Dedicated to the late Charles Brown, Maria Muldaur's Meet Me Where They Play the Blues smokes and sizzles. A tightly packed collection of 12 songs on slow burn, the CD begins with the sensual "Soothe Me," highlighting the ... more »smooth-as-silk quality of Muldaur's voice. Other highlights include a duet with Brown on the classic "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You," a naturally sassy take on "It Ain't the Meat, It's the Motion," an affectionate tribute to both Brown and the late Johnny Adams with "He Don't Have the Blues Anymore," and a rousing conclusion (complete with gospel-style backup singers) with "The Promised Land." The liner notes indicate that Brown was the inspiration for this album, and one can hear it in every note of Muldaur's soulful voice. --Genevieve Williams« less
Dedicated to the late Charles Brown, Maria Muldaur's Meet Me Where They Play the Blues smokes and sizzles. A tightly packed collection of 12 songs on slow burn, the CD begins with the sensual "Soothe Me," highlighting the smooth-as-silk quality of Muldaur's voice. Other highlights include a duet with Brown on the classic "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You," a naturally sassy take on "It Ain't the Meat, It's the Motion," an affectionate tribute to both Brown and the late Johnny Adams with "He Don't Have the Blues Anymore," and a rousing conclusion (complete with gospel-style backup singers) with "The Promised Land." The liner notes indicate that Brown was the inspiration for this album, and one can hear it in every note of Muldaur's soulful voice. --Genevieve Williams
Alex Karan | Colorado Springs, Colorado | 01/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I heard one song of Maria's on the radio, and thought "I have to have this CD." Bought it, and I believe this to be the best CD I've ever bought. Muldaur has a way of singing blues that will take you through the range of emotions... from very blue to "Happy Blues" if there is such a thing. Muldaur doesn't deserve all the credit. The band is absolutely wonderful in their own right."
The blues never sounded so good!
STEVE S | 04/28/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Those of you who have only spent midnight at the oasis with Maria Muldaur, should visit again. After being written off as a one hit wonder, Ms. Muldaur moved south and has been releasing some of the best vocal blues albums for over the past 10 years. The albums, including this one, are more than blues albums...they are steeped in the feel of the south. Warm nights on the porch, lazy Sunday afternoons under the weeping willow...with a just a touch of spice. This cajun spiced Stevie Nicks smooth delivery of these songs will have you packing your bags for New Orleans."
Go Ahead.... Meet Her!
cacarlino | 06/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Maria Muldaur has always been one of my favorite vocalists. No matter what recordings I listen to (the early jug band stuff, the initial "hit" solo period on Warner Brothers, the countless recordings on countless lower profile labels, the gospel testifying, the recordings of really great songs for really great children, or the "bluesiana" resurgence of the past decade or so), one threaded needle of gold holds it all together - that amazing voice, which just gets sweeter, richer, more expressive and sexier with each release. And while it's really difficult for me (who really likes everything she does) to review Maria's albums, her latest - "Meet Me Where They Play the Blues" - is in my top three. Dedicated to the late, great Charles Brown, the disc features a bittersweet duet with the blues legend (Brown's last recording before his passing), plus many other standout performances, including a must-be-heard-to-be-believed vocal on "The Promised Land." (C.A. Carlino)"
Rediscovering Maria - what bliss
Jonathan Schaefer | los angeles, ca | 01/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been trying to fill in the gaps of some of my favorite singers and catch up on what they've been doing and Maria Muldaur simply amazes me with every turn and take. I'm no authority on blues, not even a great fan, but this body of work turns them inside out. First you must realize the band is OUTSTANDING and Ms. Muldaur knows it and appreciates it - she runs neck to neck, slithering in and out, next she's topping them and then she, jeez, yeah, one sexy dame. It's a timeless piece, this puppy is going to play as fresh 20, or 40, years from now. They only reason it's getting five stars is because it deserves them, everyone of these artists brought their best to the table."
Wow!
Jonathan Schaefer | 08/13/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you can get through "It Feels Like Rain" without your pulse rate going nuts you probably didn't have a pulse to begin with! Maria makes a hot summer hotter!"