Name: Livin' with the Blues
Brand: Acoustic Disc
SKU: 762176
Availability: OutOfStock

Performer Notes

Personnel: Vassar Clements (fiddle); Vassar Clements; Bobby Cochran (vocals, drums); Dave Mathews (piano); Marc Silber (vocals, guitar, 12-string guitar); Bob Brozman (vocals, guitar, baritone guitar); Norton Buffalo (vocals, guitar, harmonica); Elvin Bishop (vocals, electric guitar); Maria Muldaur (vocals); Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica); Ruth Davies (acoustic bass); Dave Matthews, David Jacobs-Strain, Roy Rogers , Bobby Cochran .
Audio Mixers: David Grisman; Norton Buffalo; Larry Cummings.
Liner Note Author: Matt Glaser.
Recording information: Dawg Studios.
Photographers: Norton Buffalo; Jim McGuire ; Tracy Bigelow.
Arrangers: Vassar Clements; Bob Brozman.
While the extraordinary fiddler Vassar Clements is known for his countless recordings in the world of bluegrass and country music, he's also a convincing blues interpreter. He is matched with a wide-ranging group of musicians and repertoire by producer David Grisman in this delightful Acoustic Disc CD. Clements' playing takes on an almost conversational tone throughout a good part of these sessions, while he is obviously having a rollicking good time with his fellow players, no matter the setting. The legendary bluesman Robert Johnson's "Beatrice Got a Phonograph" is an amazing duet by Clements with Roy Rogers (who sings while playing an amplified Martin guitar), though it is the leader's personal sound that leaves a lasting impression. His fiddle almost seems to smirk throughout Tampa Red's "Dead Cats on the Line," which is also highlighted by Bob Brozman's guitar and Bobby Cochran's lead vocals, with Norton Buffalo providing harmony. It's hard to beat the interplay between Clements, Buffalo (on harmonica), and guitarist Bob Brozman in the trio rendition of "Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning." Clements and Brozman evidently concocted "Fiddlin' and Faddlin'" in the studio, with Brozman also playing percussion on his guitar behind the leader's blistering introductory solo. Elvin Bishop adds a touch of humor with his amusing originals, including the down-home blues "Dirty Drawers" and the funky "That's My Thing," adding Norton Buffalo's soulful harmonica. Maria Muldaur's gritty vocals shine in Doc Watson's "Honey Babe Blues" and "I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle." Dave Matthews is at the piano for the infectious "Mambo Boogie" (co-written by Clements, Matthews, and Buffalo). All in all, this is a very entertaining meeting by a group of seasoned musicians. ~ Ken Dryden

Professional Reviews

Living Blues (p.62) - "Although Clements takes plenty of solos, equally enjoyable are his continual fills and flourishes, which reconfigure often-familiar songs by lending them, alternatively, a melancholy or sprightly air."

Mojo (Publisher) (p.96) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[T]he celebrated violinist takes centre-stage...[and] featuring brilliant lead fiddle."

Album: Livin' with the Blues
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Cypress Grove
2)	Dirty Drawers
3)	Honey Babe Blues
4)	Mambo Boogie
5)	Phonograph Blues
6)	Green Onions
7)	Rube's Blues
8)	Dead Cats on the Line
9)	That's My Thing
10)	Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
11)	I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle
12)	Mama I'm All Out and Down
13)	Fiddlin' & Faddlin'
14)	Cool Drink of Water
15)	Don't Stand Behind a Mule

Album: Livin' with the Blues
#	Song Title	Time
1)	Cypress Grove
2)	Dirty Drawers
3)	Honey Babe Blues
4)	Mambo Boogie
5)	Phonograph Blues
6)	Green Onions
7)	Rube's Blues
8)	Dead Cats on the Line
9)	That's My Thing
10)	Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
11)	I Ain't Gonna Play No Second Fiddle
12)	Mama I'm All Out and Down
13)	Fiddlin' & Faddlin'
14)	Cool Drink of Water
15)	Don't Stand Behind a Mule