Call it three for the price of one. Far from engaging in a guitar-playing shootout, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland work together incredibly well, achieving a kind of musical synergy that's rarely heard. C... more »opeland and Cray handle most of the vocal duties, and Cray's smooth, soul-tinged voice (positively shiver-eliciting on "The Dream," as is Collins's lead guitar work) complements Copeland's growl perfectly. Collins doesn't get to sing as much, but he more than makes up for it with his harmonica on the slow blues "Bring Your Fine Self Home." And of course, all three turn in stellar guitar work, trading solos and rhythm parts with the greatest of ease; Cray was a relative newcomer at the time of this recording, but he more than holds his own. One would be hard pressed to find a better blues collaboration anywhere. --Genevieve Williams« less
Call it three for the price of one. Far from engaging in a guitar-playing shootout, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, and Johnny Copeland work together incredibly well, achieving a kind of musical synergy that's rarely heard. Copeland and Cray handle most of the vocal duties, and Cray's smooth, soul-tinged voice (positively shiver-eliciting on "The Dream," as is Collins's lead guitar work) complements Copeland's growl perfectly. Collins doesn't get to sing as much, but he more than makes up for it with his harmonica on the slow blues "Bring Your Fine Self Home." And of course, all three turn in stellar guitar work, trading solos and rhythm parts with the greatest of ease; Cray was a relative newcomer at the time of this recording, but he more than holds his own. One would be hard pressed to find a better blues collaboration anywhere. --Genevieve Williams
"It's nothing short of awesome to hear these three guitar greats come together. Albert Collins was one of the BEST blues guitarists in the world. Any recording which features him is going to be worthwhile. Robert Cray is very good too and has a wonderful voice. Johnny Copeland contributes some nice vocals and guitar licks, but I'm not as familiar with him as I am Albert and Robert. There are only two downsides to this wonderful CD. First, the sound quality isn't as good as it could be. It definitely sounds its age. I know that Alligator is not a huge record label, but it would be nice if they could remaster and rerelease some of their titles such as this one. Second drawback is that the album is too short! It's so good that you don't want it to end. It's not much longer than half an hour. But it is good stuff. If you like guitar-based blues, BUY this CD!"
Two Old Pros and an Upcoming Star
Mark R. Van Wagenen | Elgin, Illinois USA | 11/14/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Albert Collins and Johnny Copeland were two of the pioneers of Texas blues, and major influences to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan. These two guys work their magic on this CD, and bring on a young bluesman named Robert Cray. These guys just seem to have fun with this CD, never trying to outdo each other. Great riffs in the leadoff track "T-Bone Shuffle", harmonica on "Bring Your Fine Self Home", lyrics in "Black Cat Bone" (hear Johnny Copeland yelling "Hey Albert!") and the last track "Blackjack" where each does a tremendous guitar solo. Cray, of course, is now a major talent in his own right, and Johnny Copeland lives on in a way in his daughter Shemekia Copeland's music, but here is a playful, low-key yet powerful, piece of work from some of the masters of electric blues. Highly recommended for serious blues fans."
If You Love the Blues this CD is a MUST HAVE!!!!
Mark R. Van Wagenen | 07/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One word, EMOTION, just listen to Blackjack I felt what Albert was trying to say. All other tracks on this CD are a diverse showing of each guitarist's talents. I've had it for years & I still crank it now & then. This is the real deal."
They're into something !
Ozzie | Brugge, Flanders | 09/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A great CD by 3 blues-giants, this album won a Grammy for the best blues album. Albert Collins had been brought to the very top of contemporary blues through his recordings for the Alligator-label, while Johnny Copeland hadn't quite received the response his talent deserved. Robert Cray was perhaps an odd choice for this group, for when this album was recorded in 1985, he wasn't really the big name he was to become a mere year later. But an inspired choice it turned out to be ! The tunes have been carefully picked to bring out the vast talent these men had. The 3 men take turns playing a solo and singing the vocals. As all 3 have a distinct style, both when it comes to singing as when it comes to playing the guitar, this is a well-varied album, which fans of modern Texas blues should really love !"
Brilliant Collaboration
Ozzie | 11/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to this effort for over a decade and it still sounds good. It's hard to imagine that these guys hadn't worked together for years. Many collaborative efforts come off as contrived. This comes off smooth and natural. The combination of Collins' guitar and Cray's voice on "The Dream" is spine-tingling. "Black Cat Bone" is another favorite."