Meade Lux Lewis

[king ubu]

Yesterday I passed that one by in a store. Should I run and pick it up? Is it a good one? It's one of two or three VEEs I don't have.

I guess I know I should pick this up, but I need some in order not to feel so guilty about buying way too many CDs all the time

ubu

[mikeweil]

After a review in downbeat stating is was not up to the great sides he recorded for Blue Note, I listened to it in a shop and thought it was too repetitive, not as varied and creative in its approach as the older recordings. If you're not an avid Meade Lux Lewis or Boogie Woogie collector, the Mosaic or the single Blue Note CD would be more satisfying.

I'd say give it a listen first and decide by yourself.

[king ubu]

Well, that seems like a good way to go. I don't have the Mosaic, and neither have the BN disc (you mean that "First Day" one with Albert Ammons, don't you?). So I'll rather go for that one sometimes.

ubu

[mikeweil]

Yeah, that's a good selection, and still in print!

[king ubu]

I'll look for this one!

(Mike, by the way: thanks very very much for Oblique! I really love it! )

ubu

[Christiern]

Here's one of several pictures I took on Nov. 1, 1961, when Iproduced what I believe may have been his last album (Hammer Chatter - Riverside 9402).

This was before auto focus and SLR, and I'm afraid I never learned to work with a light meter.

[Christiern]

Here's another one...

BTW that's Plaza Sound Studios, which Riverside always used.. Lewis also played celeste on that date (he was bigger than the instrument). As for "Cat House Piano," I think Verve subsequently released it along with another Lewis alum, and I vaguely recall writing the notes.

Edited January 21, 2005 by Christiern

[wesbed]

Christiern:

When reading these boards, it's easy to forget you were 'there' when some of this stuff went down.

Thanks for posting the pictures.

[Christiern]

You're welcome, Wesbed. Here's another, taken during a playback. Think of all the great sessions that took place in that room--from Monk to Ida Cox, Babs to Blue...

[king ubu]

Indeed Christiern: Thanks very much! And yes, "Cathouse Piano" includes one 10" and one 12" album, and yes, going from memory (being at work), I think you indeed wrote the notes!

ubu

[Guest ariceffron]

well what the hell do u want mikeweil do u want meade-lux to fucking make an lp on synthesizers. this lp is like the others becuase meade lux at that point was an important musical link to pianos past. and his playing was documented by granz cause he realized it was something special from the past that should be preserved

[Man with the Golden Arm]

Nice shots Chris!

Thanks for sharing all this beautiful work.

wow, he's 50 keys wide!

Is that a David Stone Martin cover? I'd pick it up just for that!

[AllenLowe]

I love Meade Lux Lewis - the problem with any album by a musician like him is that it's going to be, by nature, repetitive. This is one way in which social changes have altered perception and understanding of musicians like Lewis - I really think this music is best listened to on a juke box, as a random selection coupled with others of it's style, or in-person in a living room or juke joint, up close and personal, or in concert - anybody whose ever seen any of the blues greats like Muddy Waters will know what I mean - listening to recordings is great, but pales by comparison to hearing it in person. Of course this is true of any kind of music, but I find it particulary relevant with these kinds of players -

Edited January 21, 2005 by AllenLowe

[couw]

@Allen: yes, indeed