Customer Reviews

Standing on the Bank

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't generally comment on other peoples reviews but after reading Mr. Geoffery Himes review, I avoided this cd and opted for "These Blues Are All Mine" instead. Then, Tab Benoit came to town and put on a little show. Not only was he a fantastic performer, but I realized that several of the tunes he was playing, and which had the audience in a frenzy, were all songs off of this cd. In fact, at the show, Benoit sold every copy of this cd that he had brought with him. Shortly after the show, I came back to this cd and reread Himes review. What is this guy smoking? The cd is excellent and may well be the best that Benoit has produced.

Benoit's mastery of the fret board is astonishing and, as one writer commented, "the man knows more chords than Six Figures Mandel and is able to make them all sound like Uncle Paul could play them".

Oddly, and again contrary to Himes comments, Benoit's least likeable song on this cd is "Rainy Day Blues" with Willie Nelson. Not that it is a bad song, but it just doesn't fit with the rest. Don't make the same mistake I did and rely on Mr. Himes, buy this cd today.

This is the first review I've ever written so I'll be brief. If you don't like music don't buy this album, that is the only excuse I can think of not to buy this album or any of Tab's stuff for that matter.

Mr. Himes needs to spend more time in New Orleans contemplating why he is wasting everyones time writing reviews. I'm sure he doesn't like Stevie Ray Vauhn, Cool John Ferguson or BB King either. What an idiot! If you don't like the blues don't review the blues. This album is awsome.

One of my favorite Tab albums. His own material is great, and he covers the "Alberts" to a T. This guy (from Houma, LA by the way) has with "Standing on the Bank" recorded a master piece. But he is even better live. Catch him at the Rock-N-Bowl on a Saturday night, and get blown away. He plays really hard - usually pops at least 4-5 strings per show. And on home turf he doesn't want to quit, and will go as long as they let him. Go see him when he comes to your town!

Upon the death of SRV, Rolling Stone asked, 'how does it feel to be the best blues guitar player alive today?' E.C. replied, "I've no idea, go ask Tab Benoit."

I've seen him in person - a wonderful, powerful, full-on assault of blues and bending the frets as he cares to - and now own several of TB's works, and love them all.

If your taste for the blues runs like mine - ZZ Top to Clapton to SRV to Robert Randolph and the Family Band to Muddy Waters to Buddy Guy to Erida Badu to the Blues Brothers - ANY of Tab's works will make you smack your lips in indulgence and reflect 'mighty tasty indeed'.

Pay no attention to Mr. Himes' Blues Snob review! Tab Benoit delivers great, gritty blues guitar and vocals throughout this CD. This IS the blues Geoffy! Don't believe it? Just catch Tab's live show some Saturday night in New Orleans and watch him pack'em in. If the blues is about energy & passion...Tab is a FIVE STAR BLUESMAN!

Tab Benoit is a powerful guitarist who is from New Orleans, La. This is actually his third album and all of his music is GREAT! The energy and power that comes through the speakers will surprise you, Tab just keeps getting better. Rainy Day Blues is a duet with Willie Nelson. Standing on the Bank is a very blue song where you can feel the pain. Me and My Guitar will give you an idea of just how much this man loves his music.

Please purchase this album and previous Tab Benoit albums. Your money will be well spent and you will be happy. We should support Bluesmen like Tab Benoit because he will be making us happy for a long time to come. Thanks Tab! We want MORE!

I started listening to Tab Benoit several years ago and his music is GREAT. His live shows are better...If you enjoy great guitar music and thought out lyrics I highly recommend any Tab Benoit album.

Actually, Amazon's reviewer is right on. Tab is indeed a great guitarist. His songs are good, but not great (as is evidenced in his limited status in the music world.) "You gotta see his live performance!" is often said. I have, more than once. Good show and fans will cheer, dance and clap along to anything he plays, no matter what.

But the reality is while all the parts are there technically, I still don't feel like I watching someone with the true soul of a blues musican, but of someone playing the role very well of one. Maybe because his look is too manicured...maybe because his voice is more "country" than blues...maybe because he doesn't come across as someone who's lived a hard enough life to truly claim to be a blues player...or maybe his lyrics tread dangerously close to Louisiana blues cliches or as the reviewer said, are a bit melodramatic and histrionic.

Tab has a fan base that considers anything, ANYTHING he does to be gold. I think many of his fans love the idea of Tab more than they actually love his music. I mean, 5 star reviews for every album? Come on! Take away the novelty of having a local guy gain some notarity and what's left is really some average to above average blues songs played by a very good guitarist who knows how to keep a bar crowd dancing.

With all due respect to Mr. Himes, I just wonder if he listened to the album.