The Real Deal is an album by the American musician John Primer, released in 1995.[1][2] Primer supported the album with a North American tour.[3] He subsequently named his backing band the Real Deal.[4] The Real Deal was nominated for a W. C. Handy Award for best "Traditional Blues Album".[5]
| The Real Deal | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1995 | |||
| Genre | Chicago blues | |||
| Label | Code Blue/East West | |||
| Producer | Mike Vernon | |||
| John Primer chronology | ||||
| ||||
Production
editThe album was produced by Mike Vernon, who had signed Primer to his label.[6] Vernon thought that Primer came closest of the contemporary blues musicians to the sound of 1950s and 1960s Chicago blues.[7] Billy Branch contributed on harmonica; David Maxwell played piano.[8][9] "Good Understanding" is a cover of the Willie Dixon song.[6] "Come Back Baby" is a cover of Ray Charles's version of the tune.[10] Primer played slide guitar on "I Called My Baby".[11]
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| The Buffalo News |  [11] |
| Chicago Tribune | [13] |
| The Indianapolis Star | [10] |
| MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide | [14] |
| Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | [15] |
| Springfield News-Leader | [16] |
The Indianapolis Star praised the "simple four-piece band that shuffles, boogies, rocks and wails its way through a strong slate of songs."[10] Stereo Review wrote that Primer's "assertive voice and buoyant guitar are propelled in just the right groove" by his backing band.[17] The Chicago Tribune noted the "tough, no-nonsense swagger of his classic Chicago blues sound," writing that "Primer never wastes a note, never seems particularly eager to show off."[13]
The Springfield News-Leader determined that the album "smoothly blends contemporary and traditional blues."[16] The Richmond Times-Dispatch concluded that "the extensive guitar technique and emotive vocals are shadowed and embellished by Primer's band."[18] The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that Primer's "gritty vocals and stinging guitar carry the genuine trademark of this swaggering Chicago music."[15]
AllMusic called the album "long on intensity and devoid of pretension."[12]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Stop Draggin' That Chain Around" | |
| 2. | "Tomorrow Might Not Be the Same" | |
| 3. | "Still in Love with You" | |
| 4. | "Blind Man Blues" | |
| 5. | "How Long Will You Be Mine" | |
| 6. | "Good Understanding" | |
| 7. | "Come Back Baby" | |
| 8. | "Cryin' for Your Love" | |
| 9. | "Bad Blood" | |
| 10. | "I Called My Baby" | |
| 11. | "She Won't Gimme No Lovin'" | |
| 12. | "Tired and Worried" |
References
edit- ^ "John Primer Biography by Bill Dahl". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ Williamson, Nigel (2007). The Rough Guide to the Blues. Rough Guides Ltd. p. 301.
- ^ Skelly, Richard (May 17, 1996). "Bluenotes". On the Go. The Home News & Tribune. New Brunswick. p. 4.
- ^ "Rock and Pop Music". The Guide. The Guardian. Jul 26, 1997. p. 37.
- ^ Ellis, Bill (Jan 17, 1997). "Allison leads Handy award nominations". The Commercial Appeal. p. A15.
- ^ a b McGuinness, Jim (10 May 1996). "Urban Bluesman, On Track". Lifestyle/Previews. The Record. Bergen County. p. 33.
- ^ "John Primer". BluesFest Guide. Illinois Times. Jun 12, 1997. p. 24.
- ^ Siegel, Ralph (Apr 11, 1996). "'The Real Deal'". Daily News. Bowling Green. AP. p. 5B.
- ^ Miller, Jay N. (8 Mar 1996). "'Real Deal' lives up to its name". The Patriot Ledger. p. 16.
- ^ a b c Konz, Joe (19 May 1996). "John Primer 'The Real Deal'". The Indianapolis Star. p. I8.
- ^ a b Beebe, Michael (Feb 2, 1996). "The Masters". Gusto. The Buffalo News. p. 30.
- ^ a b "The Real Deal Review by Bill Dahl". AllMusic. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ a b Kot, Greg (Feb 8, 1996). "Recordings". Chicago Tribune. p. 7C.
- ^ MusicHound Blues: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1998. p. 296.
- ^ a b White, Jim (Feb 25, 1996). "Blues". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. p. F8.
- ^ a b Marymont, Mark (Feb 18, 1996). "CD Reviews". Springfield News-Leader. p. 5G.
- ^ Albertson, Chris (Jun 1996). "John Primer: The Real Deal". Stereo Review. Vol. 61, no. 6. p. 90.
- ^ McCarty, Patrick (Feb 22, 1996). "Sound". Richmond Times-Dispatch. p. D25.