I stumbled over this gem of an album by legendary Etta James On a rare visit to New Orleans. At first glance, it seems an unlikely pairing, gritty, bold, occasionally salacious blues and soul queen Etta James, and elegant New Orleans piano master/producer Allen Toussaint. Nevertheless, the two teamed up for Etta's 1980 album Changes, done for Toussaint's Sansu Enterprises. The results were fascinatingly funky and unlike anything else she ever put on tape, even if the set fell through the commercial cracks as it was too soulful if thats possible!.. In her no-holds-barred 1995 autobiography "Rage to Survive" (get this as it,s a must read!), James unloaded a fusillade in Toussaint's direction over his making her sit two weeks in a French Quarter hotel awaiting word of her session schedule. Until she tracked his limo down in a wild taxi chase, only to be won over when Toussaint calmly sat down at his piano and transformed her ribald tirade into one of his originals on Changes, "Don't Stop.Yet when asked James about the prolific composer shortly after the album's release, she was more positive about its mastermind. "He was fine. He was a very lovely person, very talented," said the late chanteuse. "I liked working with him. When we first went in, we didn't know each other too well. We had been knowing each other for years, but I mean knowing each other coming from a real personal working together as a producer and an artist, we didn't. Now, I think we do." Toussaint booked Sea-Saint Recording Studio, the famous facility on Clematis Avenue that he operated with partner Marshall Sehorn, and recruited some of the Crescent City's top sessioneers and the result is here...Etta at her best!...The last of the true soul women,with the exception of Bettye Lavette!...Superb!
The Tasters!
29 comments:
Legendary Etta one of my top 3 soul and not only singers, thanks AMM!
Fantastic talent , Thanks AMM .
This disc is missing from my collection of this immense songstress!!!
Thank you AMM
Yves
Never Knew About This..
Sounds Good For A 1980 Album.Thanks For A New Review!
I thought it took money! 💵
Thanks, AMM!
Got it and love it. Thanks for review, P.
Etta James!!YES PLEASE !!
Cheers!
Bill!!
!
Thank you for the review AMM!
Great review again AMM thanks
This looks good :)
Many thanks for this review AMM
BigD
Thanks AMM for Etta & Allen collab
Yes x 2
Just love Etta James!
Thank you kindly mate for the review
Thanks AMM for uncovering another rarity. This is great music!
You're right. This fell through the cracks. Can't wait to hear Night People.
Please and thanks!
Looking forward to hearing this.
One I don't have by Etta, many thanks for the review.
Many Thanks for The Etta James Album AMM
Many Thanks for The Etta James Album AMM
Love this album. would love to have a good digital copy.
I have the album but nice to have on disc great review AMM
Cheers Pedro
thanks AMM you can't beat a bit of Etta
Reb
Top review MM, thank you.
cheers,ELtel
One of the all time great soul singers. Etta James is indeed at the top. Thank you AMM.
"The last of the true soul women".
I have to disagree with that observation...
Thanks for the review AMM, reminds me of my late father he's favourite track was Donkey
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