You would never believe it's only one man playing.
Lance | Singapore, ex. New Orleans | 04/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"But it's true. I regret I never saw Booker live, though I was in New Orleans while he still blew people's minds at the Maple Leaf. You can't possibly accept that what you hear on this CD is live, one man, no overdubs. He could sandwich a half dozen classical composers between Fats Domino, Fess and Gershwin before you know what happened. If you have any appreciation for the piano, buy this, and its companion "Spiders on the Keys"."
Booker tames the piano
popilius | Lisle, IL USA | 03/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is a great, great treasure. We are lucky to have Booker live, and of all the booker albums out, this one is perhaps the most profound. The first two tracks are astonishing, and throughout the album, Booker fuses Chopin, Monk, Fatha' Hines, and Cecil Taylor- but it's pure Booker, that mad genius. Musicians play the piano, but this is one case in which Booker tames the piano; he is in complete control, and as most people have stated- I, too, could swear that I hear at least 3 hands on the piano on all his recordings. Listen to "St. James Infirmary" on this record. It is one of the most diabollicaly painful, lonesome performances ever, ranking with the painful tunes of Hank Williams, Leadbelly, and Lennon."
Blown away by Booker
Head expander | a desert on earth | 01/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first got turned on to the genuis of the mighty James Booker by a rehearsal tape with which he played with the Jerry garcia Band (1-7-76). Since then I've intended to make a Booker purchase but unfortunatly he's not the easiest performer to find in the cd bins.
Well I finally found one and boy what a find! Words cannot even begin to express the joy I get from listening to James. Genius is all that comes to mind. Definatly one of the all time greats of any genre. If you've never heard him or heard very little this cd will make you a fan for sure. Music of the gods!"
Hard poundin' New Orleans Piano
sdbrad@aol.com | San Diego, Ca. | 08/07/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Booker shows why he is the piano wizard of New Orleans with this high powered, high energy album. Recorded live at the Maple Leaf bar in New Orleans, he slams out tunes and gives the listener an opportunity to get a quick glimpse of near perfection. I highly recommend it."
Very very good
S J Buck | Kent, UK | 04/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a live club recording of the great James Booker.
The first thing to say about this is that the sound quality is varied and its not a top notch Piano either. These recordings weren't supposed to come out at all.
Booker is erratic, and evidence of this can be found in "All By Myself" which they have had to edit because he probably stopped mid song, being distracted by something or someone. That said "All By Myself" is my favourite track, its a barnstorming performance capturing everything thats great about James Booker.
If you have any interest in New Orleans Piano players, this CD and its sister (Spiders...) are essential purchases. This is what Booker was like when he was just left to play on his own without the constraints of a Band. Nearly all of it is worth having, and quite a lot of it is utterly brilliant.