Customer Reviews

Live

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Although Lou Rawls would go on to superstardom in the world of music, this fantastic set from early 1966 (cannot believe it was released 40 years ago) clearly showcased his ability to handle jazz and blues material, with a great rhythm section (all studio pros) that supported him all the way.

Lou not only could master a song with a great baritone voice, but he also could tell stories that weaved into the song - check out "Tobacco Road" and "World of Trouble" - two songs that brought back great memories when I listened to the entire album (for the first time, I have to add).

January 6, 2006 was a very sad day for me (and Lou's fans around the world) because his great voice was silenced; however, we are very fortunate to have his music to enjoy for many years to come. Rest in peace, brother Lou!

This is truly one of the greatest jazz albums of the 1960s. It has it all: soul, humor and hipness. Lou Rawls is always good, but this recording shows him in his prime -- in great voice, and at the height of his creativity. The material is sensational, and so is the accompaniment. The great Herb Ellis is on guitar, and the piano player, Tommy Strode, brings tears to your eyes. Whatever happened to him? He should be in a hall of fame somewhere.

I have owned this album in every format since its release: LP, 8-track, cassette and I am thrilled it is finally available on CD. I bought a bunch of equipment, software and an old Dual turntable primarily so that I could digitize this treasure before it turned to dust. This is the soulful, gritty, down-home, bluesy Lou Rawls that made me a fan in the early 60s. He has never come close to this since. Rawls's pipes are still great but when I want violins to accompany songs, I go to the symphony. This is the real deal. I only wish he'd recapture this magic. In the meantime, I'll have this CD.

To tell the truth, I recognized Lou Rawls for the first time when I heard his name on Authur Conley's Sweet Soul Music. Why was Lou taken up with soul singers like Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett or James Brown (Otis Redding was the writer of it)? His low-voiced smooth delivery is jazzy, but he still holds the fervor of gospel soul. You can find it in this long-awaited reissued CD. Recorded at Capitol Studios and accompanied by a jazz quartet, Lou shared close and intimate atmosphere with the audience. His signature monologues ran smoothly to Tobacco Road or World of Trouble. I don't think it is an orthodox soul music but it must be soulful in its spirit.

We have listened to the wonderful music made by Lou Rawls for many years. Listening to him live not only gives you the feeling of being there, it gives you a full impression of his talent and pressence. He fills the room with not only music and mood but the substance of a singer who has been around and is singing deeply from his soul. There is no song on this CD that does not belong to Lou Rawls after he has sung it. If you are a Lou Rawls fan, you will NOT be disappointed. If you are not a Lou Rawls fan you will soon be one.

The fact that this album is not in the "most popular" section for Lou Rawls albums only indictates that the younger generation, exposed to watered down popular music has not been exposed to the "real deal". Believe me this is it. Live recordings don't get any better than this. And Lou Rawls live is better than most studio sessions. It doesn't get any better than this.

I have been listening, grooving to and praising Lou Rawls for over 40 years,
to say the least, a/the Master in his field. This album , incidentally, I'm not sure I still process but on the insistence of a peer, just "rediscovered", is by far the epitome of Lou's greatness. All songs and performances pure classics. Thanks Lou for the awesome run...

This was the first blues-jazz album I bought in 1967 after hearing it on the radio. Sadly not available new on CD, replaced by "with it" albums (a la "Groovy People"). This is straps off, the original blues and jazz. No one has done it better or without such finesse. I have worn out 2 records, as has my brother. My husband (a professional bass player)swears it is the best of it's kind. He plays it for all his friends. Lou, you have it all!!

Years ago I owned this in vinyl but no longer have the turntable. I had forgotten how great this live recording is!

I've been a Lou Rawls fan since he sang with Sam Cooke and this album is amoung his best work. Buy it.