Monday, February 18, 2008

Mose Allison

Two videos featuring the great Mississippian Mose Allison (b. 1927) giving us his unique blend of jazz, blues, wit and what have you.

His music has influenced many blues and rock artists including The Rolling Stones, John Mayall, JJ Cale and The Who, who used his song "Eyesight to the Blind" in their rock opera Tommy as well as making "Young Man Blues" a staple of their live performances. Blue Cheer also recorded a version of his song 'Parchman Farm' on their debut album. Allison is the subject of the Pixies song "Allison". His song "Look Here" was covered by The Clash on their album Sandinista! Van Morrison released an album of his songs entitled Tell Me Something: The Songs of Mose Allison and Elvis Costello recorded "Everybody's Cryin' Mercy" on his album Kojak Variety. Not bad.

Forget dazzling keyboard pyrotechnics and flawless ensemble playing, this is grass roots jazz at its very best. Accompanied by Gary LeFebvre on sax, Gunnar Biggs on bass and Dave Coleman on drums.