Let The Good Times Roll: The Music Of Louis Jordan

Performer: B.B. King
Artist: David "Fathead" Newman; Hank Crawford; Dr. John; Earl Palmer; Russell Malone
Engineer: Rik Pekkonen
Producer: Stewart Levine
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel: B.B. King (vocals, guitar); Dr. John (vocals, piano); Russell Malone (guitar); Hank Crawford (alto saxophone); David "Fathead" Newman (tenor saxophone); Marcus Belgrave (trumpet); Neil Larsen (piano, Hammond organ); John Heard (bass); Earl Palmer (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion). Recorded at Cello Recording Studios, Hollywood, California. Includes liner notes by B.B. King. "Is You Is, Or Is You Ain't (My Baby)" won the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. Personnel: Dr. John (vocals, piano); Hank Crawford (alto saxophone); David "Fathead" Newman (tenor saxophone); Marcus Belgrave (trumpet); Neil Larsen (piano); Earl Palmer (drums); Lenny Castro (percussion). Audio Mixer: Rik Pekkonen. Recording information: Cello Recording Studios, Hollyw. Photographer: Michael Wilson . Even if B.B. King is the King of the Blues, some might find it strange that he chose to record Let the Good Times Roll, a tribute album to Louis Jordan, the King of Jump Blues. King's work was never as boisterous or enthusiastic as Jordan's, but his debt is apparent from the first cut of the album. King may have never done straight jump blues, but his sophisticated urban blues -- complete with horn sections and an emphasis on vocals -- shows as much jump influence as it does Delta. Let the Good Times Roll brings that home with a quiet, seductive insistence. Backed by a stellar band -- featuring Dr. John on piano, drummer Earl Palmer, alto saxophonist Hank Crawford, and tenor saxophonist Dave "Fathead" Newman, among others -- B.B. King sounds loose and natural. There are stars in the band, but this is hardly a bloated all-star effort, since the focus in on delivering no-nonsense performances. Strangely enough, King doesn't play that much guitar on the album, concentrating on his vocals and letting the band interact. When he does solo, it's as elegant and tasteful as always, but the focal point is always the songs. Since he's such a fine guitarist, B.B.'s singing often goes underappreciated, but here it's at the forefront, and he shines. His phrasing is impeccable, and he always captures the spirit of the songs, either through humor or heart. Of course, that's a skill that Jordan had, as well, and realizing that sheds new light on B.B.'s music. Much of his celebrated skills as a showman and a performer indirectly came from Jordan, as did elements of his musical style. Never has that been as clear as it is on Let the Good Times Roll. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine Though a wry humor permeates many of B.B. King's classic performances, "funny" is not necessarily the first word that comes to mind, making this 1999 collection of rollicking tunes written or popularized by jump-blues vocalist Louis Jordan seem an odd project at first. However, any doubts are vanquished within the first minute of the opening "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens." Wisely avoiding straight imitation of Jordan's unique style, King adapts the songs to suit himself. This means that "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby" gains a sly swagger and a slightly risque undertone, as if the question is purely rhetorical. King was nearly the only member of his blues generation to still be touring and recording actively by the late '90s, and LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL shows this blues master at the top of his game.

Down Beat (2/00, p.62) - 3.5 out of 5 - "...a delightful set of classic pop r&b, brightened further by the lean bounce of Hank Crawford's small band charts....King never fails to deliver the goods...especially in the steely twang of his fine guitar work..." Living Blues (1-2/00, p.60) - "...King does right by Jordan's swinging songs....cutting loose with some stinging licks....accurately evoking the original platter's atmospheric magic....the album should raise awareness of Jordan's essential catalog..." Mojo (Publisher) (1/00, p.104) - "...there are enough good things [here] to please fans of either artist..."

The great Memphis guitarist and singer B.B. King has been the most high-profile figure in blues since the 1960s, ever since his LIVE AT THE REGAL album established him as a superstar. King has collaborated successfully with everyone from Bobby Bland to U2, but he made his name as a soulful, enthusiastic bandleader. His beloved Gibson ES-345 guitar, "Lucille," is the source of King's trademark sound--percussive attack, dramatic string-bending, and spare lead lines with a vocal-like quality.

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