The King of Rock and Soul

Posted over 3 years ago

Artist:
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Solomon Burke
Album:
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- QUEUE
Nashville

i had occasion to attend the snoozefest that is The Grammy Awards in person last year, and after the 7-hr plus "festivities" without alcohol in the Staples Center we went to some parties, and at one of these parties i saw one of my favorite soul singers of all time sitting there looking like the King he is, Solomon Burke...i summoned the nerve to talk to him (even seated he's fairly imposing) and he was nice as can be. he has made some great records in the last few years and this new "Nashville" record is sounding good so far...from the title obviously it's a country record, recorded in Buddy Miller's living room and with guests like Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch and others, plus doing some great songs includng one of my favorite Springsteen songs "Ain't Got You". even my favorite of the new/old school soul records (Burke's records, the recent Candi Staton & Bettye LaVette records), i love them but they lack an edge or abandon or something that old recordings by these same artists had... not complaining, i'm just glad they're still making records. ok i'm complaining a little but i really shouldn't! get this record...

Comments (5)

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ivylander says His "best of" on Atlantic is one of the best soul best-ofs ever. It's only natural that these folks should mellow and grown into their voices, so even though I know what you mean about the new music not being up to the old (you can add Irma Thomas and Etta James to this list, I think) it doesn't bother me overmuch. Their power is of a different sort now. I just wish the backing musicians attacked the songs with the same sense of urgency that they did back then. You used to get the feeling that everything was riding on every song--now the musicians seem happy just to be making records with their long-time idols. That's not necessarily a good thing.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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I'm a Believer says if you don't buy it who else will? I believe it is up to us to support these artists...let's face it they are incredibly talented musicians, aging and left out of the mainstream...thank GOD for MOG

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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Michael Goldberg says I'll have to check it out. But you do dig that Bettye LaVette album, right? Her version of "Joy" kicks ass.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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mullytron says You got to give it up to Joe Henry and Buddy Miller for getting these records out so people know. The man has been giving it up worldwide for 60 years. He is one of the architects of American music as we know it.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006
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Portastatic says i DO like that LaVette record, i was bummed when she cancelled her sxsw appearance this year. i think ivylander nailed what i was getting at -- it's not the singers that lack fire on these records, Burke's voice for instance is majestic still, but it's the playing and production, while not slick exactly, is kinda tame or something. but as i say, i'm just happy to have the records and while i wish Joe Henry was also making his OWN records now and then i like what he's done with these great musicians as well.

Permalink posted 10/03/2006