Tell Mama - ETTA JAMES****

Tell Mama/I’d Rather Go Blind/Watch Dog/The Love Of My Man/I’m Gonna Take What He’s Got/The Same Rope/Security/Steal Away/My Mother-In-Law/Don’t Lose Your Good Thing/It Hurts Me So Much/Just A Little Bit

Tell Mama was soul and R & B vocalist Etta James’s comeback album after leaving Chess records. Here she can be found performing in a much rawer and bluesier style. (US:82)

“The album is top-notch, featuring the all-time classic soul ballad I'd Rather Go Blind, excellent covers, a couple of driving uptempo numbers, most notably Watch Dog and the magnificent title track. Etta James never sounded better than during these sessions, and the various musicians never set a foot wrong. The best record Etta James ever made, one of the finest, most cohesive soul and R & B records of the late 60s. You really ought to give it a listen.”

“One of the classic soul albums from the 1960s and an artistic highlight, this album finally matches fierce vocals with right material and excellent musicians. Almost every song here is soul classic. Plenty of horns and James is on fire.”

“The ever vivacious Etta James is one of R & B's true greats, an artist whose work will always stand the test of time and this album, is one of her best known and most powerful. More dynamic than expressive, James was a gal who clearly knew how to rock, capable of expansiveness, jump blues but with a touch of sleekness. The Tell Mama album is a flawless, timeless crowd pleaser, packed with upbeat, compact material, a tailor made showcase for James' mousy snarl. Backed by the best of the Muscle Shoals crew, this is music that can't be faulted.”

“This album represents everything that was and still is awesome about Etta James. Too many of today's stars sing the words on key, but don't bring any feeling to the music. Etta really bared her soul when she sang.”

“Miss James always liked her music on the raw side, and when she got the chance to sneak away from the string-laden 'pop-soul' tunes arranged at Chess Records, she let out a howl that showed everybody that she was a blues wailer at heart. Tell Mama is a monster of a jam that perfectly suits Etta's powerful, gritty vocals.”

“I can still remember listening to this for the first time. I was absolutely blown away. Not just with her voice, but with the quality of the songs, arrangements and sound.”