Customer Reviews

Hoodoo Kings

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

 

 

Just picked this CD up whilst in North America and it certainly has had a good airing through my speakers. Quality all the way from these three guys who have obviously been there and done it and are still doing it with a truly amazing sound. Gets my vote and i suggest you hear it for yourself!

This CD is full of wonderfully refreshing songs that lifted my spirit. I had never heard of this group and basically bought the CD because I liked the name of the group. It is just absolutely grand from beginning to end. I still really don't know who these guys are but I know one thing, they put out one heck of a good CD and it has left me wanting to hear MUCH more!

From the cover photo, you might expect this CD to be acoustic blues or some form of roots music -- Not So! This is classic R&B from the period when R&B had just become rock 'n roll and nobody was clear which was which. Close your eyes and there's no hint of age in this music, only of musical maturity. There's lots of energy in every track and a bit of Louisiana gumbo for flavor.

I love the Cajun blues-funk music of New Orleans, and these three septuagenarians can all claim to have been there to help start it all. Eddie Bo plays a prototypical barrel house piano better than anyone alive. Raful Neal in addition to his harp playing is also the father to Kenny Neal, a still unheralded yet great blues guitarist. And Tabby Thomas, the "King of the Swamp Blues" is the owner of the famous Blues Box in Baton Rouge, a must-visit for any blues fan. Tabby has helped many Louisiana musicians get started, including Tab Benoit who carries the Louisiana blues torch with pride. All three have classic blues voices and sing with energy and passion.
On this release, these three greats are joined by a bunch of younger very skilled Bayou musicians who serve up a bunch of funky, swampy, gritty blues that anyone can appreciate. You gotta love 70 year-old-guys who can rock like these three.

In addition to the great playing that this CD captures, it also sounds great "sonically". It's very clean, very straightforward blues, with a fine groove jumping out of your speakers. This is a must for any blues collection.