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 10/2008

    RAPHAEL SAADIQ
    – The Way I see It

  • reviewed 11/2007

    NICK MOSS & THE FLIPTOPS
    PLAY IT 'TIL TOMORROW

  • reviewed 10/2014

    MARKEY BLUE
    HEY HEY

  • reviewed 04/2016

    COMPILATIONS
    Blues For Big Walter

  • reviewed 10/2017

    MONSTER MIKE WELCH AND MIKE LEDBETTER
    RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

  • reviewed 09/2015

    Various Artists
    Muddy Waters 100

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.