as a female Fats Waller. Includes her version of Pinetop Smith's classic Boogie Woogie plus When Hollywood Goes Black & Tan/ The Stuff Is here And It's Mellow/ Pelican Stomp/ Mama Don't Want No Peas An' Rice An' Coconut OIl/ My Gal Mezzanine, etc (OLN/FS) CLEO BROWN: Breakin' In A Pair Of Shoes/ Give A Broken Heart A Break/ I'll Take The South/ Latch On/ Lookie Lookie Here Comes Cookie/ Love In The First Degree/ Mama Don't Want No Peas No Rice No Coconut Oil/ Me And My Wonderful One/ My Gal Mezzanine/ Never Too Tired For Love/ Pelican Stomp/ Pinetop's Boogie Woogie/ Stuff Is Here And It's Mellow/ When/ When Hollywood Goes Black And Tan/ You're A Heavenly Thing/ You're My Fever