James Booker - The Lost Paramount Tapes

List Price: $12.98
Our Price: $8.13
You Save: $4.85 (37%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $7.99 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details

CD Details

Music reviews of The Lost Paramount Tapes

Music Review: James Booker -- Professor and Toy Piano Genius!
Rating: 5 Stars

Put the record on, and, after a brief bit of atmospheric studio hum, you'll be treated to the opening rollicking notes of a radical reworking of the Ledbelly classic, Goodnight Irene. True, there are other recordings of Booker laying into this tune, but none of them feature the backing of a swinging unit of crack New Orleans musicians -- saxophoist Lee Allen and percussionist Didimus, among others. And let me tell you, the tune swings, bringing together the pain and joy of the blues. As Albert King used to say, "if this doesn't get to you, you've got a hole in your soul!" I dare you to not get up and dance.

Every track lives up to this standard. Check out "Feel So Bad" -- and when Booker sings that he feels like "a ball game on a rainy day" you'll feel it to. Or the New Orleans second-line rhythms and old time parlor melodies of "African Gumbo" and "Tico Tico" -- the band wails, Booker deftly dances across the keys, playing off the melody and improvising lightning, soulful runs with his right hand, and you'll feel a strong urge for a libation, some red beans and rice, and a good place to dance the night away. Tired of the long, overdone, guitar-wanking, Allman Brothers-inspired takes on "Stormy Monday"? Check out the "Hound Dog/Stormy Monday" medley for a return to the tunes simpler roots. And, of course, not one, but two versions of the New Orleans standard "Junco Partner".

And last, a note about the piano featured in this recording. Legend has it that Booker had a roomful of grand pianos to choose from for this recording -- and instead chose an old upright toy piano (perhaps a "piano forte" is a better description). The producer of the session tried to talk him out of it; but you'll be glad Booker stuck to his guns, for the piano sound on this record is positively joyous -- just what you'd expect from the bluescape and parlor of a great Professor.

Booker's gone now, far too soon. But if you buy this record, shake a leg, raise a glass, shout out "Irene" with the chorus of Goodnight Irene (and you will), I think you'll understand. And who knows -- maybe somehow Booker will know and he'll raise his eyepatch and wink at you. I guarantee it's worth a shot!

Description of The Lost Paramount Tapes

Blues CDs

• Music > Styles
• Jazz
• Pop
• R&B