Customer Reviews

Blues for the Soul

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

 

 

Honest lyrics and Sam's impressive voice make another great album with excellent songs that was worth waiting for. I only wish it could have the same fine recording excellence that Audioquest was able to produce. Direct Stream Digital technology on this Telarc recording is surely ok, however, this album doesn't really create the sound space,the acoustic depth, and intensity as was captured in his earlier work with Audioquest. This album is probably more "polished" with its powerful horn section than his previous albums, so some atmosphere around the closeness to his "breathing" went missing as a trade-off. Also Bruce Katz on piano has less chances to impress and to create the kind of intimate musical stage that is the trademark of earlier work with Mighty Sam. Nevertheless, mighty fine songs on a mighty fine album.

Like Steve Earle, Mighty Sam McClain knows the dark night of the soul all too well. And, like Earle, he found a way out of it and has released yet another classic album in a string of them, one which blurs and blends the best elements of blues, country, soul, and gospel into a song cycle that resonates long after the cd player shuts off.Mighty Sam is a singer who should be mentioned in the same breath as Solomon Burke, The Holmes Brothers, Bobby Bland, and Al Green-- his range and conviction simply win you over in the first verse.The songs are honest and informed by hard-won optimism, qualities which seem to be in short supply in mainstream blues, gospel, and soul. "Jesus Got the Blues" is unforgettable and will even make an atheist take note. "Sweet Lady" just may become a theme song for those celebrating anniversaries and "Mighty's Prayer" is just profound-- enough said. In addition to the magnificent singing and songwriting, the band and production take the best elements of Duke-Peacock and Hi Records eras and fuse them without sounding derivative. If you like robust horns in the mix, then this is a prime album for you. Mighty Sam's BLUES FOR THE SOUL is mighty fine indeed and highly recommended to long-time fans and newcomers alike.

The Mighty Sam McClain returns with a CD of new blues songs. Sam has changed labels, now recording for Telarc. Telarc is known for the high quality of sound on their CD's and this is no exception. The songs on this CD are not as strong as Joy & Pain, however they are still very good and get better with each listen. The band is first rate, the production is superb and the sonics are clean and pure. Sam is accompanied by an excellent band and the horn charts are what make this CD shine.

two time grammy nominee comes up with amother claasic cd"blues for the soul". the 12 songs on this cd is a masterpiece of great music in the mold of the great like otis redding and bobby"blue" bland. this cd is a must if you like the feeling of chruch in your own home.

MIGHTY SAM MCCLAIN Blues For The Soul Telarc 83487 The
Mighty One has done it again. Love is the drug for Mr. McClain. ALL WE
NEED IS LOVE says it ALL. Great horns my man. DARK SIDE OF THE STREET
is where the lonely people meet. Open up your heart & love folks. Need mo' love ?
LOVE ONE ANOTHER is just Sam singin' it loud & proud. JESUS GOT THE BLUES
throws a little religion your way. Even the Almighty gets down sometimes. Sometimes
we just let the Man down huh ? SING ME SOME BLUES Mighty one, sing me some blues
and Sam does, oh so well. A little predujdice here because I just love THE MIGHTY
SAM. Give love a chance & give Sam a listen.

MIGHTY SAM IS THIS GREAT COMMUNICATOR THAT CAN TAKE HIS THOUGHTS,HIS WORDS AND HIS EXPERIENCES AND TRANSLATE THEM INTO THESE POWERFUL SONGS THAT RESINATE WITH EVERYONE WHETHER YOU ARE INTO SOUL,RHYTHM AND BLUES,LOVE BALLADS OR IF YOU ARE INTO YOUR FAITH AND SPIRUALITY,HE GIVES YOU ALL OF THE ABOVE AND MUCH MORE.HIS INCREDIBLE VOICE ALONG WITH HIS INCREDIBLE BAND MAKES FOR SOME GOOD LISTENING.HIS STYLE IS LIKE NO OTHER.GREAT MULTI-TASKER.A VERY POWERFUL CD.MY FAVORITE TRACK,5 NO ONE CAN TAKE YOUR PLACE,VERY POWERFUL,EXPRESSED SO LOVINGLY AND PASSIONATELY.A MUST CD TO OWN,TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION.I AM DEFINITELY ON THE MIGHTY "FAN" WAGON NOW.BETTER LATE THAN NEVER.WHAT A MAN WHAT A MAN,WHAT A MIGHTY,MIGHTY MAN.