Yeah, I can hear you snickering all the way here at Blues H.Q. in sunny West New York. "Cyndi Lauper," you're asking, "what the heck does Miss 'Girls Just Want To Have Fun' have to do with blues music?" Fair question, and I'll tell ya what...on June 22nd, 2010 Lauper will be releasing her latest album, Memphis Blues, a collection of classic blues covers, on the Universal Music-distributed Downtown Records label.
Lauper appropriately recorded Memphis Blues at the Bluff City's Electraphonic Studios with producer Scott Bomar and a band that includes such Memphis soul legends as Stax label veterans Lester Snell and Skip Pitts (who performed with Isaac Hayes), and Hi Rhythm Section alumni Leroy Hodges and Howard Grimes (who backed Al Green).
Truth is, Ms. Lauper has always been more than a novelty act, and the woman sings her heart out on the right material with a passion and emotion lacking in most, if not all, of her contemporaries. The songs on Memphis Blues include such blues tunes as Muddy Waters' "Rollin' and Tumblin'," Lowell Fulsom's "Shattered Dreams," and Bobby Bland's "Don't Cry No More," as well as songs from Memphis Slim, Louis Jordan, and others. Guest stars appearing on Memphis Blues include recent Blues Hall of Fame inductee Charlie Musselwhite, New Orleans music legend Allen Toussaint, soul vocalist Ann Peebles, and guitarists Jonny Lang and B.B. King.
In a press release for the album, Lauper says, "this is the album I've wanted to make for years. All of these beautiful songs, and all of the great players on the album, were carefully chosen because I've admired them my entire life. And I knew from the moment Alan Toussaint hit the keys in 'Shattered Dreams' that we were creating something really special." Personally, the Reverend has always been a Lauper fan, and I'll reserve judgment on Memphis Blues until I hear the album. I suspect it will be a big surprise for blues fans and, besides, who am I to second guess B.B. King? If it's good enough for the King of Blues Guitar, it's good enough for me....
Photo courtesy Downtown Records
Comments
I’ve got the About.com Blues. The Reverend is referred to in the third person and he’s too down to Earth to do that so I’m not sure who wrote this. Albert King is the King of Blues Guitar, not BB King. Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans are Blues HQ, not NY. I’m not at all surprised by this. Everyone, including Pat Benatar, has done a Blues album.
Saw her sing Little Walter’s “Just Your Fool” last night on Danald Trump’s “Your Fired!” TV show season finale (can’t recall the real name of the show). Charlie Musselwhite sounded GREAT on harp and Ms. Lauper was pretty good, but she ain’t no LouAnn Barton, Angela Strehli or Janiva Magness when it comes to white women singin’ the blues. I do respect her for the attempt, and the album line-up sounds great! Judging by the TV version I heard, I’m looking forward to hearing the whole album.
dude!!!! this girl has always had it in her to be a passionate blues singer. i can hear it in my head already.strong passionate vocals, and kick ass guitar riffs from two of the greats. cant wait to hear it for real.