Customer Reviews

Let the Good Times Roll: The Music of Louis Jordan

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The best Christmas present I received this year, by far, was this CD, which is BB King's tribute to the music of Louis Jordan. King, known primarily as a straight blues musician, has impressive range -- and range is needed to do justice to the many different kinds of music Jordan has bequeathed to the world.

King's voice is not what it used to be. Still, he handles Jordan's whimsical songs like "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens", "Jack, You're Dead", and "I Sure Had a Wonderful Time Last Night" flawlessly. On another of these, "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby?", he is assisted vocally by his occasional musical partner ("Deuces Wild" and "Blues Brothers 2000"), Dr. John (aka Mac Rebennack). It is plain that they had a great time cutting this one. Hearing it, even for the fourth or fifth time, I couldn't stifle a smile. Although Dr. John, a hugely underappreciated vocalist, sings only on this one song, his one-of-a-kind piano accompaniment enhances King's vocals on most of the cuts. On some, it blends triumphantly well with King's unequalled guitar artistry.

Jordan's music is not all goofin' and good times. King and Dr. John excel on the blues classic, "Nobody Wants You When You're own and Out". Here, perhaps more than on any other cut, King's diminished voice is up to the task - substituting nuance for power very effectively. This is as good a version of the song as I have ever heard. I realize, this is saying a lot -- but their effort is really that good. It is basically BB's vocal and Doc's piano until the very end when BB's guitar - unheard until then - contributes to a terrific finish.

Louis Jordan is not for everyone -- nor is BB King and Dr. John. (Perhaps that's what's wrong with the world.) I would, however, urge those who have enjoyed the work of these artists in the past to run out and buy this CD.

In the twenty-five years since Louis Jordan's death, it's a real tragedy that his legacy as one of the founding fathers of rock 'n' roll is largely unknown outside those people in the musical profession. Mention Louis Jordan to most under-fifties and your likely to be met with blank expressions. That's what makes this album a double treat. First, it helps to expose Jordan's music to a wider audience. Second, these songs are a perfect match for B.B. King's brand of electric blues.

I've been listening to B.B. King for more than twenty years when for three dollars I could still find vinyl copies of his early Kent sides in the cutout bins in the discount stores, featuring classics like "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "Rock Me Baby." King is a national treasure and well into his seventies he's still recording some of the best albums of his career--Blues on the Bayou, Making Love Is Good For You, and Riding with the King (with Eric Clapton).

This tribute to the music of Louis Jordan ranks right up there. Whether it's taking on the lighter fare of "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" and "Caldonia" or the more serious blues of "I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town" and "Nobody Knows You When Your Down and Out," B.B. King and band are stellar. The band featuures Dr. John on piano (and also shares vocals on "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't (My Baby)") and Dave "Fathead" Newman on tenor sax.

Once you've purchased this CD, your job is only half done. Between 1942 and 1951, Jordan placed 57 songs on the R&B charts. To hear his original Decca recordings of these classics, go out and purchase the single-disc 20-song collection The Best of Louis Jordan or the two-disc 46-song anthology Let the Good Times Roll and discover for yourself why rock 'n' roll owes a debt of gratitude to this early influence. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

You may not know that you love Louis Jordan's music, but you probably do. He has been cited as an influence by virtually every blues, R&B, and early rock artist, from Little Richard to Eric Clapton. And much of his music is just plain fun. B.B. King is always great to listen to, and the combination of the two makes for a stellar CD. B.B. is in great form on this one, heavier on the vocals than usual, but plenty of Lucille. I have all of B.B.'s albums--I love him so much I named my cat after him--and I'd put this on my top 3 list. Just plug it in and enjoy; you won't be disappointed.

I listened to Louis Jordan performing many of these same songs just the other day and couldn't wait to hear how BB's new album would compare. Rest assured that BB has captured the spirit and the heart and soul of Jordan's music. This phenomenal album presents 18 of the master's work with love and affection from an artist who has every right to phone it in at this point in his career. But he's not called the King of the Blues for nothing - these songs are delivered with the utmost care and respect that is obvious from the first few bars. In his autobiography, BB King cites Jordan and T-Bone Walker (along with Blind Lemon Jefferson) as his strongest influences, and he has produced a fitting tribute to an artist well ahead of his time. The band he has assembled for this album reads like an R&B Hall of Fame roster - Fathead Newman and Hank Crawford, Dr. John, and Marcus Belgrave. Though King has recently tossed in a few of Jordan's songs in his concerts and albums, it is a rare and unexpected treat to listen to a whole album dedicated to him. I saw BB in concert in September at his blues festival and can testify to the fact that he is just as good as ever. He seemed to be having more fun than he has ever had, too. This album proves it.

I first heard this recording in London, at a small restaurant that was playing a series of great CDs. I asked the manager to give me the name, and when I returned home I picked up the recording. Since then I've probably listened to it 20 or 30 times. It is simply a great recording--funny, lively, high-spirited. My entire family loves it and we play it in the car all the time. Our favorite is "There ain't nobody here but us chickens," which never fails to get us all in a good mood. If you love B.B. King or Louis Jordan, get this CD.

Seems like an unusual choice for BB King to do an entire tribute album to another artist. But it's clear that BB feels strongly about Louis Jordan's contribution to music and he's put together a great collection of songs. BB's focus here is more on vocals than guitar (although there's plenty of that too!), and he's captured the swinging vibe of Jordan's music yet kept things distinctly BB King. The band is great, Dr. John on piano is terrific. Overall, a great album -- and if you like it make sure to check out the original material by the King of Swing himself!

An absolutely stunning album! B.B. is in stellar form...he just goes from strength to strength, and is at the absolute peak of his career! The music is infectious, and its spirit uplifting....it's also hilariously funny, and puts a huge grin right across my face! Dr. John is superb, and what a horn section!! "Ain't Nobody Here but Us Chickens", "'Beware Brother", "Saturday Night Fish Fry"....so many highlights! Lucille is subtle and beautiful throughout, and BB's voice is so perfectly suited to Louis Jordan's music. "Nobody Knows You...:" is a moving and graceful finish to this gem of an album. Let the good times roll!

I would highly recommend this cd to anyone who is a fan of Louis Jordan or B.B. King. B.B. does the original songs justice, and it's a great tribute to the late great Louis Jordan. From listening to this cd I have become a big fan of Louis Jordan, and appreciate him tremendously. When ya pick up this cd be sure to pick up a Louis Jordan cd also.

Undoubtedly,one of the best blues albums of this year!Primorous work of a giant man! B.B.King is one of that kind of musician that become so best as he become so older,like matured wines! His voice is so melodical,intense and pure in this album,that the only thing we can do is to thanksgive this genial bluesman!And what a band! All of the tracks are romantical,intense,......... so this title must be at any bluesfan collection!

I'm not going to waste a lot of words here. This album will make your feet tap, your legs jump, and your face smile. This is what great music is all about: plenty of tasty guitar and horns, delightful wordplay, and rockin' rhythm. Thank you ten thousand times, B. B. King, for one really fine album!