Customer Reviews

One Hot July

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of 4 CDs in my collection from Tony Joe White, who started in the late `60s playing a unique style of swampy, soulful rockin' R&B. His greatest commercial success was in his first few years, with songs like "Polk Salad Annie" (which was covered by Elvis himself) and "Rainy Night In Georgia" (which became a big hit for Brook Benton). I have "The Best Of Tony Joe White", which compiles 20 tracks from his first 6 albums (1969-1973), and which I highly recommend. Tony Joe then went into a period of roughly 15 years where he was barely heard from, releasing only a few albums during that time. Then, in 1991, the activity picked up, and he has recorded 6 albums in the last 11 years. I have 3 of these - "Closer To The Truth" (1991), "Lake Placid Blues" (1995), and "One Hot July" (1998). These `90s albums are all quite different from his more famous early period. There is almost no hint of soul music anymore, but in it's place, White has become heavily influenced by the blues. All three of my later-era Tony Joe CDs sound quite similar, but "One Hot July" is the bluesiest, and in my opinion, the best. It seems that White's guitar playing gets better with each successive album, and by now he's so good that he reminds me a lot of Mark Knopfler. In fact on "I Want My Fleetwood Back" he even employs a fuzzy-toned guitar similar to the one used by Dire Straits on their hit "Money For Nothing". The songwriting is extremely strong on "One Hot July" as well. My favorite track is a smoky blues called "The Delta Singer", a heartfelt song about performing in Australia on a bill with an unnamed Mississippi Delta Blues singer, presumably now passed away. "I never got to tell him I liked the boots he wore, and the faded denim jacket bought from some Mississippi store". He laments the state of a music business that seemingly has no room for the sort of honest, gritty, down-home music plied by Tony Joe and his Delta Blues singing friend. "You only got one way to play it and the blues they never lie, but you get so tired of fighting the flavor of the week, and it drives you to a distant shore where you might find some peace". Sounds pretty much like Tony Joe's life story. There are several other outstanding blues numbers here - "Cold Fingers", "I Believe I've Lost My Way". "Gumbo John" is a fine Cajun-flavored rocker. "Ol' Black Crow" sounds like JJ Cale at his best. There is not a weak song on the album, and Tony Joe is in fine voice throughout. Very highly recommended.

Other than a Warner Bros. achives collection of greatest hits, the most recent Tony Joe White album purchased by me was "Homemade Ice Cream", circa 1973. To this day, it remains one of my all-time favorite albums, a mostly bluesy/acoustic collection of songs which are, in my humble opinion, overlooked treasures from the 1970's.

So, here it is in the year 2000, and, at the ripe old age of 49, I learn that Tony Joe (himself in his ripe old 50's)has a new stateside release. Not knowing what to expect, I hesitated to buy the album, fearing that my fond rememberance of Tony Joe's 1970's work would be irreparably damaged should I find that, like other "older" artists, he had stumbled into mediocrity as he navigated his way through middle age with a new album.

My fears were totally unfounded. "One Hot July" is one totally cool album. Tony Joe is in impeccable form -- which, of course, is to say that he does things HIS way, not necessarily in the most commercial of ways. From that unmistakable voice to his own southern-simmered gumbo of instruments and themes, "One Hot July" is quintessential Tony Joe White, a more electric album than "Homemade Ice Cream" but an album which is just as enjoyable as my old favorite. You want straight ahead rock 'n roll? You'll find it here in songs like "Gumbo John". Want R&B with a thematic punch? Check out "Sittin' Across from Midnight"; it's smooth as silk while painting a poignant picture. Want plain and simple Chuck Berry-type silliness put to an irresistable beat? Then "Fleetwood Cadillac" is the tune for you. How about something totally unexpected but quite moving? Listen to the last two album cuts, and that's what you'll find.

As this new CD proves, Tony Joe White is an American original who's remains at the top of his game. "One Hot July" is one truly cool album. I highly recommend it.

Well worth the wait for Tony's latest release CD.Best material from the SwampFox. He has the best stories to tell about Ol'Black Crow's Fleetwood Cadillac's and One Hot July is so appropiate for our current Drought weather. Crack The Window Baby and Don't Over Do It, are my favorites! Great music from a great artist of the most soulful blues of today. Buy It & Enjoy It!

I bought this CD purely on a whim. I have Tony Joe's greatest hits CD and enjoy it, but I had no idea what to expect from him decades later. All I can say I was blown away. This CD is the best CD I've purchased this year. It has a great sound that is a combination of rock, blues, and country with a "New Orleans" flavor -- I can't stop listening to it. Tony Joe's voice has almost a Barry White feel to it and it's out in front of the music, which I prefer. Highlights (though every song is good): "Crack the Window, Baby," "Don't Over Do It," "Cold Fingers," "Gumbo John," "Ol' Black Crow."

Tony Joe White has been making great music for over 3 decades. Plenty of good stuff here and there yet not one of his albums is consistent enough. If you are a new comer to TJW's music you may want to know that "Rainy night in Georgia" as well as "Polk Salad Annie" are some of his good music.
"One hot July" is all different from his previous work. Different; not is style but in consistency.
This album is excellent from start to finish; Great pure guitar sound with a blend of blues and classic rock. "Crack the window baby", "Across from Midnight", "Goin' Down Rockin'", "Gold Fingers" and "I want my Fleetwood Back" are great tracks. If you liked Chris Rea's CD. "Road to Hell" and some of JJ Cale's best songs you will fall in love with This CD.
Again, this is the most artistic and solid album TJW came up with so far; A great pleasure for the ears and soul

Unbelievable songwriting! How could TJW go relatively unnoticed as he has been in the music industry? I just saw him in Los Angeles last week in a smaller venue and he tore the roof off the place!!! Just him, his Stratocaster & harmonica and a drummer. With the PA system set up right he sounded like a 5-piece band with just the 2 of them! One Hot July is probably his best effort to date in my opinion and now I'm currently in the process of purchasing everything he's ever put out!!! Buy this album and experience some of the best music ever produced!

TJW, is one of the best writers in the country..Also a great gutiar player...This album has a very blusey feel and the songs are top notch...a great album...

it's really sad so little is known about this unique, one of a kind, truly natural talent. bring him back!

I've had this Cd for almost a month now and can't stop playing it. Gumbo John , I Want My Fleetwood Back and The Delta Singer are classic Tony Joe. If Tony Joe was anymore lay back on the title track One Hot July he would be asleep. To anyone who is a fan of Tony Joe White this is a must.

THis CD was in my Top 5 for 2004. Everyone I played it for went crazy over it. One of the best Blues Cds ever!