Raised near the border of Texas and Louisiana, Marcia Ball continues to claim dual citizenship for her music, forging a rollicking roadhouse groove that has never sounded richer or more vital than it does here. With her pi... more »ano style steeped in the soul of New Orleans, Ball and coproducer Doyle Bramhall enlist the Cajun accordion of Pat Breaux and the bluesy Texas bite of Pat Boyack's guitar and Gary Primich's harmonica on a collection that holds its own with the classics that inspired her. Highlights range from a duet with Delbert McClinton on Allen Toussaint's "You Make It Hard" to the supper-club sophistication of "She's So Innocent" to the album-closing homage to Huey "Piano" Smith, "You Make Me Happy." Though uptempo rhythm & blues dominates the selection, the open-hearted balladry of "Let the Tears Roll Down" and "I Have a Right to Know" brings out the best in Ball. --Don McLeese« less
Raised near the border of Texas and Louisiana, Marcia Ball continues to claim dual citizenship for her music, forging a rollicking roadhouse groove that has never sounded richer or more vital than it does here. With her piano style steeped in the soul of New Orleans, Ball and coproducer Doyle Bramhall enlist the Cajun accordion of Pat Breaux and the bluesy Texas bite of Pat Boyack's guitar and Gary Primich's harmonica on a collection that holds its own with the classics that inspired her. Highlights range from a duet with Delbert McClinton on Allen Toussaint's "You Make It Hard" to the supper-club sophistication of "She's So Innocent" to the album-closing homage to Huey "Piano" Smith, "You Make Me Happy." Though uptempo rhythm & blues dominates the selection, the open-hearted balladry of "Let the Tears Roll Down" and "I Have a Right to Know" brings out the best in Ball. --Don McLeese
David N. (ilikeallmusic) from GADSDEN, AL Reviewed on 1/8/2007...
This is just like new, with all artwork. The person I received it from
decided to cut the cardboard digit pak to make it fit!
CD Reviews
5 Stars Ain't Enough But It Is All That I Can Do
J. Brewer | Oklahoma City, OK USA | 12/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am a long term Marcia Ball fan. Her music and piano boogie really energizes me. Recently she appeared in concert locally (Norman OK). I took my two daughters who are in their early 20s and who were not familiar with Ms Ball. They were both mesmerized by the talent and the music of this lady. Any of her CDs are a bargain. All of her stuff is fun. All of her music is hot ... hot ... hot!"
"talent in the purest form...Marcia Ball"
J. Lovins | Missouri-USA | 09/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Think of boogie woogie, zydeco, piano skills unmatched and a great expressive style...the result is Marcia Ball...memories of past releases come to mind ~ "Hot Tamale Baby", "Gatorhythms", "Blue House", "Let Me Play With Your Poodle" and "Sing It", all on the Rounder label, composer of blues with lyrics pouring straight from the heart...I'm a big, big fan, and this latest release from Alligator Records ~ "Presumed Innocent", spells a winner.From ballads to New Orleans blues, Marcia keeps them coming straight at you, entire CD is a must have...don't pass this one up...Can't say enough, except...we need more of the same...so spin this, sit back and enjoy, cause' Marcia's so happy when she's with you...you're going to have a ~ BALL!Total Time: 52:53 on 13 Tracks ~ Alligator Records ALCD-4879 ~ (2001)"
Strong singing makes this another winner for Marcia Ball
R. Weinstock | Falls Church, VA USA | 06/08/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"With her debut album on Alligator, Marcia Ball has produced an album that perhaps is not as much a good-time, rollicking disc of New Orleans influenced R&B as her prior albums. The music here is a bit deeper and the album focuses more on her as a singer than a pianist, though there are more than enough places for her to display her considerable talents on the piano. Good material, a cameo by Delberrt McClinton, a fine studio band with guitarist Pat Boyack meriting special praise, and Marcial Ball perhaps singing better than ever make this a release that should appeal to fans of classic blues and R&B."
Long, Tall Texan
pjog | NC | 04/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ms. Ball's latest CD shows that she is like a fine wine and only improves as time goes by. Her latest is a perfect follow up to "Let Me Play With Your Poodle". Her Texas/Louisiana roots show throughout but she adds a touch of Memphis blues and even some boogie woogie. The song selection is right on target with a great balance of originals and covers. The duet with Delbert McClinton is fantastic but Marcia's own voice and keyboard work are the keys to this CD. And, its out just in time for Jazz Fest. If you can, go see Marcia Ball in concert. If you can't, this CD may be the next best thing."
A Long, Tall, Texas Shot of Blues
pjog | NC | 04/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like fine wine, Ms. Ball continues to improve as the years pass. This CD is a wonderful follow up to "Let Me Play With Your Poodle" and lets her explore not only more of the Louisiana/Texas sound that has been the hallmark of her career but offers her an opportunity inject a hint of Memphis and some boogie, too. If you ever have a chance to see her in concert don't miss it. This CD may be the next best thing."