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Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0708857900121 Label: Candid Records Manufacturer: Candid Records MPN: 79001 Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Candid Records Release Date: January 25, 2000 Studio: Candid Records Editorial Review: Amazon.com: There is great historical significance to this 1960 record: not only was it the first solo album ever recorded by the great pianist Otis Spann, it was also the first album ever recorded for Nat Hentoff's short-lived but fruitful Candid label. However, the music within is anything but a mere footnote. Hentoff's philosophy was to let the artist's true musical nature come through in the studio, and his laissez-faire production style bore great results. For his debut, Spann employed only Robert Lockwood Jr. as his musical support, and the result is a pared-down, passionate, triumphant set that sheds light on Spann as a full-bodied vocalist as well as a pianist. The Mississippi-born Spann grew under the tutelage of Big Maceo and mastered the pounding barrelhouse piano style that Maceo brought with him to Chicago. Spann adapted this fierce, urgent style to the burgeoning electric small-band approach that was taking Chicago by storm, and he eventually became an integral element of Muddy Waters's peak ensemble. Here, with only Lockwood's guitar behind him, Spann is free to indulge in his florid runs and pulsing two-handed rhythmic attack, exploring the turf that connects the barrelhouse of his youth with the modern Chicago style. --Marc Greilsamer Average Rating:
 Rating: - Nothin' But The BluesIn addition to great blues, there is the extra bonus of there being 16 tracks rather than the 10 listed on Amazon and on the CD itself. There is no information on the other 6 tracks but more blues is more blues. This is a great record (sorry for dating myself). One song after another - just sublime. Who would think that a piano player/singer and a guitar player/singer could put so much potency into their music without the usual band make-up. Every song is a killer. Otis Spann is just the greatest ... Read More Rating: - Excellent And A Must-Have For Blues PuristsToo bad that Otis Spann died so young. He could have done so much more and been more of a legend. As it is, not too many people that are casual blues fans even know his name. I bought "Otis Spann Is The Blues" and listen to it over and over. He has an almost cosmic connection with his guitarist and there is one priceless cut on there where they talk all during the song...playing and never skipping a beat (!) just like old friends. It's charming and special. His songs about the hardship that he had ... Read More Rating: - Best blues everI heard track 15 on Music Match. Had to buy the album. Was I suprised to get the CD and see only 10 songs listed. Put it in the CD player anyway, and there are 6 unlisted tracks on the CD. Track 15 is my favorite-- pulsing piano blues. Makes me wish I could play the piano. If you want good clean blues, with promiment soundstage and clarity for all instruments and vocals, I suggest this album. Rating: - WOW...Wow, I just got Otis Spann Is The Blues, and Walking The Blues, and I love em both. Otis and Lockwood together is pure blues heaven. Actually pure music heaven. Their playing transcends genre and falls in the category of sheer musical genius. I can't pick a favorite song on Is The Blues. Walking The Blues is almost as powerful a project.,HAving more of a variety of vocals is enjoyable. St. Louis Jimmy Oden was on e wonderful singer. All in all, both discs are a piece of history, blues at it's purest and ... Read More Rating: - Outstanding presence, plus bonus tracksIf you want blues piano this album is the best. The sound quality is excellent, very atypical for a 1960's album; you'll think you're in the studio with them. I bought the album in 2004 and it contains 6 additional tracks, all of which appear to be additional studio jams, but not necessarily from the same session. There is no information on the album or internet regarding these tracks, and the album doesn't even list the titles. Thus, the total album time is 73 min and well worth the price. If you want ... Read More |
