Brian Lee
Live At The Old Absinthe House Bar... Friday Night
Justin Time 1997
Review Published May 1, 1999
Artist Info at Justin Time Records
AMG Artist Bio/Discography/CD Reviews
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Track Listing
- Braille Blues Daddy
- Cross Cut Saw
- The Sky Is Crying
- Ain't Doing Too Bad
- Five Long Years
- Automobile Blues
- Going Down
- Look On Yonder Wall
- Key To The Highway
- Rock Me Baby
EB Rating - 4.5
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Recorded in a club on Bourbon Street, this CD captures New Orleans based
Bryan Lee and friends in a hot evening of inspired blues.
With tons of stage presence and charisma, and some mighty inspired guitar playing,
Bryan leads both musicians and audience through a highly energetic set.
Eight of the 10 songs are covers, and the set features an impressive
collection of classic blues. It's one great song after another (check out that set list),
as the show starts out in high gear and keeps building momentum from there.
The sound quality of this live recording is excellent. Vocals and all intruments
are clear and easily distinguishable, and Bryan's five piece band of guitar, harmonica, keyboards,
bass and drums is right on the money.
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At this point, you've already gotten your money's worth. But, as if all that isn't
enough, there are numerous guest appearances by veteran harp man
James Cotton, monster guitarist Frank Marino, and upstart Kenny Wayne Shepherd. All play great lead breaks, and in particular
young Mr. Shepherd made a notable impression on me. He sounds great in this strictly blues environment
and easily holds his own dispite the overwhelming years of seniority surrounding him.
There's no sense trying to pick out favorite songs from this CD, everyone of them
is excellent. There's something for every fan of electric blues on this CD. Theres' plenty of hot
guitar by Bryan and his guests, but this is by no means strictly a guitar show. There's lots of
harp blowin', and some keyboards too. Throughout the set Bryan's tight connection with the audience
keeps the electricity high. Yes, this highly entertaining CD passes the ultimate test of any live
recording with flying colors... I sure wish I coulda been there.
Visitor Comments
I read and totally concur with your review of the Bryan Lee CD. I also
agree with your comments about Kenny Wayne. He is no doubt a gifted blues
player and he shows that in the environment of this recording.
Tom - 5/16/99
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