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REVIEWS

Jimmy Burns—Live In Copenhagen—Krudtmejer

Jimmy Burns is one of the most treasured living blues artists in
Chicago having moved there from Mississippi back in 1955. I was
fortunate enough to meet up with Jimmy when I was in Chicago
around 2005 so I was really looking forward to hearing his latest
release.

The album opens with ‘Get Ready’ which has that pure Chicago
style and gives an early introduction to some lovely Rhodes piano
from Emil Balsgaard and rasping harp work from Nisse ‘Cph Slim’ Thorbjorn. There is a looser
feel to ‘I Know You’re Gone’ whilst ‘No Consideration’ has a bit of the early Rolling Stones about
it. The classic cover song ‘Stand By Me’ is a showcase for Jimmy’s rich and wholesome voice that
is still right there having stood the test of time and honed no doubt from those early days of
singing Soul and Doo Wop.

Another cover song this time from Foreigner, ‘Cold As Ice’ just doesn’t quite work for me but
things get back on track with some great rocking blues as the name suggests with ‘Rock Me

Mama’ before closing the album with the blues standard ‘Never Make a Move Too Soon’.

Those of you who are familiar with my reviews will know I am a stickler when it comes to live
albums but I’m pleased to say this one passes with flying colours. Recorded and produced by
the bass player Laust ‘Krudtmejer’ Nielsen who has kept the essence of the live gigs. You can
hear the crowd, you can hear Jimmy leading the way and you can feel the ambience of the live
setting which makes you feel you are part of the show, just how I like to hear a live album!

Jimmy Burns is synonymous with the Chicago blues scene and you hear that on this album. You
get that 1950’s Muddy Waters type vibe and although these songs are not particularly cutting
edge they still carry a great blues jam vibe. Jimmy was 78 when he recorded this album ( he’s
80 now!) but he is still a fine vocalist, guitarist and bandleader. Despite his age he still has
energy and is clearly enjoying himself leading the band and shouting to the audience once again
“somebody say yeah!”. Long may he continue.

Ged Wilson

Joe Louis Walker—Weight Of The World—Forty Below Re-

cords

Joe Louis Walker is a top American award winning blues artist
with many albums under his belt so I am keen to hear his latest
offering.

The album opens with the title track ‘Weight Of The World’ a soul
infused blues almost Van Morrison like some beautiful sounding
keys. This soulfulness continues with ‘Is It A Matter Of Time?’
with a nice sax solo in there too. There is a more rootsy blues feel