Customer Reviews

In the Here & Now

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It's often said of Tracy Nelson that her lack of fame is puzzling , if not downright incomprehensible. No white singer--including the ones she's most often compared to (Raitt, Joplin)--sings the blues with as much authority as Nelson. Personally, I care less about her not achieving superstar status (for, in the last analysis, she doesn't seem to want it) than I do about her just being able to record at all. An almost thirteen year drought, prior to this CD's release in '93, made the 1980s a grim era for fans. When "In the Here and Now" finally came out, it was a cause for celebration in my household. When it began to get good press and Tracy seemed to be on the come-back trail, I felt vindicated at last--finally this great singer was getting the attention she deserved.

"In the Here and Now" is Tracy Nelson's bluesiest recording since her debut "Deep Are the Roots." Her prior work had demonstrated an eclecticism similar to Bonnie Raitt's and served to turn off purists. But record execs at Rounder convinced Nelson to go for a rootsier sound for this comeback and, although it really doesn't represent the full range of her musical palette, it does work brilliantly on its own terms.

From the rousing opener "Every Night of the Week," to the closing killer duet with Irma Thomas "Send Me Someone to Love," this record just cooks. Nelson's penchant for re-recording tracks from previous releases doesn't hurt at all since tracks like "Motherless Child Blues" and "Whatever I Am You Made Me" are given new depth. Oliver Sain's "Walk Away" was a standout track on the last pre-hiatus album ("Come See About Me") and proves to be even more ferocious and shattering thirteen years later.

Blues staples like "It Hurts Me Too" and "Go Down, Sunshine" are performed with confidence and conviction. Newer songs like Tracy's own composition "Livin' the Blues" and former collaborator Andy McMahon's title track have the markings of instant classics (or they would be if they were better known). Nelson's comeback and the subsequent efforts ("I Feel So Good" and "Move On") suggested that she had finally found a "home" at Rounder Records. For whatever reason, that was not to be and her newest release, "Ebony & Irony" will be, as far as I understand it, an independently released effort. Going independent may be a tough row to hoe, and fans have been waiting for the latest "comeback" for over a year now--but if anyone can make a go out of going it alone, it's this fiercely independent artist. One thing is certain, the winning streak begun in the 90s with "Here and Now" is sure to continue into the new millenium.

"Please Send Me Someone To Love" IS the blues at it's best. If you love blues, you have to buy this CD. Tracy is also the best singer in the universe, so you can't lose!

Tracy can truly belt out the blues! Her style is almost operatic in delivery without sacrificing the essence and feel of the blues. Many great cuts on this CD - "When It All Comes Down", "Walk Away" provide the R&B and ballad variations essential to all great blues CD's. The highlight, though, is the duet with Irma Thomas on "Please SendMe Someone To Love." I cannot stop playing this song. Such raw emotion has, in my opinion, seldom been matched on CD. This song alone is worth the price of the CD. A must listen.

Tracy Nelson has been a complete class act for decades. I grew up on her smokey, rich voice and music, and this CD is as grand as all of them. My favorite song on this recording is Livin' the Blues. It demonstrates her incredible range, humor and sassy, heart felt passion.

Buy this, and any music you find by this amazingly talented woman. It will fill you with warmth, and leave you wanting more. I could listen to her voice for eternity and be content.