CD REVIEW - David Maxwell and Louisiana Red - You Got To Move
Louisiana Red is an “old school” player. Born in 1932, that makes him 77. He would have been in his youthful prime at a time when Muddy Waters ruled Chicago. That influence shows in his playing and timing. Over the years, he has played with all the past greats, as well as putting out his own records.
Dave Maxwell is the “go to” man if you want the best blues piano player. I can think of few keyboardists other than maybe Fred Kaplan or Bruce Katz, who have appeared on more blues albums than this guy. Just go to his website and check out his list of other people albums he has been on… And that is not counting his own albums.
I first listened to this CD in my car and had not yet read the liner notes. As I listened, I thought to myself “that’s sounds like they’re playing live in the studio.” Sure enough, when I got home and read the liner notes, that was indeed the case. They were separated by a baffle with a clear window in it so they could see each other. This is stripped down blues with just slide guitar and piano. They basically agreed on some songs, walked into the studio and started playing. The song selections are nothing you haven’t heard before, but the execution is what it’s all about. These two guys play off each other and you can tell the whole session was unrehearsed. It has a spontaneity you don’t get much these days. It is as if they walked into your living room and decided to sit down and play some songs. You get to sit on the couch and listen to their interaction. It feels that intimate. At the end of the CD Louisiana Red talks about his friendship with Homesick James, guitars and guitar tunings. A nice little addition.
~Tuck Majeran
