Search - James Cotton :: Deep in the Blues

Cotton or Polyester?

stacegirl | Bible Belt! | 07/13/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw James Cotton perform in the early 1960's. It was a memorable concert that repeatedly comes to mind even after 30 plus years. Since that time I have purchased many Cotton CD's and have, on the whole, been relatively happy with my selections. Prior to this purchase, it had been approximately 5 years since my last Cotton CD. After buying the CD I took it to work and yes, popped it into my computer. After listening intently I was instantly disappointed. In my opinion, this performance falls far short of Cotton's earlier CD's, most notably "High Compression". A couple of days later, I read an article in a blues magazine which indicated that Cotton had recorded this disc shortly after throat surgery. The disc was not highly recommended (I hate when that happens!).Out of curiosity, I visited this site to see what others thought of the CD. As expected there were mixed reviews. Like with pepperoni pizza, individual taste in music varies. I did however, read with curiosity the suggestion by one reviewer that the CD would sound appreciably better (5 stars) by playing it on an audiophile quality system. Perhaps a smooth jazz snob crossing over to bluesland.Blues music you see, was born in the fields, on back porches and in juke joints with makeshift instruments and low quality recording devices. The music went and goes well with whiskey, beer and bar-b-que. Most blues musicians learned the songs by ear, often by playing 45's and vinyl lp's on portable record players. Would the great Robert Johnson sound better on a high quality stereo? Is it really the size of a man's speakers that matter? I think not!In any event, I took my CD to a friends house. Stereophonically speaking, he is very well endowed. I loaded the Cd on his Meridian 500 CD player and listened through his Klipsch LaScala speakers. Not surprisingly, the CD did not sound any better. Perhaps the cables need upgrading! In any event, I recommend "High Compression" as a better alternative. Its been tested in my car, york boom box, dell computer and my friends HIFI system. It sounds consistently good on any system. Check it out."

A blues-Jazz master!

Ricardo Neves Gonzalez | Petrópolis-R.J. Brazil-bluesfan@ig.com.br | 07/04/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a sad work! The combination of the great harmonica performance of Cotton's deep blues style,with the jazzist style of the two other men,Haden on bass and Joe Louis on guitar,only could result on this really sad work! But this work must be understood as a conceptual downhome blues,and the sad sensation that seems to be at all the tracks reveals how hardly were that days of slavers and workers at cotton picks along the Mississipi River borders!This is an excelent way to feel that sentiments,only a giant like James Cotton could bring to us! Really a gem,a masterpiece of this old bluesman! Thank you James for this class of blues and it's roots!"

A classic example of good ol' down-home harp-howlin' blues..

rfor@softchoice.com | Chicago, IL | 04/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"James Cotton is a master harp-player. Typical blues reflects contemporary jazz through the turn-taking of the musicians. The guitarist soloes, then the harpist, then a singer. That is not the case here. James Cotton shows no fear on the harp and interjects whenever he feels a tinge of emotion, which is often. The resulting sound is so complete and moving that I have ranked this CD to be one of the best blues albums ever. You got my nose open, James."