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 03/2016

    Kelly Richey
    Shakedown Soul

  • reviewed 03/2016

    Freekbass and the Bump Assembly
    Cincinnati

  • reviewed 06/2010

    TAD ROBINSON
    BACK IN STYLE

  • reviewed 07/2007

    Duke Robillard
    Duke Robillard's World Full of Blues

  • reviewed 11/2009

    Boo Boo Davis
    Ain't Gotta Dime

  • reviewed 01/2017

    John Latini
    The Blues Just Makes Me Feel Good

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.