Customer Reviews

Mose Allison Sings: Rudy Van Gelder Remasters

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This new (2006) CD is almost exactly the same as the one that has been around awhile called MOSE ALLISON'S GREATEST HITS (OJC). The songs are the same, in the exact same order. Even the 3 bonus tracks (which are excellent, but somewhat ironically--given the title--instrumentals ! ) are the same. The only real difference is that this new CD sounds much clearer (RVG 24-bit remastering) and so is more fun to listen to than the old GREATEST HITS, which sounds kind of fuzzy. Apparently this collection of early Mose Allison songs (minus the bonus tracks) was originally released (on LP) as MOSE ALLISON SINGS. Then when it was first released on CD it was entitled GREATEST HITS. Bottom line is this new CD is a better purchase than GREATEST HITS since the sound is much improved. Mose is a unique pianist and vocalist; probably at least three or four of his recordings belong in any serious jazz collection. This highly enjoyable collection should certainly be one of them.

Mose Allison is one of the truly great artists of our times. His lyrics express the sentiments and emotions of the common man, while his spectacular jazz piano elevates his songs into something truly special.

His work has influenced many musicians, especially British musicians. His songs have been covered by The Who, Johnny Rivers, The Rolling Stones, Blue Cheer, The Yardbirds, John Mayall, Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, and J. J. Cale. (This list could go on and on.) Van Morrison (accompanied by Allison) released an entire album of Allison's songs in 1996: "Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison."

This was Allison's third recording, dating from 1957. For anyone interested in understanding modern American music this is an essential recording. It says a lot about Allison as an artist that the songs on this recording are every bit as relevant, vibrant and entertaining as they were over 50 years ago. The remastering has improved the sound quality of these recordings substantially over previous releases. The elements are clearer and richer.

"Young Man Blues" echoes the frustrated cry young men have made for years. Allison lays it on the line. His piano builds the intensity of his lyrics. It's an exciting piece. Covered by The Who on their "Live at Leeds" album, it became a staple of their live shows. (Roger Daltrey actually gets the lyrics wrong in The Who's version - he sings, "Well, a young man ain't got nothing in the world these days," where Allison's original lyrics are, "Well, a young man ain't nothing in the world these days." Adding that one word - "got" - significantly changes the meaning of the piece. I can't say whether Daltrey's slip was intentional or not.)

Allison performs several songs written by other artists on this CD. His cover of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Eyesight to the Blind" is probably where Pete Townshend first heard it. It is also probably what led Townshend to include it as part of his "Tommy" rock opera. Also of note is Mose's cover of Willie Dixon's "The Seventh Son," which became a top-ten hit for Johnny Rivers in 1965.

I believe that Mose Allison must be included in any 20th century music collection. According to Pete Townshend a reviewer once called Allison "a jazz sage." That he is both a musical genius and towering influence is beyond dispute. I highly recommend this recording.

Allison, now 81, is as vibrant an artist as ever. Mose still performs live with his trio including drummer Pete Magadini and bassist Bill Douglass. They've performed together since the late sixties. If you get the chance, you must see this music legend perform. You'll find Mose highly entertaining, and he hasn't skipped a beat in all these years.

I only discovered Mose Allison recently , as he was featured on our Radio National ( NZ ) . And I had to buy an album . What a voice - yeah , way smooth , man . Catchy happy jazz tunes ... got to the end all too soon ! This is a splendid album full of warming , bouncy tracks . Mose deserves a wider audience . Mainstream radio stations do not do him justice ! Excellent .

If you enjoy the sound of Mose you will like this CD. I like it and listen often to his unique sound.

I have been working on a Sonny Boy Williamson II bio for some time and trying to find out where The Who discovered "Eyesignt to the Blind" because Sonny Boy who was in England in the early 60s was performing it at the time and The Who is not really a blues band and never was.
The answer is that they heard Mose Allison singing it (Mose is from a town not far from Sonny Boy's home towns in the Delta) and it fit the story of Tommy. On the other hand, "I wish you could see my baby, when she walks she gives eyesight to the blind" are not about pool, blind people or even eyesight. I met Sonny Boy's wife and she never mentioned deaf, dumb and blind boys; why should she.
This is still a classic recording