Customer Reviews

Shade Tree Blues

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I've never been a huge fan of rockabilly, so even though I knew the song "Flying Saucers Rock and Roll" I didn't become a big fan of Billy Lee Riley's until I heard his 90's blues/country blues releases. Now every new CD by him is a cause for celebration. I was so happy to hear about "Shade Tree Blues" I ordered it immediately. I'm sitting here right now listening. It's another great one! Listening to Billy Lee Riley lifts my spirits. It's like taking a ride through the country in a big old comfortable car with your good friend at your side. It's like having all the time in the world. The guitar playing is beautiful, and his voice is so soothing. Other than that, I can't find much good to say about it (ha ha ha).

Billy Lee Riley was one of the early Sun artists, just before they picked up Elvis. The story goes that Billy Lee had a bit of a temper - didn't get on with the fellow who started Sun. There were so many artists being grabbed up by Sun at the time, and it appears because Billy Lee was a little too cantankerous, other artists got the records and publicity. He remains bitter about it to this day.

I am not as fond of Billy Lee's music when he sings RockaBilly - not as great as say, Sonny Burgess. But no one can beat him when it comes to the blues. This is his niche, and you will hear that when you listen to this record. It is not only Billy Lee's loss that someone didn't see that years ago, it's our loss as well. If someone had noticed his real gift at the start, we'd have more music available by him today. You can hear the sadness and loss in his voice. I'm not a musician, so cannot speak to his technical ability, but I could listen to this man all day long and never weary of him.

I hope you will agree with me. He deserves an audience - a big one.

billy lee riley is a superb singer so buy this album now it's hot enough to melt snow and your ears and your cd machine!!