Search - Rosco Gordon :: No Dark in America

No Dark in America
Rosco Gordon
No Dark in America
Genres: Blues, Pop, R&B
 
  •  Track Listings (15) - Disc #1

The eclectic, eccentric, and irresistibly ebullient Rosco Gordon sounds so full of life on these tracks that it's hard to accept that the 74-year-old pianist died in 2002, just months after they were recorded. Whether atte...  more »

     
1

Larger Image

CD Details

All Artists: Rosco Gordon
Title: No Dark in America
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Dualtone Music Group
Release Date: 1/25/2005
Genres: Blues, Pop, R&B
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 803020115828

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The eclectic, eccentric, and irresistibly ebullient Rosco Gordon sounds so full of life on these tracks that it's hard to accept that the 74-year-old pianist died in 2002, just months after they were recorded. Whether attempting to lift the spirits of post-9/11 America on the title cut, conjuring a festive romp through "A Night in Rio," or exhibiting his unique sense of humor on novelty numbers like "Cheese & Crackers" and "You Look Bad When You're Naked," Gordon remains an all-American original. The Memphis native cut his musical teeth with the likes of Rufus Thomas and Ike Turner in the early 1950s, distinguishing himself with the soulful playfulness of his songwriting and the off-kilter shuffle of his signature piano style. For this release, producer Lij enlisted the support of younger Nashville rockers in what was plainly a labor of love for all concerned. Though Gordon's reputation rests with lighter fare, sophisticated balladry such as "Girl in My World," "You Don't Care About Nothing," and "When Baby Come Home"--worthy of a Charles Brown--shows the depth of his artistry. --Don McLeese

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

Outstanding R&B swan song
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 02/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gordon never became a household name, even in the R&B and blues circles from which he sprang, so it's especially sad that he passed away before he could reap the notoriety that this exceptional album should have brought. Recorded in 10 locations over nearly a half-dozen years, it neatly sums up the off-center R&B that was his forte. There's humor not unlike Rufus Thomas', grooves that cut as deep and soulful as Ike Turner, Charles Brown or Specialty artists like Jesse Belvin and Percy Mayfield. Gordon's loping piano style, still in evidence throughout this album, is often credited as the primary rhythmic inspiration for Ska (and thus Reggae).



This epitaph captures all that was great about Gordon. The title track responds to 9/11 with a celebratory, soulful love letter to the USA, and "Cheese & Crackers" showcases his performance tuned humor. Gordon's off-kilter delivery, whether on piano or in his vocals, adds a unique edge to everything he plays. The straight-ahead blues progression of "Early in the Morning" is taken for an original ride through Gordon's wailing, cantering vocal, and the horn-driven "That's What You Do To Me" has a wonderfully jumpy quality. Even the piano ballad "I Am the One" sparks an original mix of Lieber & Stoller 50s-isms and Stax-like soul.



Listen to the samples, then take a chance!"