Customer Reviews

My Buddy: Songs of Buddy Johnson

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Buddy Johnson was the man who gave Etta her start, and she certainly thanks him for it on these 10 tunes. Etta's opener is a war-time blues "When My Man Comes Home" -- After hearing that wouldn't you want to get home to her! "They All Say I'm The Biggest Fool and "Save Your Love For Me" show Etta stretching her chops and landing on her feet everytime. "Since I Fell For You" and "Baby I'm Yours" confirm Etta's position as one of the greatest singers of the American popular song. And like her contemporaries she came up through the ranks as a big band girl singer--and man can she still swing. Dig her groove on "Let's Beat Out Some Love" and "Fine Brown Frame." I challange any feet to not tap along to those 2 tunes. Anyone who at least casullay listens to Etta can easily hear she is always in her finest form when shouting the blues--the last track on this album is no exception. "Hittin On Me" gives Etta the chance to do some pure blues improvising with her husband and musical partner Houston Person. Houston's full, round Johnny Hodges like tenor is always a great accompaniment to Etta's blues tunes. Piano great Norman Simmons also gets a chance to show off some his very best blues playing. WBGO Jazz D.J. Kenny Washington gives a great performance throughout the whole session on drums,,,man can he work those brushes. Buy this C.D., you will play it for years.

First I have to say that this album is one of the most pleasing piece of music I ever heard.The album was one of the last that Etta did (1998)and here she pays tribute to Buddy Johnson.Etta spent a year with Buddy Johnsson band and it is very obvious that this is "her" music. This album is so loaded with good music so there is no need to go into much details,..but my personal favourite song is "Save you love for me" Nancy Wilson and Canonball Adderley made a remarkable version in 1961 and Mark Whitfield did a very sensitive version on his
1994 "True Blue" album ,,But..Etta s version beats both..extra groove and compassion is added by Houston Persons Tenor sax solo
for me it is one of the most definite solos ever in the soul jazz history.Norman Simmons piano playing adds that kind of "groovy touch" that lifts this recording to "heaven"...on the drums is Kenny Washingston and he never flags.

By this review I say thanks to all people who have read my reviews and all the new contacts the reviews have created for me...but my reviews are all soon "sounding " the same ..so it is time to retire to obscurity.

Anders Jonasson

Although she put out a couple more discs before she passed on, this one is Etta's last masterpiece. Grooving, swinging & bluesy with all those great Buddy Johnson songs. This disc, along with the Prestige singles release, is truly the best of Etta!

I agree that this is a truly great recording by Etta; my favorite cut being the sentimental favorite, "Baby I'm Yours". Both Houston Person, and Kenny Washington are two of my favorite 'groove' players. But Anders, who else is going to help me get Jimmy Ponder his "review due"?! Promise that when Jimmy releases his CDs (there is one 'in the can' to be released soon) that you'll come out of retirement and do it as only you can...