Customer Reviews

Cryin Time

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

 

 

I just finished reading the reviews of the other Otis Spann albums on Amazon and was suprised to see this album wasn't even reviewed! This is one of his best- yes, some of sound quality on the earlier records is poor, and yes, the small group (solo or duo) stuff highlights his piano, but this album is *way* better than "walking the blues" and just as good as "is the blues", if not better. I've had this on vinyl for years and just picked it p on CD. The group is tight, the piano is in the spotlight, there is a serious groove goin' on, and his wife Lucille is absolutly great on "some day" and "blind man" ("blind man" is exceptional). This is also my favorite version of "another mule is kickin' in your stall" - yes, even better than muddy's on "live at Mr. kelly's". Check it out!

I have been a big fan of Otis Spann for years and have enjoyed his solo work and with Muddy. This album however has never struck a cord with me. I think its the fact there is too much organ playing and not enough piano. Overall sound quality is poor and due to the chessy organ it sounds a bit dated. On a positive note, the band is tight with Luther 'Guitar' Johnson on guitar and his wife, Lucille, shows up on a couple of tracks belting out the blues. Overall this album kind of blows. Check out 'Biggest Thing Since Colossus' for an excellent Otis Spann solo album or Father and Sons to explore his work with Muddy.