AMG Review of Memphis Blues

Thom Jurek
All Music Guide

There is no doubt that Cyndi Lauper can sing almost anything and make it not only compelling, but her own. Arguing her gift as a vocalist is pointless. And on Memphis Blues, she gets help from some big names: Charlie Musselwhite, Allen Toussaint, B.B. King, Ann Peebles, and Jonny Lang. The set begins with a barroom classic in Little Walter's "Just Your Fool" with Musselwhite's muscular harmonica juxtaposed against her vocal. Louis Jordan's "Early in the Morning," with King and Toussaint, is the best cut here. The interplay between the latter's rumbling New Orleans R&B piano and the former's sparse but mean lead guitar works well with Lauper's vocal, especially with the tune's humorous lyrics; it really jumps. Overall, Memphis Blues has some truly fine moments.