$8.99
Sold by music on Tradebit
The world's largest download marketplace
3,272,305 satisfied buyers
The world's largest download marketplace
3,272,305 satisfied buyers
MP3 Al Basile - The Goods
13 MP3 Songs in this album (63:21) !
Related styles: Blues: Soul-Blues, Spiritual: Traditional Gospel, Solo Male Artist
People who are interested in Duke Robillard John Hiatt Van Morrison should consider this download.
Details:
Twelve-Bar Poetry
When it comes to the world of words, Al Basile is a Renaissance man. He’s fashioned a lifetime of work from them and around them. Poems, short stories, plays and much more. And, of course, songs. He has evolved into a master of two particular forms – poetry and the blues. And in his hands, horn and voice, the words and music intersect in a fascinating way.
That’s not surprising, given the similarities between poetry and the blues. Both forms are bound by time. Both require a hook to grab the listener’s eye or ear – and in a short span of time, tell a story that sticks and doesn’t let go – at least not easily. With poetry, Al will tell you, it’s not just about reading the written word. We really grasp the poet’s intent and sense of feeling, when the words are read aloud – in cadence.
In both instances, the storyteller’s craft is challenged by the need for clarity and brevity. In the case of songs, the words must be wrapped in rhythm and background colors that fuel intended emotions.
You’ll hear this ability at its best throughout The Goods, the latest of Al’s eight recordings as a leader. He crafts the words, he writes the music, he adds more emotional texture and colors with his singing and his cornet. And he has some terrific musical helpers from the Duke Robillard Band to assist in making his points.
As you dig into this disc, savor its inherent imagery, including this taste from “Pealing Bells.”
A man needs water in the desert
He needs air to draw a breath
I need your love to give me courage
And chase away the fear of death.
Enjoy the varied takes on romance and relationships peppered throughout Al’s way with words.
Listen close to the gospel-drenched message of “Lie Down in Darkness, Raise Up in Light.” It’s a terrific look at rebirth – be it the next day, or in the next life. The backing vocalists are the Blind Boys of Alabama, who savored the message and imbued it with even more musical feeling.
Identify with the witty twists of “Mr. Graham Bell,” Al’s ode to a distaste for communication by telephone. Understand the feeling of loneliness that is at the root of “Distant Ships.” Enjoy the clever numerology of the bank robbery tale “$1.843 Million.”
Savor the humorous perspective of “Reality Show.” Savor the irony of “The Price (I Got to Pay).” Savor the wit and chuckle at the double entendres here and there that are so endemic to the blues. Savor the cleverness of “Along Came the Kid.”
Yes indeed, savor it all from this poetic blues man and master of the shortest stories. The Bard of the Blues knows how to grab us and hold our attention.
• Ken Franckling, December 2010
(Veteran freelance jazz journalist and photographer Ken Franckling was United Press International’s jazz columnist for 15 years. He now writes for JazzTimes, Jazziz, HotHouse, https://www.tradebit.com and his blog.)
File Data