Customer Reviews

Low Down and Up

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I'm biased: Toni Price is the best thing happening in Texas and perhaps the USA in the 1990's. Her latest cd is a perfect blend of blues, country, jazz and folk and only she can draw it all together. Get the album, get on her mailing list, and get to the Continental Club on Tuesday nights to see and hear her work her magic. This album is a classic from a classy woman.

TONI PRICE CROONS ON NEW ANTONE'S CD, `LOWDOWN AND UP'; ALBUM FEATURES DR. JOHN, JOHNNY GIMBLE & IAN McLAGAN Four Songs Contributed By Oscar-Nominated Songwriter Gwil Owen

AUSTIN, Texas (March 3, 1999) - Toni Price, called by the Austin American Statesman "the bluesy goddess of the last bastion of Austin hippie cool," turns to what she calls "smooth and silky" on 'Lowdown And Up,' her fourth Antone's Records album, due for a street date of March 16, 1999.

The album, produced by Price along with Texas veteran Derek O'Brien and recorded at Willie Nelson's Pedernales recording studio, features guest appearances by such musical legends as Dr. John, fiddler Johnny Gimble (Texas Playboys), pianist Ian McLagan (Faces), the late steel guitarist Jimmy Day (who has recorded with Willie Nelson, Ray Price, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley) and the Leroi Brothers.

Once again, Toni features four songs by songwriter Gwil Owen, who this year finds himself an Oscar nominee for his "A Soft Place To Fall," which he co-penned witn MCA Nashville recording artist Allison Moorer for the movie "The Horse Whisperer."

"This album is smooth and silky...romantic. I picture couples dancing in their homes when they play it," says Price of 'Lowdown And Up.'

Price has planned this album since the release of her 1997 acoustic live album, 'Sol Power,' recorded in West Texas. "I'm always thinking that far ahead," she says. She immersed herself in songs and enlisted a diverse selection: "Don't You Think I Feel It Too" was written by David Ball; "Foolin' Around" by Walter Hyatt and Libby Bosworth; "Remember Me" by Dr. John; "Wishing Well" by Steve Doerr of the Leroi Brothers; and "Rusty Ol' Red River" by folk singer Tim Henderson. In addition, she interpreted three classics: "Comes Love," originally recorded by Billie Holiday, "Why Is Love Like That" by Charles Brown, and Bonnie Raitt's "Out The Front Door." She emerged with a collection of songs so potent that, as she's observed, "It makes grown men cry!"

Price will celebrate the release of the album with her fabled Tuesday "Hippie Hour" stint at the Austin's Continental Club. She has rarely missed a Tuesday stint in seven years, and the shows invariably reach capacity. In fact, she is so attached to the legendary South First Street beer hall that she even enlisted Shoeshine Charley, a club stalwart and often its MC, to introduce her on the album. "He's got a great, deep voice," she says.

Toni Price will perform before many international visitors at Antone's on Friday, March 19 (exact time TBA.) She will also leave her home of Austin to perform "select tour dates" to support 'Lowdown And Up.' Even so, every Tuesday at "Hippie Hour," Toni Price will keep her regular stint. Just get there early to get a seat.

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It seems as though so many of the best artists seem to come from Texas these days. Walter Hyatt, Robert Earl Keen, Lyle Lovett to name a few, and this newest CD by Toni Price seems to prove this all the more. The CD is a tasty stew blending blues, folk, country, and roots rock with much of the album inspiring sort of a laid back old timey feel. For those who don't believe in placing boundaries on the music they hear this CD is a treat.

Listened to Toni Price and her proffessional crew on Austin City Limits which prompted me to run out and buy this Album. The mix and content of the songs were well chosen and extremely well done by all involved. I have listened to the album several times and find myself replaying some of the selections mentally while I am involved in some task or activity.

I have to admit that her interview also sold me as shown on Austin City Limits. She reminds me of a Gal that would sit down and tell you like it is. That seems to be her style of singing as well. A very gifted lady singing and capturing the theme and intent of each song. Don't think I would enjoy one of her down moods. But would love the down to earth attitude. Glad she is now part of my CD collection.

I don't get the comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, really. Toni has her own voice. Thing is, her voice changes radically, from song to song. Sometimes she sounds a little like Sue Foley (on "Out The Front Door" which Bonnie did first), sometimes Ricki Lee Jones ("Remember Me?"), and yeah, I guess at times she gets some of the Bonnie vibe going ("Rusty Old Red River"). But this woman changes from song to song. The more you listen, the more you learn. I really love "Foolin' Round" (mid-tempo jazz) and "Don't You Think I Feel It Too?" (performed as a folksy waltz). Thank the stars for recorded music: Toni does not travel around much. But we can enjoy her music and I want more SOON!

I don't listen to this kind of music any more, but heard the "Foolin' 'round" cut on our local NPR station and couldn't get it out of my head. After purchasing the disk, it's now one of my desert island goodies.

I read these reviews to get comparative data on which disc to buy if I own few or none of an artist's work. So, from that perspective, I am writing to rate this disc as Toni's best, and that's saying alot because she is one of the most consistent artists around. All the others are tied for second with the exception of "Hey" which is my least favorite. "Comes Love" and "Red River" are particular stand outs. Also for new Toni Fans, Her voice has weathered beautifully over the years. On her first disc "Swim Away" she has a richer, fuller, young blues belter voice, and on her most recent "Born to be Blue" she sounds more like a cross between early Bonnie Raitt and Billie Holiday with a little Sue Foley thrown in. Maybe that's why I like "Low Down", it's right in the middle.

Good work. Saw her live in Austin not too long ago. Wish she performed live with the same instrumentation that she uses on the records. But it is good work and she is a really good and emotional performer. Go see her if you can.

This is one of those disc's that is good from start to finish, a true find.

Ms. Price strikes again. I'm behind the curve on listening to her which is my bad. Not a bad song on this album. "Foolin' Around" is down right shiver in your bones sexy and her cover of the Gwil Owen's song "Lonesome Wind" is a classic.