Jazz / Blues, Electric Blues, Urban Blues, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Instrument, Guitar Jazz
Alexander Nelson Sax (Alto), Flute
Bob Knight Trombone (Bass)
Bob Rolfe Trumpet
Bobby Bryant Trumpet
Bud Brisbois Trumpet
Charles Harris Drums
Charles Wilson Trombone
Charlie Kennedy Sax (Alto)
Clifford Solomon Sax (Tenor)
Curtis Amy Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Curtis Counce Bass
Dalton Smith Trumpet
Earl Palmer Drums
Frank Butler Drums
Freddie Hill Trumpet
Gene Edwards Guitar
George Graham Trumpet
George Jerman Original Cover Photography, Inlay Photography
Harvey "Harmonica Fats" Blackston Harmonica
Horace Tapscott Trombone
Irving Ashby Guitar
Jack Nimitz Sax (Baritone)
Jay Migliori Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor)
Joe Maini Sax (Alto)
Joe Sample Organ
Joey Vasquez Trombone
Leroy Henderson Drums
Lester Robertson Trombone
Lou Blackburn Trombone
Louis Ciotti Flute, Sax (Tenor)
Michael Cuscuna Liner Notes, Reissue Producer
Nick Venet Original Session Producer
Onzy Matthews Arranger, Piano
Patrick Roques Reissue Design, Reissue Art Director
Peter Abbott Engineer
Ray Crawford Guitar
Rene Hall Guitar
Richard "Groove" Holmes Organ
Ron McMaster Remastering, Remixing
Ronald Smith Trombone (Bass)
Sid Miller Sax (Tenor)
Sonny Criss Sax (Alto)
Teddy Edwards Sax (Tenor)
Walter Williams Trumpet
Black and Blue and Tobacco Road were Lou Rawls' third and fourth records for Capitol cut in 1962 and 1963, respectively. The powers that be at the label made the decision to send Rawls into the studio with a swinging big band under the direction of Onzy Matthews and featuring some real heavyweights like saxophonists Curtis Amy, Teddy Edwards, and Sonny Criss; organist Groove Holmes; and bassist Curtis Counce. The choice didn't pan out commercially, but artistically it is a triumph. The band is perfect, the arrangements are tight and interesting, and Rawls sounds completely in his element as he belts out jazz standards like "Summertime" and "Gloomy Sunday." Most of the records are devoted to blues standards like "Trouble in Mind," "Stormy Weather," "St. James Infirmary," and "I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water," and while on paper they may look like the same old songs everyone does, Rawls brings them to life and even sets a few ablaze with his rich, rough, and powerful vocals. The best moment is his sparse and exhilarating version of "Tobacco Road," a tune that has come to be associated with him, mostly due to his live version cut a couple of years later on Lou Rawls Live! This version is a touch less exciting but just as impressive, and it is a treat to hear. In fact, both albums are a treat. Rawls may just be starting his long career, but he sounds fully formed, relaxed, and at home with the big band behind him. It makes for some of the most enjoyable Lou Rawls you'll hear, and fans of Rawls and great jazz and blues vocals should rejoice that Capitol has finally made the records available on CD. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide |
