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James Booker The Lost Paramount Tapes (DJM) Like any New Orleans pionao buff, I was astounded to see this posthumous release of an entire James Booker studio compact disc, especially one with so many quality New Orleans musicians in support. Recorded in Los Angeles in 1973, the piano prince is back by the likes of David Lastie, Jessie Hill, "Shine" Robinson, John Bourdreaux and "Didmus" Washington. Seeing the light of day for the first time, it's amazing that these gems remained unreleased for 24 years, especially considering how Booker's legend continues to grow long after his tragic death. However, the liner notes explain the circumstances. On this set, booker plays a tacked piano-the liner notes explain that too -- which gives his playing an even more authoritave sound than most Booker fans are accustomed to. Booker stays in familiar teritory with songs like "So Swell When You're Well," "Goodnight Irene" and Junco Partner" (two versions) although some might consider these the ultimate Booker treatments. "Feel So Bad" has one of Booker's strongest vocal performances and an interesting organ overdub. On the instrumentals, "African Gumbo" and "Lah Tee Tah", Booker is off to the races while the band -- outside of the marvelous drumming by Boudreax (check him on "Tici Tico") -- tentatively follow. In fact, on the medley "Stormy Monday/Hound Dog," who else but Booker could mesh these two songs? Lastie and Robinson don't even try. Although there's nothing especially groundbreaking here -- only because of the variety of Booker already available -- this CD is indeed a surprise and thoroughly enjoyable. The Lost Paramount Tapes only add to Booker's legacy and make you wish that he was still playing at the Maple Leaf, --Jeff Hannusch |