IRMA THOMAS

Simply Grand

2008-08-12

"Simply Grand" -- a simply great concept for a simply great blues artist. Irma Thomas pairs up with 12 accomplished blues/jazz pianists and allows their keyboard work to gracefully adorn her signature vocals. Highlights include the songs with Henry Butler(#1, doing a John Fogerty tune), Dr. John (#2 and #8), Jon Clary (#3), Norah Jones (#7) and John Medeski (#11). Medeski's relentless piano pounding is particularly well done and I think the Butler and Jones cuts are also mighty fine. Irma is finally getting her due. After an early overlooked career, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans" was brought back into the spotlight by Rounder in the late '90s. We're all musically better for that. 08/08 MJVD B-Diva

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 07/2009

    CHARLES WILSON
    Troubled Child

  • reviewed 03/2013

    DEVON ALLMAN
    TURQUOISE

  • reviewed 04/2009

    VARIOUS- TRIBUTE TO DOUG SAHM
    SAVE YOUR SOUL

  • reviewed 03/2011

    STUDEBAKER JOHN'S MAXWELL STREET KINGS
    THAT'S THE WAY YOU DO

  • reviewed 06/2014

    ANDY FRASCO AND THE U.N.
    Half A Man

  • reviewed 08/2020

    SUGAR RAY AND THE BLUETONES FEATURING LITTLE CHARLIE
    TOO FAR FROM THE BAR

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.