Just another night playing the blues at a bar.
K. Spindler | Bangkok, Thailand | 07/17/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Although poorly titled (it's not jazz!), this pleasant little CD captures Memphis and Willie (backed by a drummer) playing a relaxed and good-natured set in front of a Parisian bar crowd. Comprising laid-back blues grooves and a few up-tempo rock `n' roll tunes, Willie and Memphis (well, mostly Memphis) take turns singing and soloing while showing an uncanny understanding of each other's musical mannerisms and patterns. It wasn't a night where either of them was pushing the limits of their musical talents, but they make up for it by keeping the music light-hearted and the groove solid.
The music is 4-stars (I'm feeling generous), but what knocks a star off is the sound quality on the CD. Both instruments and vocals suffer from `warping' and hollowness which is easily discernible on both standard quality headphones and a high-end stereo system. Depending on how sensitive you are to these things, it could almost be a deal-breaker (I know I don't listen to this CD nearly as much as I would like).
All in all, a good historical document of two blues greats, and a decent purchase, but not recommended if this is your first Memphis Slim (or Willie Dixon) CD.
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