Album Reviews

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:

Irma's homepage

all reviews | all blues reviews

More reviews tagged #Blues

reviewed 05/2017
Eliza Neals feat. Howard Glaze and the Narcotics!
10,000 Feet Below
reviewed 02/2014
BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES
BLUES SHOCK
reviewed 04/2011
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
reviewed 05/2017
Bobby G w/Curtis Grant Jr. & The Midnight Rockers
Still Standing
reviewed 10/2013
PETE ANDERSON
BIRDS ABOVE GUITARLAND
reviewed 12/2008
RORY BLOCK
BLUES WALKING LIKE A MAN- A TRIBUTE TO SON HOUSE

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.