Details
Track Listing
1. Coach's Better Days
2. Baby, Don't You Tear My Clothes - (with Bobby Rush)
3. When You Got a Good Friend - (with Marcia Ball)
4. Stealin', Stealin' - (with Dave Alvin/Chris Gaffney)
5. Key to the Highway - (with Odetta)
6. I Almost Lost My Mind
7. Rainin' in My Heart - (with C.J. Chenier)
8. Bring It on Home to Me - (with Jim Lauderdale)
9. Muleskinner Blues - (with Peter Rowan)
10. How Long Blues - (with Doc & Merle Watson)
11. Mississippi Blues - (with Rory Block)
12. Blues For Jacklyn
13. Friends
Album Notes
Personnel: James Cotton (harmonica); Dave Alvin, Doc Watson, Merle Watson, Peter Rowan, Rory Bourke (vocals, guitar); C.J. Chenier (vocals, accordion); Marcia Ball (vocals, piano); Odetta, Bobby Rush (vocals); Derek O'Brien (guitar); David Maxwell (piano); Noel Neal (bass instrument); Per Hanson (drums).
Recording information: The Studio, Portland, Maine (2003); Wire Recording, Austin, Texas (2003).
It almost seems de riguer in the 1990s and 2000s for elder rock, jazz, and blues musicians to release albums studded with well-known guest stars. Trendy as it may be, it is hard to complain when the results are as enjoyable as legendary harpman James Cotton's BABY, DON'T YOU TEAR MY CLOTHES. A deep-in-the-cut, soulful session, the album is filled with a talented, varied crew that keep these mid-tempo tunes simmering with warmth. Ace blues vocalists Rory Block and Bobby Rush, in particular, ensure the vibe stays as down-home as a plate of barbecued ribs.
But one of the joys here is the appearance of "non-blues" musicians, including roots rocker Dave Alvin, on the old-school classic "Stealin', Stealin'," and traditional folk singer Odetta, whose resonant alto enlivens "Key to the Highway." Zydeco luminary C.J. Chenier puts some Cajun spice on a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me," while bluegrass father/son legends Doc and Merle Watson pick and sing on "How Long Blues." The unveiled truth, of course, is that all music can relate to and be embraced by the blues, and that message--punctuated by Cotton's top-notch blowing--gives listeners plenty to groove on.
Industry Reviews
Cotton and company really excelled on these sessions, coming up with a unique take on 21st century blues.
James Cotton's name is synonymous with excellent blues harmonica in the Chicago style.
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