CDs

A solidly swingin' set from the Rocky Mountain king of good time blues. David Booker invites Ralph, Eugene and Dirk (keys, horns and drums) along for this ride down the road of classic, danceable, toe-tappin' blues. The likes of Bessie Smith, Big Joe Turner, Willie Dixon and Tampa Red are referenced within these easy-swingin' proceedings. You might just call this CD one of "lively cocktail blues". Actually, this is quite an accurate phrase to describe this session, since you can easily dance to it or enjoy it during the later, laid back hours. Excellent listening for all occasions. And, David Booker's voice is so easy to listen to, as it melds beautifully with his smooth guitar stylings. Yet, his background with the Dynatones keeps all things cookin'. A great, live recording!

A Review:

"By the time any David Booker project hits the streets, the Brit expatriate/moo town denizen has already marched onto his next conquest. These tracks, a reunion of sorts with his famed Alleygators ensemble, easily rank among his best sonic output to date and do so without any cheap reruns of previously waxed material. Recorded live at Evergreen's Soho, Booker, pianist Ralph DaFermo and the rest of the 'gators (no one's listed except Booker) romp and roll through a magical set that's enveloped in a swanky, cocktail chic ambience with choice material culled from such notables as Bessie Smith, John Mayall and Willie Dixon. Booker's masterfully articulated guitar playing is sleek, tight and unpretentiously fearsome; DaFermo is the perfect compliment with free-flowing, cascading piano melodies that float into the stratosphere. It's a kinder, gentler Booker, relaxed vocals and an occasional dollop of humor as heard on Hank Thompson's "He's Got A Way With Women," where he croons: "He's just got away with mine." A rollicking rendition of Big Joe Turner's "TV Mama" is another beaut with such memorable lines as "I was dreamin' about my TV mama, the one with the big, wide screen." Other highlights include the mambo-swaying original, "Mardi Gras Boogie," and Big Joe Turner's crazy boogie-bombing "Roll 'Em Pete." It's the kind of stuff that would entice ya to shake what took yo' mama nine months to make, even if you were suited up for that stiff Christmas office party. No cheap booze-swillin' aftertaste here, this is cork-poppin' stuff."

Dan Willging
Holler, January 2006

Song List:

Ain't Nobody's Bizz-Ness
T.V. Mama
He's Got A Way With Women
I Don't Worry 'Bout A Thing
Romance Without Finance
Crazy For My Baby
Mardi Gras Boogie
Where Did My Legs Go
She Wants To Sell My Monkey
Roll 'Em Pete
After Hours

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