• Etta James - Blues To The Bone

Referring to the series James said, "What I found was so full of what life is about: being born and dying; joy and sorrow; salvation and sin......As I started reaching deeper I realized that most of the blues of that day was done by men. Women just didn't have the nerve. So I thought it was about time to show them what these songs might sound like coming from a whole different point of view."

Surely can't comment on the differences between points of view but I can say this is one terrific album - a must-have for blues aficionados. "Honey Don't Tear My Clothes" is unbelievable, as is "Don't Start Me Talking."

Featured on the album are James's sons Donto James and Sametto James; guitarists Josh Sklair and Bobby Murray plus harmonica player John "Juke" Logan. Liner notes are by Martin Scorcese.

This one's a keeper!

- Gail Cooke

36 of 36 found the following review helpful:


CLASSIC!! A jewel in her crown & the best of her recent work  Oct 26, 2004 By C. Heinrich "wsidechris"
Etta has recorded a lot this past decade. She has released more new albums than anyone I can think of. And this woman is in her sixties! Some people moan about her more recent work because she doesn't have that growl that she used to have (that's why I refer to this as part of her "recent" work--there are two major styles of Etta). Anyway, Etta has done some great things this past decade. Never a weak track, but some are always better than others. But not the aptly titled "Blues To The Bone".

This album is 100% KILLER material.

Really, this is one of the best modern blues albums I have heard. She may not growl, but she does soar. Listen to her sing "The Sky Is Cryin'" on this album. She even howls on "Smokestack Lightin'"--the Wolf is smiling in his grave. She still has it, and she can do it better than anyone today.

Now all of the credit does not go to her, of course. She does have a terrific band here. Her sons are still mainstays, and they are very well produced.

This is traditional blues at its best. She could release 10 of these albums every year, and I wouldn't get bored or less interested for a second.

KEEP IT UP ETTA! We need you more than you know.

12 of 14 found the following review helpful:


Love Etta and love blues to the bone  Jun 16, 2004
This is awesome. Everytime she comes out with a cd I think that it's the best she can do and then comes a new one that is even better. I love her voice, I love her style and I love seeing this woman in concert. These songs rock and Little Red Rooster is awesome. I love her jazz stuff too, but when she does a blues cd (like this one) it blows me away. Get this cd and rock out!

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


Hypnotic  Jan 11, 2005 By Robert C. Ellenson "Guitar Bob"
Etta proves once again that if you are a real blues singer you give life to any project you take on. It doesn't matter that these songs have been performed by a huge number of people in the past. If you have ever seen Etta in concert you would know she pulls no punches with a style that makes the floor rock under your feet while you are hypnotized by her spell. As BB King says, "Anyone can play the blues... but does it sound right?" I have listened to thousands of hours of blues in and I can think of a hundred people that couldn't get away with this album but only a few that could make it a masterpiece. Etta is one of the latter - no question asked. The band on this album and the production quality don't hurt it either! You go girl!!

5 of 5 found the following review helpful:


Still Queen of the Blues  Feb 25, 2006 By Jerry S. Byrd
I attended a live performance of Etta James in Washington, D.C. in the early 1960's. I've enjoyed her music since. I was delighted when Amazon placed her latest CD, Blues to the Bone, on the market. Etta is right on, ranging from a plaintive "got my mojo working but it don't work on you," to a sultry "Lil' Red Rooster" and "Crawlin King Snake," and closing with a jocular "Honey Don't Tear My clothes." The voice is deeper but the range of expression is still there.

See all 31 customer reviews on Amazon.com