After the Rain

Irma Thomas

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: April 25, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B000EULJVA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,475 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Irma Thomas has long been hailed as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," an accolade that's accurate but seems a little limited. (Imagine calling Elvis Presley the "King of Memphis Rock & Roll.") As her first album of new recordings in six years attests, Thomas can sing just about anything better than just about anyone from just about anywhere. Though the liner notes indicate that most of the material was selected before Hurricane Katrina, there's a bittersweet resonance that extends from Arthur Alexander's lament about a once happy home "In the Middle of It All" and the soul classic "I Count the Tears" to the funeral dirge of the traditional "Another Man Done Gone" and the Blind Willie Johnson blues standard "Soul of a Man." There's an inspirational quality as well, in the gospel "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and the stirring closer, Stevie Wonder's "Shelter in the Rain," with only David Torkanowsky's piano backing Thomas's transcendent voice. Other Louisiana instrumental seasonings come from Sonny Landreth's slide guitar and Dirk Powell's fiddle. Most singers who have been recording as long as Thomas resort to tricks, mannerisms, and show-off displays, but she remains the anti-diva, a stylist of exquisite understatement whose every note rings true and hits home. --Don McLeese

Product Description
Irma Thomas is one of New Orleans' most beloved and iconic entertainers. On 'After the Rain,' the Soul Queen of New Orleans brings her rich and resonant vocals to a surprisingly varied repertoire that spans 75 years of American songwriting, the common thread being Irma's soulful and direct-from-the-heart delivery. Spare and often acoustic instrumental settings by an all-star Louisiana band allow Irma's vocals to shine through on each song. Recorded at rural Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana only months after Hurricane Katrina, After the Rain is a remarkable declaration of resilience, presenting Irma Thomas at her very best.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Direct From The Heart, Direct From New Orleans, July 1, 2006

By	prisrob "pris," (New EnglandUSA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

On her web page, Irma Thomas sends this message to her fans:

"I know that this is a trying time for all of us in the City called New Orleans, but I know and feel everything is going to be alright. New Orleans has a lot of strong FAITH people and I am One of them. We are just displaced for a short time and Can and Will rebuild that beautiful city bigger and better then ever. Remember God first and he will grant you good success. To all my fans, KEEP THE FAITH. Love Irma"

Irma Thomas was on a gig in Austin, Texas when Katrina hit her beloved New Orleans. She went home to find her home and all of her belongings were gone. She was for a time, considered missing, and word went out that "The Queen of New Orleans" was lost. She was found, and has set an example for the rest of her fellow New Orlean residnets for her optimism and spirit. All of the songs on this CD were selected before Katrina hit, but it is not just fortune or luck but Faith that these all work as a post Katrina Memorial. This CD has the soul you expect and is sung directly from the heart. The songs span 75 years and Irma Thomas has re-written some verses to fit the occasion. What a find, what a woman, what memories and love she invokes.


Irma Thomas invited musicians from New Orleans to play with her on this CD. It was recorded in Southern Louisiana some months after Katrina hit. The players include jazz pianist
David Torkanowski, acoustic bassist James Singleton, drummer Stanton Moore, plus Dirk Powell, playing a variety of string instruments from guitar to banjo and fiddle. Guests include guitar sensation Sonny Landreth, and bluesman Corey Harris.

"In the Middle of It All", by Arthur Alexander gives us the first example of how powerful and loving this CD will be. "The love I gave was really, really real"

"Flowers", is a song about the consequences of drunk driving. This has a low country feel... "Look., look, lookin' for the Flowers".

"I Count the Tears" is an old song by Doc Pomus. A song to sing with.. "Na, Nah, Nah, Nah, late at night, I Count the Tears" simply sung with back -up singers.

"Make Me Down A Pallet On Your Floor" is an old standard that is overwhelmingly sad. "Where are all you good time friends of mine? Where are you when I only have a dime?" so fitting for post Katrina as we now know.

"I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free"- Billy Taylor's old song is one of the most beautifully sung songs on this CD.. Old time Gospel. Stand up and sing..
"Say'em loud. Say'em clear, for the whole side world to hear".

"If You Knew How Much" love song for everyone. "If You Knew How Much I Love You, If you Knew What I was Thinkin'. You would Never Look My Way."

"Another Man Done Gone" Irma Thomas rewrote the lyrics of the old traditional song to reflect the events of Katrina. "Another storm done gone, the water is at the door, he couldn't stay no more."

"Til I Can't Take It Anymore" an old love song. "I'll be praying that you never let me go".

"These Honey Dos," was co-written with David Egan. The lyrics reflect the independence of Irma Thomas. "You're still in that chair, that is where you is. Do you want me or These Honey Dos".

"Another Lonely Heart" is a combination of soul and country. "While you kiss me in the dark, I am just Another Lonely Heart."

"Soul of a Man" is another traditional song. "Won't somebody tell me, Answer If You Can, What is the Soul of a Man?"

"Stone Survivor" country and low down, "I ain't no apologizer, I'm a Stone Survivor".

"Shelter In The Rain" the entire CD in one song. "When you were down, I lifted you up from there".

Spare and longing, this CD is epitome of soulful New Orleans. Irma Thomas has given us a CD of memories and love, longing and forgiving, wanting and wistful. Filling us with the Faith that is needed for the people of New Orleans.
Highly Recommended. prisrob 7-01-06

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LEGENDARY SURVIVOR AT HER PEAK~BRAVO IRMA!!!, December 1, 2006

By	Bradly Briggs (TOLUCA LAKE, CALIFORNIA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Back in the musically wonderful sixties a real standout classic and timeless performance is "Wish Someone Would Care" by Irma Thomas being a haunting listening experience to this day...over the years since this great singer has been making many fine albums then along comes a true masterpiece...who knew it would be all these years later! A fixture in New Orleans for decades, this collection of richly varied songs was recorded a few months after Hurricane Katrina which wiped out Irma's worldly possessions but not her soul or remarkable talent as she has never sounded quite like this...deeply involved with each song Irma takes the listener on the musical trip of a lifetime and richly illuminates each great song with a emotional richness that is stunning!!! Anyone who loves a great singer at the peak of her incredible powers will want this mesmerizing collection...essential must have desert island disc and the finale of this tremendous set is make up of not one but three incredible performances that are the most stirring and deeply moving that have come along in years. "Soul Of A Man" is bluesy and deep, "Stone Survivor" is a funky and riveting rocker while Stevie Wonder's "Shelter In The Rain" is deeply soulful and features a magnificent stunning vocal that is beautifully surrounded by piano only and the effect is unforgettable making one wish for a complete "Stevie Wonder Songbook" from this great singer...plus ten additional stellar performances and each is a richly rewarding listening experience! Bravo Irma and here is wishing you a much deserved Grammy Award for this musical treasure that is a true classic to be enjoyed over and over! 12/9 update; Congratulations Irma Thomas for your Grammy Award Nomination!!! 2/12 update; Congratulations, I knew you would win the Grammy Award!

19 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great New Orleans CD, May 16, 2006

By	M. Tarr "blues/jazz lover" (Albany, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a bit different from Irma's past Rounder CD's, not quite as straightforward R&B. Variety of song genres and the instrumentation is also different from her previous albums. The one constant is her voice, which sounds as good as ever. I'm a long-time fan and enjoy this one very much.