kparsons13's Full Review: Welcome to Little Milton by Little Milton
I have really set my eyes on Jazz and Blues these past couple of months. My ears are really enjoying for the most part what the music has to say to me. Music makes you feel so many different emotions. Some good and some bad and some even in between. When I listen to someone that is playing a great blues set, I get an adrenaline rush through my body. I feel everything that they are saying and singing. It is wonderful to hear music that you love and even new music you haven't heard. The expectations from me is to hear something beautiful, exciting, and fun all in one. I want to feel what the singer has to offer. I have been able to experience those emotions throughout Little Milton's album, "Welcome to Little Milton."
~A little Bio on Little Milton~
Little Milton was born with the name James Milton Campbell, Jr., on September 7, 1934 in Inverness, Mississippi. Milton changed his name early on after finding that someone else had the same name on his father's side of the family. Blues has been part of his life since he was 12 years old. One problem that Little Milton had throughout his career was staying with a label long enough to make more albums. He would switch around quite a bit which made his career suffer a little. He did have luck in the 1960s and in the early 1970s. He did have some luck in the 90s when Blues made a come back. Over all he is still out their playing the blues in his unique style.
~The Music of Little Milton~
Little Milton has a great voice to listen to as well as playing the guitar. Milton was talented there is no doubt about that to me. He makes you feel every note and lyric on the album. You can feel the power of Blues come out of his mouth and shoot right down your spine. The combination of singing and playing the guitar works wonders for Milton. On "Welcome to Little Milton" he has different approaches to the blues. On this album he has duets with every song and even has a recitation as well on it.
Each song has a new feeling to it with all the duets. When I listen to the album I feel as if he is playing right next to me. The voice is booming and full of range for Little Milton. The duets are fun to listen to as well with other greats like Susan Tedeschi, Keb' Mo' and Government Mule. I love hearing the diversity of the music even though it is Blues. There are so many unique styles that each musician has and on the duets you get to see both. The friendships that Little Milton has with each partner makes the blues interesting to listen to. To say the least, this is a great blues piece of work song by song.
~Highlights of Welcome to Little Milton~
"When the Blues Come Knockin'" with Government Mule starts off with a little bit of electric guitar from Milton. The tempo is set and every instrument comes out to play. When I first heard Milton his voice made me smile and think instantly, "this is going to be a great album." He shows his best early on with this duet. The music brings you up as he sings that "blues takes the pain away." I have to admit that the two of these gentlemen work very well together and the guitar solo in the song is great. I love this song because of how it make you feel so happy inside with the beat and lyrics.
"Right to Sing the Blues" has Milton talking to you at first saying "Now my fellow blues lovers, I have got a message for you." This slow ballad of blues with Milton singing is very emotional if you listen to the lyrics. Milton tells of losing women, hitting rock bottom, hopes leaving you and everything in the world is upside down, "You still have the right to sing the blues." He tries to comfort you in his words. The music and his voice are great to listen to together. The guitar solo that he throws in there also shows more of Milton's talent. With this song, I felt the emotional pain that other people have or I sometimes do. I could relate to the lyrics having lived a hard life in my past years.
"Mother Earth for Little Milton" is a recitation by John Sinclair that leads into the song "Mother Earth" with Susan Tedeschi by Milton's side. Susan Tedeschi just blows me away with her vocals. She can really bring the house down with her voice. Milton tells Susan to "step back while he plays the blues" and that is what he does. His guitar gets going and there you have a solo. Tedeschi is back to sing some more. The theory of the song is that it doesn't matter what you are worth, when it is "all up you have to go back to Mother Earth." Although this was uplifting in music but in lyric teaching a lesson I really enjoyed it. Tedeschi brought her cards to the table and dealt a perfect hand for Milton. It was great to listen to the two of them.
"Love Hurts" originally done by Nazareth I believe comes on this album with a duet. Milton and Lucinda Williams sing about how love can effect you. I have always loved the song but it is great to hear the blues version of it. I never would have thought it being a blues song. I am mistaken because these two both sing their hearts out. I remember listening to the other version when I was younger and feeling that pain inside. Love does hurt. The electric guitar sings alongside Milton and plays its' little heart out. Milton and Williams sing this perfectly together and touch you in your soul.
"Two Loves" sings with Peter Wolf about women. Milton wants to understand his relationship and Wolf picks up where Milton leaves off. It is an upbeat blues song. Wolf has a smooth voice to listen to that jives with Milton very well. This song made me smile and think of my relationships from the past. Now I know where my heart lies. They sing about two loves and one heart can't work together. Milton doesn't want to share "what once was all mine." At the end, Milton accused Wolf of taking his woman away. It is a fun ending as they depart from each other.
"Some Kind of Wonderful" with Delbert McClinton brings out the best of Milton. It is the famous "Some Kind of Wonderful" in blues style. The song is kept on key and both McClinton and Milton sing sweetly with each other. This is another song that makes me smile. It has a great beat that you want to clap along with and gets my feet tapping on the floor. I really enjoy this song and the lyrics.
~Overall Thoughts and Impressions of Little Milton~
This is one of my new favorite albums that I love. Each song is better than the next. The duets are beautifully done whether it is a man or woman singing with Little Milton. It was fun to listen to and the fast and slow blues were just that, BLUES. You don't have to have sorrow and sadness for blues, you can enjoy them as well. I think that if you are a blues fan, you should check out this CD. It has great duets in it. I strongly recommend this 5 star Blues album.
~Tracks~
When the Blues Come Knockin' with Government Mule
Right to Sing the Blues
Recitation with John Sinclair
Mother Earth with Susan Tedeschi
Never trust a Woman with Dave Alvin
Love Hurts with Lucina Williams
Simme' My Broom with Keb'Mo'
Two Loves with Peter Wolf
Lump on Your Stump
Me and My Woman with G.Love and Special Sauce
Some Kind of Wonderful with Delbert McClinton
I Can't Quit You Baby with Government Mule
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