Track Listing

1. (They Call It) Stormy Monday - Lou Rawls, Walker, T-Bone
2. God Bless the Child - Lou Rawls, Herzog, Arthur Jr.
3. See See Rider - Lou Rawls, Rainey, Ma
4. Willow Weep for Me - Lou Rawls, Ronell, Ann
5. I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town - Lou Rawls, Razaf, Andy
6. In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down) - Lou Rawls, Carr, Leroy
7. 'Tain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do - Lou Rawls, Grainger, Percy
8. Lost and Lookin' - Lou Rawls, Alexander, James
9. I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water - Lou Rawls, Miller, Eddie [Pian
10. Sweet Lover - Lou Rawls, McFarland, J. Lesli
11. Blues Is a Woman - Lou Rawls, Rawls, Lou
12. A Little Les of Lou's Blues - Lou Rawls, Rawls, Lou
13. (They Call It) Stormy Monday - Lou Rawls, Walker, T-Bone

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #40104 in Music
• Released on: 1990-01-11
• Number of discs: 1

From Grove Press Guide to Blues on CD
In 1962, when this, his first, album was made, Lou Rawls was a singer fresh off the "chitlin' circuit" who had a few years to tough out till pop stardom. Here he wraps his rich, gospel- trained baritone around jazz and blues standards, with a swinging little combo led by pianist Les McCann underpinning his relaxed cordiality. Three previously unissued tracks unearthed for the CD, notably "Blues Is a Woman," further display Rawls's concentration and his deliberation of a lyric. -- © Frank John Hadley 1993

Customer Reviews

Smooooth as silk
Lou's first album, first released during 1962, plus the reissue has three previously unreleased tracks: Blues Is a Woman; A Little Les of Lou's Blues; and, an alternate take of Stormy Monday. Lou had signed with Capitol Records during 1961 after Nick Venet, A&R scout for Capitol, watched him perform at Pandora's Box in Los Angeles.

Les McCann is on piano; Leroy Vinnegar on bass; and, Ron Jefferson on drums. They are great. This album is the epitome of pre-Beatlemania in Hollywood clubs of the early 60s.

And, Lou is great. What a voice. If you want background music for a romantic dinner or evening, this album should be on the top of your list. But, don't just wait for a special occassion. Buy this album and enjoy the incredible and talented Lou Rawls. You'll be glad you did.

Something Truly Special!
What a voice! What a fantastic recording! Lou Rawls was definitely one unique cat in every sense of the word. This 1962 beauty has Lou teamed up with the trio of Les McCann on piano, Leroy Vinegar on bass, and Ron Jefferson on drums. All of them bring their 'A' game for this one, especially the exuberant, expressive Les McCann. It is such a treat to hear him play and I couldn't think of a pianist whose chops compliment Lou's sweet, soulful style any better.

Long before his mega-hit songs (i.e. "You'll Never Find...", "Love Is A Hurtin' Thing", "Lady Love", etc...) there was this incredible debut recording "Stormy Monday". Lou shows off his silky, smooth, symphonious baritone on such standards as "They Call It Stormy Monday" (uptempo and sublime), "God Bless The Child" (right up there with Billy Holiday as my favorite version ever), "See See Rider", "Tain't Nobody's Business" (Lou and Les really swing on this one!), etc... etc... There isn't one song you'll find yourself skipping over. Each one is something special!

If you are a fan of great music, no matter what your favorite genre is, you need to add this to your collection. If consider yourself a fan of Lou Rawls, then you definitely need to place your order today. This is my personal favorite of all his great recordings, and I can't believe it isn't more popular (only the sixth review so far). But Amazon is all about learning and sharing and helping others discover wonderful treasures like this. I certainly hope that you heed my advice on this one, for you truly can't go wrong. Five and a half stars!

Rawl's Fan
This is an essential addition to a Pop or Jazz catalogue. Buy it, you won't be disappointed.