[Harp-L] "Tribute to --------" CD's



After posting that "tribute to" CD's were (IMO) not as good as the original music and a marketing attempt to sell CD's rather tnan make artistic statements, one of my students, Jim S., gifted me a boxed CD set called the "This Ain't No Tribute" Blues Cube series, a fun name to be sure.
 
It is put out by House of Blues and features many major blues artists doing their versions of some old classic rock covers. Each CD covers one original rock artist or band - Led Zep, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin and Eric Clapton. 
 
Artists include Taj Mahal, James Cotten, Luther Johnson, Larry McCray, The Holmes Bros, Otis Rush, Magic Slim, Billy Branch, Robert Lockwood Jr, etc.
 
Great stuff - lots of fun. Most entries are very original spins on the cover tunes. I especially like the Mavis Staples version of "Gotta Serve Somebody" by Bob Dylan. It seriously rocks w/gospel and drips with a funky groove. Lots of harmonica playing throughout the series.
 
Speaking of interesting CD's, the new Van Morrison CD "Magic Time", is worth a listen. Van has made a real roots sounding bluesy CD, simple and open arrangements, singing is soulful and restrained, and even plays harmonica on a few cuts. 
 
The Iceman
 
 




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