Fervor, Wit and Great Blues Singing
Thomas H. Moody | Nobleboro, ME United States | 04/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some might say that Maria Muldaur, Rory Block and Eric Bibb are as unalike as they are alike. But it's their "unalikeness" wrapped into their likeness that makes this recording something special. This album plays like a joint effort of three old friends having a jam session of sorts. Its totally relaxed, yet full of fervor, wit, and definitive blues/gospel singing. Some of the standouts are Block's version of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me" with great harmony from Muldaur, Bibb's take on Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" and Muldaur's "Bessie's Advice" (cowritten with Bibb). That's just the icing. There's plenty more including two of Block's standards "Rolling Log" and "Maggie Campbell" where one gets to hear her wonderful guitar playing which sounds as fresh as ever. Bibb's languid, bluesy take on "Little Rain" is right on the money! Things close with Muldaur performing one of her old chestnuts, "My Brothers and Sisters". At the end when she cries out "Hallelujah..Thank Ya!..Thank Ya!" one knows that they've just experienced three great talents doing what they were born to do! If you're a fan of music at its most basic and stirring, this recording is a must! NOTE: Amazon has the son listings in the wrong order.P.S. Please make another trip to Unity and do it again!!"
A Great Collaboration Makes a Great Album!!!
Dennis Lee Cleven | Madison, WI | 05/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was drawn to this album due to my admiration of Maria Muldaur and her vocals on this album are truly superb. It is not pop nor blues. This is a folk album if it must be categorized and the songs are fantastic. There is true life and spirit in every track. It is invigorating and I found myself drawn into listen to each and ever song and once the album was over, I wanted more. I admire Maria for taking part with Eric Bibb and Rory Block. As one other reviewer suggested, they should go back to that barn in Unity, Maine and do another album. Unity is the message of this album. It is uplifting but not "preachy". The songs such as "Lean On Me", "Bessie's Advice", have soul and a message of brotherhood. I love this album and when it is over, it is easy to hit "Replay". I cannot recommend this great album which deserves five stars if not more, highly enough. It is so fine!"
Whoa...left field, fly ball
Jonathan Schaefer | los angeles, ca | 01/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just where the (?"