After the huge success of his debut album Let Them Talk on which he celebrated and revived classic material from the world of NOLA blues, Hugh Laurie will release his second album Didn't It Rain.Didn't It Rain sees Hugh Laurie depart the sounds of New Orleans as he follows the trajectory of the blues upstream and into the American heartland. It includes songs dating back to early pioneers W.C. Handy (‘St Louis. Blues') and Jelly Roll Morton (‘I Hate A Man Like You') to more recent artists such as Dr. John (‘Wild Honey') and Alan Price of The Animals (‘Changes').Again produced by Joe Henry, Didn't It Rain was recorded at Ocean Way Studio in Los Angeles in January of this year. Complemented with the heart and accomplishment of his supporting musicians the Copper Bottom Band - Jay Bellerose, Kevin Breit, Vincent Henry, Greg Leisz, Robby Marshall, David Piltch and Patrick Warren with Elizabeth Lea and Larry Goldings - the album also features several lead vocal performances from Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno and soul singer Jean McClain who has previously worked with artists as varied as Jimmy Cliff and Sheryl Crow. The album also highlights a very special guest in the shape of the Grammy-winning blues artist Taj Mahal who contributes vocals to a new take on Little Brother Montgomery's ‘Vicksburg Blues'.
D**N
Not quite "Let Them Talk", but an excellent album!
A wonderful album. His other album, Let Them Talk, is one of the best music purchases I've ever made. This isn't quite up to that standard, but I'm very happy with it. I loved the duet on Kiss of Fire.I have to admit Laurie's voice took a little getting used to for me, but the emotion, interpretation, and incredible musicians on these albums have sold me. I am a big fan!I bought this as downloadable mp3. But I can't find liner notes anywhere online, I can't even find out who the musicians are, even his website . They apparently are more interested in making music than publicizing it. Ok, if that's the way it is, I'll be happy to just soak up the great vibe from this stealth band.
T**N
Great Music!
Multi-talented Hugh Laurie's acting is what he is best known for but his music is GREAT. Saw him in concert a few years ago with his Copper Bottom Band and was hooked. He not only plays the guitar and the piano, he sings, and like his first album, Let Them Talk, the songs included are all good. Not a measly one included; genre is mostly blues, but there are also some R&B and jazz songs. There are also immensely talented guest musicians on this album, like Jean McClain, Gaby Moreno, and Taj Mahal. HIGHLY recommend!
I**E
Some of the classics and some newer songs all with the Hugh Laurie touch.
I dug out "Didn't It Rain", "Let Them Talk" and my guitar this cold snowy day (actually I plugged in my Fire Stick and played them on the TV, but somehow digging them out of the snow gives a better story). Sat pretending I was with Hugh and band most of the morning, playing counterpoint on the guitar.Didn't It Rain has some old songs (St Lous Blues, Vicksburg Blues, I Hate a Man Like You, Careless Love) and a lot of new ones. All done in an easygoing New Orleans jazz style. I'm always taken by Jean McClain's vocals so end up repeating "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair" and "I Hate a Man Like You" until family members get tired of them. I like all the songs, the instrumentation, the mixing and Laurie's piano, but Jean is just one of my standout all time favorites.
K**E
Great second effort, well worth the money.
Hugh Laurie's first album was "Let Them Talk" and it was a real tour de force - an exceptional performance that would be exceptionally difficult to equal or exceed. This second album "Didn't It Rain" fell short, for me at least, by at least a little bit. That said, I would recommend purchase of this new album without qualification - any one should enjoy it thoroughly. Laurie's own startlingly good voice and Blues styling is augmented with great performances from Gaby Moreno, Jean McClain, and Taj Mahal. Just don't forget that "Let Them Talk" is still Laurie's best work. He may top that one yet, another time.
J**E
Love this album and the artist
Love this album, and artist. Some great jazzy stuff here
E**E
The Doc is in the HOUSE!
Hugh Laurie is a multi faceted performer that has given him many outlets for his talents and this album as well as his previous offering prove that to be true in my estimation. The rich arrangements, the great feathering of the keyboard makes this gentleman a wonderful contributor to the rich traditions of jazz and the blues. He may be English but his talent shows he could be a 10th generation Cajun with his mastery of his musical subject material. I highly reccomend this album as well as his previous release to make any HOUSE fan a fan of his music as well!
J**J
Arrived new.
Arrived new. The music I want to keep and listen to.
I**R
Not as appealing as his first
I own the first album (Let Them Talk) and love all the tracks on it; however, despite being a big Hugh Laurie fan I am somewhat disappointed in this one. IMHO this album displays less of his musical personality and shares the spotlight too much with the other artists. If I had to give it a one-word rating it would be "meh" .... not bad, but also not up to the appeal of his first album.
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