Customer Reviews

Junco Partner

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

 

 

This album, produced by Joe Boyd(Richard Thompson, et.al), is solo piano, well recorded with a mix of instrumental pieces(Pixie, Black Minute Waltz) and piano/vocals like Sunny Side Of The Street, Good Night Irene and Make A Better World. Black Minute Waltz is Booker's take on Chopin's Minute Waltz and will give you a taste of how far afield piano can get and how deeply affecting James Booker's world can get. Start with the best piano playing, add the crazed, yodeling vocals and mix in profound love for humanity (and various drugs) and you end up in the church of Booker, praising the late master to the skies as he laughs and strides on. The only match for this masterpiece is the live album on Rounder(2027) New Orleans Piano Wizard.

I defy anyone to listen to "Pixie" and be convinced only one man is playing. Unless that one man is the legendary James Booker. Not unlike Nina Simone in his way of combining classical elements into jazz and R+B, Booker is as good as it gets for New Orleans-style piano. When he sings "Junco Partner", its with a voice that rings all too true. Great stuff.

It's like Chopin on the rocks, with a twist of New Orleans

I have collected a lot of great music from every possible style over many years. I love solo Piano (play a little myself) and have music from many artists from a wide range of styles and eras.

Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Butler, and other great NOLA pianists are all tremendous in their own right; but if I had to keep just one CD in my collection it would be this one. It has soul, style, rhythm and passion delivered with some serious virtuosity.

Eventually I would love to own all of James Booker's solo work.

If you like piano, you will love this CD. From the classical (Chopin)to "Liberace type" ('ll Be Seeing You") to the raw "Juncko Partner" so much is represented here...and then there is "Pixie"...this you have to hear to believe! This CD has permanent residence in my car CD player...and yes, if there was only one CD that I could choose, this would be it. So much to enjoy that is so different in mood and approach. If your toes are not tapping while listening, check your pulse!!!!!!

James Booker had a way of making a Piano sound like more than two hands were working those Black&White keys. Musicians who truly laid the blue print for all that followed&for all that shall follow. this album showcases his full Musical Gumbo&it serves up a full course meal listen upon listen.