Customer Reviews

Tail Dragger: My Head Is Bald - Live at Vern's Friendly Lounge

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4 star:		(1)
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This is an EXTREMELY well done DVD. It captures the spirit of a great time in one of those old hole-in-the-wall bars you might find in big cities throughout the midwest. If you appreciate that kind of good time, you will love this DVD. Crystal-clear audio and video, multiple camera angles, not to mention the great musical artists themselves, make this a rare gem. Honestly, I've never heard of any of these guys before, but they are obviously real-deal Chicago blues players. (Drummers: the drumming on this DVD is how it's supposed to be done) I can't say enough good things about this DVD. I could almost smell the cigar smoke and stale beer on my cloths the next morning. Yea ... You need this!

This new Delmark release is on cd and DVD. James Y. Jones, the Chicago blues singer took his stage name, Tail Dragger, from a Howlin' Wolf song. This was fitting insofar as Wolf was a mentor and heavy influence on him as reflected in his singing, stage act and his music which employs some of the grooves and melodies associated with some of Wolf's classic recordings, even tossing ina yodel-like Howl on several tracks. My Head is Bald, Live at Vern's Friendly Lounge, Chicago. He benefits from a terrific band that has Billy Branch on harmonica, Lurie Bell on Guitar, Kevin Shanahan on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, Kenny Smith on drums and Willie Young on tenor sax. Jimmy Dawkins replaces Shanahan on "My Head is Bald." Tail Dragger contributed all the songs except Jimmy Dawkins' "So Ezee." One song, "Cold Out Doors," is a DVD bonus track not on the CD version of this album. While one would be hard-pressed to call the Tail Dragger a major artist, he certainly entertains with a programme that evokes the Wolf. His vocals are slightly slurred and don't have Wolf's crispness nor is he as forceful as Wolf was, but still is a very enjoyable singer with the band rocking behind him. Billy Branch is typically outstanding while Lurrie Bell's stinging lines and riffs evoke Hubert Sumlin's playing with Wolf. The rhythm duo of Stroger and Smith provide a solid foundation for everybody else. Songs like "Tend to Your Business", "My Woman is Gone", and the title track, are typically of the solid evocation of Wolf's music present throughout and its entertaining to watch the DVD to see Tail Dragger singing for the woman, working the crowd and egging his musicians on. I was also impressed by the camera work and production on the DVD which really gives a sense of that evening at Vern's Friendly Lounge, and the sound sounded good as well to these aging ears. This is certainly welcome as an entertaining release that should appeal to fans of classic Chicago blues.

Classic old Chicago blues style, with Lurrie Bell (Carey's son) Billy Branch & guest appearance by Jimmy Dawkins. Vocals are excellent, so are Lurries guitar & Billy's harp. I bought this to try it out, I had never heard of Tail Dragger (A name given to him by Howlin' Wolf). What a treat, a nice small club setting sound quality is excellent. Try it I think you will like it too.

Having never seen Tail Dragger I can Honestly say if you love the blues this DVD/CD is a must have !! Tail growls with a authentic voice of the blues of the West and South side sound of yesteryear !!! He prowls the club like he owns it and you see the Joy and Love he has for the music and the people who are seeing one the Masters of the Blues at his Best. Also you Hear and see a steller ensemble with him, Billy Branch honkin' some 50's HARP,lean and mean with the heart of a young lion,also Chicago's own on guitar, Lurrie Bell,with stinging guitar he soothe's your soul and a smile is placed with every chord! The great Jimmy Dawkins brings warmth to the music. Bob Stroger laying down some great Bass lines. Kenny Smith keeping the beat alive always in the pocket! After you see this DVD/CD you will go out and want to add all of the cd's of these Gentlemen to your collection and go see them Live around Chicago !!!!! This music will be bring a smile to your face and move your Soul !!