One likes the covers concept espoused by blues-rockers The Jeff Healey Band in a kind of backhanded way: as much as one admires the chops displayed by Toronto's blind guitarist whiz-kid, the group's songwriting is somewhat lyric-challenged. Cover to Cover works to circumvent the combo's main limitations. The disc kicks off in grand style with a dramatic, original instrumental reading of The Yardbird's "Shapes of Things." A pair of Hendrix numbers ("Freedom," "Angel") chalks up to unfortunate typecasting for Healey. Some inclusions (try the Stealer's Wheel chestnut "Stuck in the Middle with You") are bland vanilla throwaways. Still others, namely Spirit's "I Got a Line on You," sends one running back to the original versions. Mind you, if any of these point new listeners in the direction of the original, then a valuable public service has been performed. [allmusic.com review by Roch Parisien]
Tracklist with the original artists
Shapes of Things - The Yardbirds
Freedom - Jimi Hendrix
Yer Blues - The Beatles
Stop Breakin' Down - Robert Johnson
Angel -J imi Hendrix
Evil - Howlin' Wolf
Stuck in the Middle with You - Stealers Wheel
I Got a Line on You - Spirit
Run Through the Jungle - Creedence Clearwater Revival
As the Years Go Passing By - Albert King
I'm Ready - Muddy Waters
Badge - Cream
Communication Breakdown - Led Zeppelin
Me and My Crazy Self - Lonnie Johnson
Hi Manolis, I have this CD, purchased shortly after release. It's not one of Jeff's best. Jeff was one to see and hear live, and his studio albums (imo) just didn't quite capture the experience (mind you I still enjoy his studio albums). Anyway, I've seen Jeff & his band perform to a packed crowd, and I was right up at the front, no more than 10 feet away from Jeff himself. My ears rang for a couple of days after that concert, lol. :)
ReplyDeleteGoodmorning George. I agree with you about this CD [I posted only because...Tuesday is for covers]. I also agree that many artists are better "live" and I will never forget Rory Gallagher's 1981 live in Athens, despite the riots that had taken place.
ReplyDeleteTo see Rory live would have been something. My one brother got me into Rory back in late seventies. After listening to most of Rory's studio albums, there were a couple I couldn't quite get into. I suppose like we've said, "Better to see/hear live." I can't remember what albums now, it's been so long.
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