Customer Reviews

Travelin on

5 star:		(6)
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Now that you are aware that it exists, you must buy this CD. Even if you've never heard of the guy and somehow stumbled across this review, you owe it to yourself. John Mooney is best experienced live, and this disc is the best approximation to a live gig possible. The combination of delta slide guitar and syncopated second-line New Orleans rythms that Mooney pulls off is complex, unique and astounding... gutsy, funky, driving, and soulful. As strong and identifiable a slide guitar player as Duane Allman and Lowell George, Mooney's mentor was Son House and it's clear that he learned from the best. However, he's a true innovator taking the blues new directions. His gruff vocals are somewhat similar to John Hiatt. When I saw him blow the roof off of a club in New Orleans a few months ago, I felt like I was seeing Stevie Ray Vaughn in Austin in 1981, when no one but the locals knew who he was but they KNEW what he was capable of... get this disc and you'll be in the know as well. Funky, gritty takes on classics like Junco Partner and Shortnin' Bread, more traditional delta blues like the outstanding Robert Johnson covers and a great version of Muddy Waters' Standin' 'Round Cryin', and a few great originals like the title tune. Greasy, sweaty and grimy like the blues was meant to be, with a virtuoso's ability yet a confident restraint... always soulful, never showy.

this CD used to be import only, but now you can buy it here. i once had the good fortune to meet John Mooney and recited his catalog to him and begged for more. He modestly told me "oh, there's this live thing they did in Germany". I spent untold bucks tracking this down until i called the Crosscut label in Germany- i bought 5 copies at $25 each PLUS shipping from Germany,to give to my closest friends and they still thank me to this day. you'll never find this one in "the bin" it's just too rockin'. if you've ever seen John live then just buy it right now.

I was skeptical when I read about this being the best live blues cd recorded in the last 25 years. If it's not the best, its certainly in the top 10. John Mooney's work on this cd is the funkiest slide blues that I have ever heard. His version of Junco Partner is OUTSTANDING. If you like funky blues with a ton of energy - get it!

This is a superb live album by an amazing guitarist. John Mooney's other albums are outstanding, too, but none of them feature the sizzling guitar licks which I've seen him rip out in live performances. This one does! Mooney is phenomenal from beginning to end--his singing ain't bad, either. Give it a shot!

DUH! It is, after all, the Mooney man... have you been to a show

As you can see, every review of this CD is five stars, and let me tell you, NO ONE who appreciates great music from the heart will give this CD any fewer stars. It is definitely the best live blues CD of the entire 1990s--hands down. Mooney takes the blues and, while honoring its tradition, makes his own guitar style and type of virtuosity. You will swear you are listening to two guitar players on some of these tracks, but the credits don't lie--it's a three piece band--it's just him, his bassist and drummer! The audience adds a lot to the recording with their well-placed cheers after many of his great solos. His vocals are great, too--reminds me somewhat of Howling Wolf. Great songs, both covers and originals here. A MUST HAVE for all blues fans!!!