Search - Eddie Cleanhead Vinson :: Blues Boogie & Bop

Under-rated,Unpigeonholed,and talented!

Tom W. Rhody | Oregon United States | 01/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hard to believe that this CD has not been reviewed, but that's a perfect objective correlative of how, alas, all too many Americans, "miss" (out)on some fine music. The quintessential artist and genre-hybrid, Vinson didn't ever "fit" musical classification. This man had talent, bonhomie, SOUL, R&B, SWING and CLASS galore! A bright, multi-talented man, Vinson has masterfully played a sax, sung, and written some fine,fine,super-fine music.With the exception of his re-release on Bethlehem label, this is my all-time favorite Cleanhead Vinson CD.If you think I'm blowing smoke in your face, check out the Amazon "Somebody's Got to Go,"snippet of sound for a savory gumbo of real BLUES-guitar and R&B/JAZZ vocals!"

Cleanheads best! Worth 10 stars in all sincerity.

P.J. Le Faucheur | Canada (ex- U.K. resident) | 05/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Eddie 'Cleanhead' Vinson was dangerous!! I was warned about his reputation but still when i first bought this c.d. i NEVER knew it would be as good as it is!-----As always with Vinson,the songs are humorous,thought provoking and meaningful. The alto sax playing is vibrant in the style of Lou Donaldson/Benny Carter..and as an added bonus the guitar work is totally breathtaking! The guitar player just took me by surprise completely. If you are lucky to purchase this CD just listen to the guitar intro to "Somebody's Got To Go".. the notes just cascade from the sky.-Does anyone know anything about the guitar man ? ---His name apparently is Les Davidson,according to the sparse liner notes, but i would love to know about more of this guys work/background.I've read that he was once with Scottish 70s pop band "Pilot" (?) Here his playing is much like Danny Caron who backed Charles Brown. I would say this c.d has some of the finest vocals, alto sax..and STUPENDOUS guitar work of any blues record!

This stands, for me, as one of the greatest blues/boogie recordings of all time especially if you admire alo sax in the tradition of Lou Donaldson or Benny Carter.

NB. This CD is a compilation of Cleanheads rare albums from the 1970s originally called "Primary Cuts" & "Fun In London"."