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 03/2007

    Minmae
    835

  • reviewed 12/1969

    The Billy Gibson Band
    Live at Rum Boogie Cafe

  • reviewed 02/2014

    THE MAINSTAYS
    The Mainstays

  • reviewed 05/2012

    JIMMY BURNS BAND
    Stuck In The Middle

  • reviewed 09/2014

    ROD PIAZZA AND THE MIGHTY FLYERS
    EMERGENCY SITUATION

  • reviewed 08/2011

    GARY CLARK, JR.
    The Bright Lights EP

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.