Customer Reviews

At Last on Time

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've seen Weepin Willie perform live at Bob the Chef's, a small venue in Boston, on many occasions. Live, he truly works the crowd and though he's old, his fire is far from out. His CD is diverse in style, which suggests that he has some modern undertones to a very traditional, African American blues style. I highly recommend this CD. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that the CD is lacking some of my favorite tunes I've heard him sing live.

A Blues Fairytale by definition doesn't have a beautiful princess who is carried off by the knight in shining armor. Instead it features an elderly bluesman, enter William Lorenzo Robinson or Weepin' Willie, age 72 who has worked small clubs along the east coast hoping one day to catch a break and get the opportunity to record a cd. Weepin' Willie first started in the blues as an MC at blues clubs in 1948. He was afraid to take a stab at singing until he was encouraged to do so by none other than BB King. From the mid 50's on he worked at small clubs in the New Jersey and Boston area.

The fairy godmother in this tale turns out to be Sam McClain established bluesmen who had worked with Willie in the various establishments he performed at and decided that he would like to help Willie fulfill his dream. Rather than having a knight in this tale we have young rising blues star Susan Tedeschi, who also wanted to give Willie a hand having enjoyed his performances in the Boston area. Throw out the castle and bring in a recording studios named Blue Heaven in an old refurbished church and you have all the details of this particular Blues Fairytale.

The best way to hear the tale is to actually take a listen to the cd, of course. This is a pleasant, fun cd with a soulful, blues edge which is particularly suited for Weepin' Willie's smooth as silk voice. Songs on the cd include originals By Weepin' Willie, Can't Go Wrong Woman, Weepin' Willie Boogie, those by Sam McClain, Love Me If You Want To, Love Call, They Call Me Weepin' Willie and At Last On Time and standards as Fever, Let the Good Times Roll, and Big Mary's House.

I certainly appreciate Sam McClain for giving a hand to Weepin' Willie for allowing blues fans the opportunity to hear Willie's voice with out going to one of the small clubs he plays in the Boston area. Love Call aptly demonstrates the smooth pleasant quality of Willie's voice. Willie's version of Big Mary's House is one of my personal favorites. In the song, At Last, On Time, which he penned for Willie, McClain writes:

My train finally came in
I know, I know
Dreams really do come true.

Through it all the musicians seem to be having a good time and this makes it a great listen. The songs With Robinson, McClain and Tedeschi all joining in are a rousing good time. You want to start clapping to the gospel beat in Glory Train. Listening to Let the Good Times Roll, your ready to join in the party.

This cd which in and of itself is a wonderful story is a worthy addition to any blues collection, but the music really is the key and it's great.

Do yourself a huge favor and check out this CD. I saw Weep (as his friends call him) at a Blues weekend in, of all places, Salina Kansas. He absolutely killed. Stole the show. Weepin' Willie Robinson is the ultimate bluesman. Great style, awesome voice and the consumate showman. This is all brought to vivid life in this exceptionally well recorded CD. If you have a good stereo system, you will love this recording. If you have a great system, this will be one of your reference CD's. Stand out selections are "They call me Weepin' Willie", "Can't Go Wrong Woman" and a kickin rendition of "Fever". Weep is accompanied by the tremendous blueswoman, Susan Tedeschi on a few cuts. Blues guitar legend Jimmy Lane also lends a hand. Again, if you are in the mood for some deep down, soul searchin, good time blues, this is the one. By the way Weep is pushing 75 and this is his first CD. Let's all hope it isn't his last.

For any fans of Weepin Willie this is a must have....great hearing Willie again after all these years.

First of all if you want to purchase this cd you can on acousticsounds.com.I did and i'm glad because I had never heard of Willie before.I took a chance because of the guests, Mighty Sam McClain, Jimmy D. Lane and Susan Tedeschi.
The cd is great with originals from Sam and Willie and also covers like Fever and Let the good times roll.Outrageous guitar on Can't go wrong woman from Jimmy and excellent vocals throughout from Willie, Sam and Susan.
One of the most satisfying cd's i've heard in a long time.