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 04/2020

    THE NIGHTHAWKS
    TRYIN' TO GET TO YOU

  • reviewed 05/2008

    EDDIE "THE CHIEF" CLEARWATER
    WEST SIDE STRUT

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Victor Wainwright
    Boom Town

  • reviewed 05/2010

    BETTYE LaVETTE
    Interpretations – The Great British Songbook

  • reviewed 05/2016

    Steve Hill
    Solo Recordings Volume 3

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Lee DelRay
    Brand New man

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.