Search - La Blues Alliance :: What a Life

Post Hits a Home Run!

Cynthia Horen | Virginia | 12/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mike Post's LA Blues Alliance has created an exhilarating blues CD in "What a Life." Post, who has won 5 Grammys to date, also co-produced Sonny Landreth's Grammy-nominated "Levee Town" CD. The all-stars--most of whom also sing lead and background vocals--are Stanley Behrens (sax, harp), Mike Finnigan (Hammond B3 organ, piano), Bob Glaub (bass & percussion), Amy Keys (vocals), Landreth (electric and acoustic slide guitars), Keb Mo' (guitars, mandolin), David Morgan (pianos), John (Jr.) Robinson (drums & percussion), and WG "Snuffy" Walden (guitars). Each musician brought two songs to the studio, resulting in a deftly arranged mix of original tunes and covers.



This record is an electrifying combination of styles; Post takes listeners on a perfectly paced, crisp and warm auditory voyage, kicked off with Finnigan's raucous party of a title tune, celebrating Chicago blues. Next up, Keb' Mo interprets Joe Turner's witty, steamy "TV Mama," enhanced by Finnigan's slinky B3 and infused with Landreth's unmistakable slide (his rich colors and textures add depth on every song). Landreth covers Skip James' minor-key "Illinois Blues" with haunting, muscular almost-chants. Other standouts include Keys' powerful, simmering "Maybe Your Baby;" the playfully seductive surprise of "Shop Around" (Keb' Mo sounding like Lou Rawls); Son House's "Death Letter," full of acoustic work-song crackle and stomp (Finnigan on vocals); and Landreth's deep blue, searing "Storm of Worry."



Every song on the CD has its own brand of fireworks, sparks, and sizzle. I readily find "What a Life" to be the best blues album of 2007!

"

What can I say ...WOW !

A. Armitage | Cookstown ,On,Canada | 09/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This band is amazing (of course they are ) Do you see who is in the Band ! Absolutely amazing recording tight ,rich classic material or what will become classics. Everyone works together so well . 5 stars is not enough .I am hoping they will work together more and more ...Please come to Toronto we want to see you . Blues,electric blues all the best you will hear on one disc . Any collector will appreciate this mix of performers all in one place .Recorded with dynamics they pulled all the stops on this disc ."

Cool Record!

Mark Grissom | New Orleans, LA United States | 12/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My buddy stumbled on this in a record store and because I am from New Orleans, he knew I love Sonny Landreth, so he got it for me for Christmas. Some nice ensemble work throughout this disc as everyone involved contributes. This is a very enjoyable blues CD! If you are a fan of anyone on it, I would recommend adding it to your collection."