" This is the best release I've heard in a while by other than a "big name" artist! Solberg just became one in my book. Don't miss this one!" ...
(Tom Carter - Music City Blues Newsletter - Nashville, TN)

Veröffentlichungsdatum

9/1998

Release Notes

The James Solberg Band is best known for being Luther Allison's american backup band for the past several years (Blues Band Of The Year / 1997 + 1998 W.C. Handy Awards), while Solberg himself played on and off with Allison for almost three decades. "L.A. Blues" is a blistering set of hard rockin', down and out blues that would have made Allison, who passed away last year, proud. Two months after Luther's death James was in the studio writing and recording his third solo album, "L.A. Blues" . Confronted with the loss of Luther at every turn, Solberg found this experience the perfect vehicle to speak about the loss and also continue his own musical growth. L.A. Blues is Solberg's farewell to Luther Allison (L.A.). The James Solberg Band shreds through a moving tribute to Allison in "L.A. Blues", and they also perform a version of the last tune that Allison and Solberg played together, the gospel standard "Just A Closer Walk With Thee." They burn through Dylan's "Ballad Of A Thin Man," and they even do a great instrumental version of "Happy Trails" (which they call "Happy Snails").

Press Quotes

" ... excellent choice of material, collectively tight performances and, of course, the inimitable voice of James Solberg"..." most deservedly earns a mighty five bottle rating" ...
(Real Blues Magazine)

" Looks like James Solberg got himself a new guitar ... and never sounded better."
(Chicago Tribune)

" Mr.Solberg has a keen sense of dynamics and he pays attention to the delicates of intonation, especially around the so-called "blue notes" that so many white blues guitarists overlook."
(The New York Times)

"... Only when Lonnie Brooks tears through his encore, bringing on local hero Solberg, does everyone realize it is permissible, even desireable to cheer during a song, that this is not sunday supper with Mom, Dad and Uncle Trygve."
(Rolling Stone)

" This is the best release I've heard in a while by other than a "big name" artist! Solberg just became one in my book. Don't miss this one!" ...
(Tom Carter - Music City Blues Newsletter - Nashville, TN)

"Fine stuff, if I were up there I'd be lookin' in the paper to see where these guys were playin'!"
(Blues Suede News # 36)

 

Tracklist

1. Bubba's Boogie
2. L.A. Blues
3. Wally World USA
4. Ballad Of A Thin Man
5. Must Be A Reason
6. Rhumba Juice
7. Robb's Souffle
8. Say Goodbye
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
10. Happy Snails