Have you heard Bobby Pierce's "New York" (Muse, 1974)?

[HutchFan]

If so, what do you think of it?

I've never heard it. I'd never even heard of Bobby Pierce until earlier today. I was looking through an online Frank Strozier discography and saw this LP mentioned.

Looks like it might be interesting.

Edited February 24, 2016 by HutchFan

[JSngry]

It is very interesting, imo. Pierce sings a little along the way, but it's of a piece with his playing and is a nice texture within the overall record. The playing is, as to be expected, excellent. The whole thing's got that "in the moment" "community" feel (aka grooooove) to it.

Proceed with confidence, I'd say.

And don't overlook this one's predecessor (Introducing Bobby Pierce on Cobblestone, titled something else on Muse, iirc). Also excellent.

Also recommended, from 2008, on Doodlin'

 

Maybe if there had been 50 bajillion Bobby Pierce records, I'd be all "no, man, not that cat again, enough". But there haven't been, and as it sits right now, yeah, Bobby Pierce, Bobby Pierce should be heard, I think.

[HutchFan]

Thanks Jim!

[JSngry]

np, happy to shine a light!

Those early 70s Cobblestone/Muse things were rife with good records of under-heard organists, Bobby Pierce just one of them. You also had Mickey Tucker with James Moody, Bu Pleasant, The Return Of Don Patterson (great record, that one, Freddie Waits!), Neal Creque, definitely one of those "seek and ye shall find" label(s).

[robertoart]

I have a still sealed copy of the Cobblestone one with Pat Martino in the band. I am waiting for my LP 12 to be set up again before I return to vinyl listening. This is waiting in line to open and play. I hope it's not warped. I thought I would dig it, now I'm sure I will.

What is the title Long Road Back referring to. Something autobiographical or just a catchy title?

 

[JSngry]

Mr. Pierce went through, as they say, "some changes" over the years.

[robertoart]

 yeah I thought so. more power too him. Survivors always have something to say. 

 

[Dan Gould]

Been a while since I've heard New York and I wouldn't have realized off hand that Billy Mitchell was on it so I should revisit. But I have to say I am quite intrigued by the more recent recording - loves me some Rickey Woodard.

Pierce played some nice piano on a Gene Harris tribute set, Three More Sounds:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Three-More-Sounds-A-Musical-Tribute-to-Gene-Harris-CD-BP-Records-2003-/251651715493?hash=item3a979c71a5:g:UT4AAOSwDk5UHaFp

 

 

 

[JSngry]

Flayvah.

 

[HutchFan]

Just listening to those YT links now. Mmm. Yes sir! Lots of soul feeling.

EDIT:
Before listening, "Witchita Lineman" struck me as an unpromising song choice. But it really WORKS. 

Edited February 25, 2016 by HutchFan

[JSngry]

Jimmy Webb was being heard across the board.

Of course, a writer of epic songs deserves at least one mega-epic interpretation of at least one of them.

Used to be that everybody knew this last one, but I take nothing for granted these days.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Pierce is more than OK.

So is Ike's version of 'Phoenix'.

But, really, I'd have liked to have heard Solomon Burke singing that.

MG

[king ubu]

Prefer "Introducing", Strozier notwithstanding. 

[JSngry]

 

[sgcim]

26 minutes ago, JSngry said:

 

I can't count the number of times I'd see that LP in a record store, sit there arguing with myself about whether I should buy it or not. Bobby Jones and Pat Martino! But what if they don't get any blowing space or the singer sucks? The more cautious/cheaper me always wound up winning. Thanks for posting!