Customer Reviews

Save the Bones

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

 

 

Can't make it to Jazz Fest? Into roots and vintage music? Buy this cd! My friend, Danny Barker is gone and I miss his spirited stories between sets. However,we are blessed that his music and wonderful spirit live on in his recorded music and writings. He lived his life for music here in New Orleans and in NY where he played with Cab Calloway. Danny never retired, but worked in the community to keep the old traditional music alive and bring you this cd and his autobiographical writings (see Buddy Bolden and the Last Days of Storyville by Danny Barker, Alyn Shipton (Editor)) Guitar or banjo and unique vocal stylings, this cd is classic Barker as I remember him: sincere and down to earth. "Save the Bones", "Ham and Eggs" and "St. James Infirmary" are special treats but the whole cd is timeless-- folk, jazz, blues, vintage Danny! I hope you will also check out his wife's recordings-- blues singer, Blue Lu Barker. "Don't You Feel My Leg" was her signature song. Danny and Blue Lu were two special people!

you are a fan of classic jazz, and/or New Orleans music in general. Danny started out playing banjo with traditional jazz bands, I believe he played with Louis Armstrong a bit in his younger days, then switched to guitar, and was on a lot of jazz recordings as a rhythm player from the period of 1931-1975. I think he even worked with Charlie Parker on a record in the 40s. I got to meet Danny Barker briefly and watch him interviewed for WWOZ at the 1983 New Orleans jazz fest, he was a real character of the type you don't often meet these says, as well as a gifted musician, songwriter, and storyteller. The interview was one of the funniest I've ever heard. Danny is ranconteur from way back in the day, and his humour and talent come through strongly on this recording. You don't have to be a trad jazz nerd to appreciate Danny, it's just entertaining music, period. The only reason I didn't give this five stars is that the audio sounds a bit hard to me, an early digital recording. However you can hear Danny and his guitar just fine, and the great thing about this CD is how much Danny's personality comes through. It's a pity Danny didn't do more records under his own name but at least we have this one to remember him by. I also highly recommend Danny's book "A Life In Jazz" which is about music but also about Danny's growing up in New Orleans, lots of great stories and a great read for anyone interested in jazz, blues, and American culture: http://www.amazon.com/Life-Jazz-Danny-Barker/dp/0195054792

No matter what type of music you listen to or your age, you have to appreciate the lyrical qualities of this man's songs. With his rough voice and front-pourch rhythm you can't help but attempt to sing along while tapping your feet. I suggest listening to "Save the Bones", that is my favorite song.

I'm sorry that I never got to hear Danny Barker sing other than through this CD. It's a good thing that this CD is not too difficult to find - You'll find it here in New Orleans, if not elsewhere. Or listen to WWOZ, they play "Save The Bones" and "Ham and Eggs" fairly fequently. Danny sings with such a sense of loose fun that you can't help but get wrapped up in his simple songs. This CD gives the feeling that you are walking up Decatur and happen along Danny busking in the sun, the Mississippi barges floating in the background. I would have dropped some money in his guitar case.

Danny Barker is an off-beat, enjoyable musician with a wonderful, dry sense of humor and a talent for tossing out comic, spoken asides in his lyrics without missing a beat. I've always liked his song "Save the Bones for Henry Jones," but his renditions of standards like "Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey" are also well worth a listen.