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 09/2007

    OMAR KENT DYKES WITH JIMMIE VAUGHAN
    ON THE JIMMY REED HIGHWAY

  • reviewed 07/2011

    LAURIE MORVAN BAND
    BREATHE DEEP

  • reviewed 03/2019

    MARY LANE
    TRAVELIN' WOMAN

  • reviewed 03/2021

    RANDY McALLISTER AND THE SCRAPPIEST BAND IN THE MOTHERLAND
    PAPERBAG SALVATION

  • reviewed 12/2018

    COLIN JAMES
    MILES TO GO

  • reviewed 05/2009

    Seth Walker
    Leap of Faith

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.