Essence

Marion James | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 22, 2003)
• Original Release Date: May 30, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Soul Food Records
• ASIN: B0000C8W7R
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #546,487 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Splendid Release, Then and Now., December 13, 2011

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bluesuitspeaks "Keeping the Blues Alive !" (Along the Blues Highway.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essence (Audio CD)

Originally released in 2003, Essence has been re-released by Ellersoul Records, features Nashville's Queen of the Blues, Ms. Marion James. Like many great R&B singers Ms. James' musical background is rooted in the church. In 1966 Marion had a top ten hit with 'That's My Man' featuring guitarist Johnny Jones (aka Bobby 'Blue' Bland) for the Excello label. During the early sixties her band consisted of side men Billy Cox and Jimi Hendrix (Jimmy James ?) back in the day. Yeah that's all great I hear ya saying, but . . .

Well what we have here is aptly titled - Essence defined as the following:
essence is the attribute or set of attributes that make an object or substance what it fundamentally is, and which it has by necessity and without which it loses its identity. OK kind of deep here, but that is what this release is it is the essence of Soul and Blues music.

Starting with the funky soul trippin' song 'Tables' we hit the groove spot and go from there. Add horns, wacka-wacka wah wah guitar and solid lead vocals we hear the truth in her statement that the 'tables are gonna turn on you' and we know that to be true because this lady is not one to be messin' with. With a lyrical reference to the old male-oriented blues lyrics of buying a penthouse and calling it a shack, Ms. James let's the men know that it's a two way street, and she is the crossing guard.
Give me Love' is slow Blues at it's best, with traditional workings in the I-IV-V with tasty guitar, horns and B3. Ms. James' vocals are reminiscent of the great ladies of Jazz and Blues, and the band she works with know how to step in and step back as needed. Featured performers are Reese Wynans (keys), Jack Pearson (guitar), Bob Babbit (bass) and Chuckie Burke (drums).
If I didn't say the year this was originally released, you would not have asked. It is that vital, and has a contemporary feel (I guess that makes it timeless) that will not fade from its grooves (oh darn they ain't got no grooves anymore - ah well you know what I'm sayin').

The blues is the roots all else is the fruits, blues411.com