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Van Morrison, Georgie Fame, Mose Allison, Ben Sidran: Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison

By Karen Angela Moore
December 1, 1998
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Mose Allsion has long been the unsung master of jazz, swing, and blues, in song. His tongue in cheek, cut to the chase lyrics, and haunting melodies have been the inspiration for many artsts including those showcased here. There is a raw honesty to these recordings not found on many current albums...no over processing or punching for to obtain that technically perfect track. But indeed there is perfection here...the base of it being Allison's songs. There are real dreams being shattered here, real hearts being walked on, egoes being torn apart and rebuilt again. These talents squeeze every nuance out of every note and word. Do I love this album? 'Deed I do.

Georgie Fame is his soulful self with his poignant interpretations of "Was" and "City Home." Morrison handles some of the edgier selections here, including his gut wrenching vocals on "One of These Days" and "Once Such Perfect Moment" (one of the duets with Allison). For years Ben Sidran was referred to as "Little Mose" by many - a blessing and a curse I'm sure! Ben's piano work on "City Home" is a true mood setter, and his vocals as always capture that cavalier tongue in cheek style - check out "No Trouble Livin'" and "Look Here." Although this is a tribute to Mose Allison and his work - Mose himself performs on two selections - the always haunting "Perfect Moment" and the cynical "I Don't Want Much." Highlights of the album! Morrison, Fame and Sidran join together on the gospel drenched "Benedition." "When push comes to shove - Thank God for self love." The whole world can dis you baby - but you gotta love yourself!

Track Listing

"One of these days" "You can count on me (to do my part)" "If you live" "Was" "Look Here" "City Home" "No Trouble Livin'" "Benediction" "Back on the Corner" "Tell me Something" "I don't want much" "News Nightclub" "Perfect Moment"

Personnel

Van Morrison

vocals

Van Morrison, Vocals and Harmonica. Georgie Fame, Vocals and Hamond Organ. Ben Sidran, Vocals and Piano. Mose Allison, Vocals and Piano on two selections. Alec Dankworth, Bass. Ralph Salmins, Drums. Guy Barker, Trumpet. PeeWee Ellis, and Leo Green, Tenor Sax.

Album information

Title: Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison | Year Released: 1998 | Record Label: Verve Music Group

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