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 06/2009

    GREG NAGY
    WALK THAT FINE THIN LINE

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Jack Mack & The Heart Attack Horns
    Soul Shack

  • reviewed 02/2010

    JEFF HEALEY
    SONGS FROM THE ROAD

  • reviewed 09/2014

    LIZ MANDEVILLE
    HEART 'O' CHICAGO

  • reviewed 11/2020

    VANESSA COLLIER
    HEART ON THE LINE

  • reviewed 08/2016

    Adrienne Fenemor's Kiwi Blue
    Blues Jam

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.