 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.
|
