1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
"Royal Blue Sings Badly in N.Y.", June 23, 2005
This review is from: Ny Ain't So Bad: Ali Plays the Blues (Audio CD)
I bought this release because I wanted to hear reedman Marvin Blackman. He is, indeed, my favorite sleeping giant of the flute and especially the tenor sax. Unfortunately, the Knitting Factory label produced this long bit of annoyance where the leader is a drummer, and his is the only instrument that has been mic'd. Lacking in amplification, the solos of the other players are tinny. In reality "N.Y Ain't So Bad" should have been titled "Royal Blue Sings Badly in N.Y." This cat was way past his prime at this session, and probably never had any real vocal training. The liner notes, written by Roger Riggins, offer a glowing pile of poop about "polish and clarity of approach somewhat reminiscent of Joe Williams..." I don't think so.
I think they were all stoned and just couldn't pull the session together...but it was recorded in 1975 (released on CD in 1999) so maybe they were imbibing on something. If I had found this in a 99¢ bin I wouldn't be so grumpy about it, but I paid a rare CD price that was equivalent to a tank of gas so I'm feeling rather burned. If anyone out there knows of a release that has some good solos by Marvin please let me know.
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