Charles Brown pioneered a sophisticated form of post-World War II blues that was part slow blues, part mellow jazz. Brown's smooth music inspired the likes of Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and countless others who later became much wealthier than their idol. Over the past decade, a new generation of listeners has fallen in love ...

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Article: Album Review

Wilson Pickett: It's Harder Now

by Ed Kopp
November 1, 1999

Wilson Pickett's first release in over a decade is a hot blast of authentic Southern soul. Pickett sounds downright dangerous as he roars his way through these 11 originals. With rough-hewn guitars, exploding horns, funkified beats and a soulful contingent of backup singers, this one feels like Muscle Shoals circa 1965.Granted, no song on ...

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Article: Album Review

Smokin' Joe Kubek Featuring Bnois King: Take Your Best Shot

by Ed Kopp
August 1, 1999

Smokin' Joe is one of the baddest blues guitarists this side of fellow Texan Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Bnois King is one savvy vocalist. Unfortunately, producer Jim Gaines tries to turn Smokin' into a rock star on Take Your Best Shot. Joe's guitar is cranked up too loud and with too much sustain. The intensity of ...

Article: Album Review

Sax Gordon: Have Horn Will Travel

by Ed Kopp
August 1, 1999

Sax Gordon appropriately fuses blues and jazz on Have Horn Will Travel, his terrific debut release for the newly renamed Bullseye Blues and Jazz label. This is an ultra-fine release from a talented saxman with a great sense of humor and an even better sense of swing. The 32-year-old Gordon, aka Gordon Beadle, honed his powerful ...