Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Johnny Copeland Showdown Genres:Blues, Pop, Rock 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
cordell jeffries | webster groves, mo | 01/12/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For casual blues fans who feel a little of this style of music goes a long way, this grammy winner is definitely worth your money. In fact, this is probably one of 10 cds that anyone remotely interested in the blues should have. It's a great example of modern-era blues. Production quality is high. C C & C definitely bring their A-game. It has enough grit to feel real without all the bad phonics associated with older artists; on the other hand, it's not polished, slick and soul-less, the way so much modern-era, dare i say, formulaic blues tracks can sound (especially to us casual blues fans)."
Pure Stratcats and Telecats
J. Finkler | Hughesville, PA United States | 06/01/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I cut out and kept a magazine review of Showdown! for about 6 years before I finally picked it up. To (loosely) quote the reviewer, "Whoever got these three guys together in the same studio, at the same time, deserves a goddam medal."
Right on."
Grammy Award Winning All-Star Blues Guitar Review
Terence Allen | Atlanta, GA USA | 04/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Showdown is one of the top two or three blues guitar collaborations of all time. Albert Collins, Johnny Copeland, and Robert Cray, all on one record? Unbelievable. But that's what happened, and the result was magic.
All three get a chance to show their chops, and all three were on top of their blues guitar game recording this record. The energy, skill, and unbridled joy at performing with talented musicians always brings the best out from other talented musicians. Every cut is excellent.
It's a shame that Showdown could have been repeated more often than twice. Both Collins and Copeland are gone, leaving Cray to find other blues greats to jam with, but we will always have Showdown to remember when."
Three times as Good!
Boston Bluesman | Boston, MA USA | 12/16/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Man this is one great blues guitar album! It may be listed under Albert Collins, but this is a true collaboration. Robert Cray really shines here and is much bluesier then you will find him on his own albums. All three share in the vocal duties and the guitar solos. No one plays over each other - it's a great collaboration that results in a great album. Just listen to the first cut and you will get a good taste of what is in store. Buy it and enjoy."