Ussery Been Gone Too Long
Blues Kid | Corpus Christi, Texas USA | 09/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To start with I'll tell you that I did things backwards. Sometimes a "comeback" or first release doesn't give one a true reflection of the artist's work. As a result, the follow-up venture falls short of the listener's expectations. So what I did was to purchase John's second "comeback" release, "Cryin'and Screamin' first. As indicated in my review of this CD I was simply blown away with delight. A definite "winner".Now for "Getting Lucky". I was instantly a fan of John Ussery and the Full Tilt Band, after hearing only the first few cuts of this CD. I had pre-deposed myself to hearing another "Texas Style" blues picker. Not that I bore of Texas blues, but man was I in for a Texas sized treat. Starting the CD off with it's title track, a fast paced shuffle, that'll make you wake up and want to "boogie". Once you locked into this tune it takes you into blues fantasy land, with one hot track after another. I was totally mesmerized by this CD, playing it initially countless times, and getting more chills and thrills each and every play. John's lyrics are up to date modern times blues that we all can identify with. Typically "blues" we don't have to get caught up on any obscurred message. The lyrics glide on with John's skillful musicianship, both guitar picking and arrangements. In my thirtysomething years as a guitarist I've learned that "less is more". This CD is reflective of this old adage. Just the right amount of guitar, tastefully, and soulfully placed. Considering the caliber of this CD, it makes me wonder why John has been away for so long. I truly hope that this will be his last hiatus from performing.Larry Vrazel aka Blues Kid"
Great Stuff!
Steve Munro | Sacramento, CA United States | 04/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After repeated playings this has become one of my favorite CDs. Every song is good in its own right, and these are well crafted songs. Excellent vocals, guitar playing, excellent bass, some dynamite organ and blues harp, throw in a horn section on cue... this definitely is great stuff. Well mixed and professionally performed, these are quality tracks with some great licks being layed down on a variety of instruments, each coming in on cue and hitting the mark. The drums are "miced" perfectly, the mix is absolutely perfect - technically, these recordings are superb. Technical stuff aside, there are some great tunes on this CD. A number of songs on this CD are particularly compelling, "I've Been Abandoned" in particular moves me, as well as "Somebody Help Me". These tracks, as well as "It's Raining Down in Texas" illustrate John's ability to color his music with expressive vocals - very soulful, and well done. Some of the songs grow on you and take on new meaning after a few plays, like "Jump and Get It" - I love it! My favorite track is the title song "Gettin' Lucky" - great guitar and singing by John, and always makes me smile. This is great stuff. Don't hesitate to buy this CD or John's other CD "Cryin' and Screamin' ". John Ussery has been a pro on the Rock and Blues scene for quite a while. This recording is testimony to his ability - you'll be humming some of the tunes the next day, the mark of a truly good song. Man, this is good stuff. No, this is Great Stuff."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1