Customer Reviews

Blues'll Make You Happy Too

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Rounder records released a thirty-album series in celebration of its 30th anniversary. All of the CD's in the series, including this disc, are compilations which span a bands contractual existence during Rounders 30 years in business. In this instance, the Roomful of Blues was contractually obligated to Rounder from 1980 through 1998.

Considering the number of personnel changes made by this band over this 19 year period, the consistency is pretty good. The songs seem to flow from one to the next without any appreciable difference in vocalist or guitarist as the case may be. It is not a "Greatest Hits CD" or an all inclusive "Box Set", but it is a nice, albiet brief, historical perspective on the bands years with Rounder. Fans of the Roomful of Blues will also appreciate the accompaning 30 page booklet which is very informative and contains photos depicting the bands numerous transformations.

ROOMFUL OF BLUES-THE BLUES'LL MAKE YOU HAPPY, TOO: Rhode Island's decades old little big band ROOMFUL OF BLUES launched the careers of elegant axe handlers DUKE ROBILLARD and RONNIE EARL, plus soulman belter extraordinaire SUGAR RAY NORCIA, to name but three members in an ever evolving lineup. This righteous, horn-vaccinated collection from roots label ROUNDER is an authentic grab bag of jumpin' jive, swingin' jazz, and rockin' blues with a blessed emphasis on fun. Down to earth covers of BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND's POVERTY and SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL (with originator BIG JOE TURNER on guest vocals, no less!) hold sway with tasty originals SHE'LL BE SO FINE and IF YOU KNOW IT, crackling roadhouse rhythms one and all. THE BLUES'LL MAKE YOU HAPPY, TOO is the best of the trio of ROB compilations on the market, a succulent party platter of retro-groovers that matter.

RATING: FIVE BLASTS