Customer Reviews

Livin With the Blues

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

 

 

I vowed to stop giving out five stars unless the recording was really somehting special. This is it! I borrowed this recording from the library to check it out. I was blown away by the second cut. And it got better better that. Vassar's playing is as good as any of his best material and the sparse arrangement gives everyone room to play.

You'll hear familiar musicians such as Elvin Bishop, Maria Muldaur, Dave Matthews and Charlie Musselwhite (and more) performing some classic blues by Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson, Bessie Smith and Tampa Red along with some by the folks recording on the CD.

If old-time folk blues or great fiddle playing is your thing, get this CD! Even if it's not, it's worth a listen to hear a style of music as it's meant to be played. The guy who wrote the liner notes said that Vassar's playing could sound like the universe was moving backward. Not sure what that means, but this is one remarkable recording!

In the spring of 1973 Vassar Clements came to Raleigh, NC touring with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I was just a kid and after the show, bold like that, I was determined to meet him. I did and he asked me to hold on to his fiddle for a minute and he'd be right back. I had the pleasure of meeting his wife that evening as well. That might not sound like much now to a whole lot of New Listeners, but back then it was pure Glory Land. A few years later in Atlanta, GA, I walked up to him after a show and said, "I'm sure you don't remember me, but I just wanted to say hello." He looked at me and said the words every fan/girl wants to hear: "Honey how could I forget a pretty little girl like you." I was knocked over and then he verified his memory saying, "Didn't you hold my fiddle for me in Raleigh one night?" (With all due respect to his wonderful wife, I tell this, because it was innocent and plain fun. No offense intended; hope none taken.) Vassar had twinkling eyes and a smile that would light up the night; he was a musical hero of mine. We had a good solid belly laugh on that. When you listen to Vassar play, you feel like you're meeting up with your new best friend. Livin with the Blues is not widely known. I bought it here on the cheap. It is absolutely killer. Maria Maldaur's singing is old style blues, reminescent of the double-entendre category (1) Like seeing Vassar the second time and (2) Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Bessie Smith--all rolled into one. She's belting it out, gut busting singing. She's got a one two punch. Vassar is hitting it hard in minor keys and winding out notes like Billie Holiday singing while her band is waiting to see will she ever catch up. Blues and Jazz Virtuoso? Yes he is. It is a jewel of a record. When you simply focus on his instrumentation, it'll blow your mind--single him out on the first listen. Next open up up your head and your ears --taking in the total combination. Do the Jump and Shout Ya'll. If you think you know anything about his playing, you will be sorely put in your place. Hit it Boys. This relatively obscure collection is another one for the kitchen, where the floor is just right to shuffle and stomp. Buy this one, it'll teach you a thing or two about collective music and style. Vassar's gone now. There are those who are here now and there are those who will come along, however, he was the one who broke the mold and kicked open the doors. (So Bela Fleck could play with a symphony, if you get my drift) This recording is a must.

Ouch, painfully good. Thank you David G for getting it put down in time. RIP.