Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel: James Cotton (harmonica); James Cotton ; Rory Block, Rory Bourke (vocals, guitar); Jim Lauderdale (vocals); Noel Neal (bass instrument); Chris Gaffney (tambourine); Dave Alvin, Doc Watson, Merle Watson, Peter Rowan (vocals, guitar); C.J. Chenier (vocals, accordion); Marcia Ball (vocals, piano); Odetta, Bobby Rush (vocals); Derek O'Brien (guitar); David Maxwell (piano); Per Hanson (drums). | | Audio Mixer: Lincoln Clapp. | | Liner Note Author: Art Tipaldi. | | Recording information: The Studio, Portland, ME (10/2003); Wire Recording, Austin, TX (10/2003). | | Photographer: Chris Jacobs . | | It almost seems de riguer in the 1990s and 2000s for elder rock, jazz, and blues musicians to release albums studded with well-known guest stars. Trendy as it may be, it is hard to complain when the results are as enjoyable as legendary harpman James Cotton's BABY, DON'T YOU TEAR MY CLOTHES. A deep-in-the-cut, soulful session, the album is filled with a talented, varied crew that keep these mid-tempo tunes simmering with warmth. Ace blues vocalists Rory Block and Bobby Rush, in particular, ensure the vibe stays as down-home as a plate of barbecued ribs. | | But one of the joys here is the appearance of "non-blues" musicians, including roots rocker Dave Alvin, on the old-school classic "Stealin', Stealin'," and traditional folk singer Odetta, whose resonant alto enlivens "Key to the Highway." Zydeco luminary C.J. Chenier puts some Cajun spice on a cover of Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me," while bluegrass father/son legends Doc and Merle Watson pick and sing on "How Long Blues." The unveiled truth, of course, is that all music can relate to and be embraced by the blues, and that message--punctuated by Cotton's top-notch blowing--gives listeners plenty to groove on. |
Producer: Randy Labbe; Randy Labbe |
Engineer: Steve Drown; Dave Simon-Baker; Darren Noble; Ernie Wells; Mark Linett; Stuart Sullivan; Rob Davis; Rob Turner; Jason Marcucci; Steve Drown |
Musical Guests | | Dave Alvin | | Marcia Ball | | Rory Block | | C.J. Chenier | | Jim Lauderdale | | Odetta | | Peter Rowan |
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