Corey Harris & Henry Butler
Vu-Du Menz (2000)

review by: Alexander Washburn
Date: 1/12/03

It is a great feeling to know that I own one of the greatest records ever made. It's actually a thrill. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world because I have a copy of Corey Harris and Henry Butler's Vu-Du Menz. Simply put, buy this record and consider this your birthday and Christmas presents rolled into one. For the next 50 years!

Why 50 years? Because at times, this record makes you feel like you've stumbled across a rare gem that has been digitally remastered. Something that was found in the basement of some dead blues man from the Bayou. Something that was about to be thrown out if it weren't for some divine intervention.

The only drawback with this record is that is not on vinyl. From the first song, with Butler's booming backup vocals and strong piano - the tone is set for down home blues courtesy of two guys: one on piano (Butler) the other on guitar (Harris). Both men trade off on vocals, with Harris taking on a wise religious, historical and political context on songs like 'Mulberry Row,' and 'Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel.'. Lyrics about picking corn and slavery fit nicely between Harris gentle guitar strumming on 'King Cotton. Butler shines solo on the piano with 'There's No Substitute for Love." You can dance for days listening to songs like 'Sugar Daddy,' 'Down Home Livin,'' and 'Shake What Your Mama Gave You' which all sound like New Orleans and force you to toe tap and practice your air piano. The record ends with the beautiful spiritual 'Why Don't You Live so God Can Use You?" where the music takes a backseat to uplifting vocals.

I make no understatement about this record. This is good ol' blues but not from the highbrow, too cool for you school, that often permeates blues and jazz. Vu-Du Menz is two modern day bluesman paying homage to the old sound they love and make their living off of. I'm just thankful they decided to record this session. And as I've mentioned, so lucky to own this record.

Henry Butler
Blues After Sunset (1998)

review by: Alexander Washburn
Date: 10/30/00

Winter is fast approaching. We've already set our clocks back and a snow-like substance fell from the sky in the northeast a mere four days after the World Series ended. So, for those who are not fortunate enough to have a significant other to warm the sheets with and are forced to rely on the company of Jack Daniel's, Henry Butler's Blues After Sunset is the perfect companion for those long winter nights.

A blind man with a bellowing voice, a piano, an occasional guitar and harmonica is what you hear. What you feel is the need to break pictures of the ex and think of things that might have been. It's best listened to in the dark - but not dark enough that you can't see when you grab for that bottle of Jack.