By Oliver (67.31.2.104) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 09:27 pm: |
All I can say is, the reviews for this new CD, "A Woman Like Me," are the BEST I've read in many years. There has been NOT ONE bad notice. The jaded critics are so happy that Bettye is "back." The sound is SOUL, not hip/hop or rap...S O U L!!!!!!!
I agree with another poster, "As Close As I'm Gonna Get to Heaven" is marvelous! LaVette starts it slow, but builds to an incredible climax, with a swirling viola section acting up a storm! Many playlists are including their favorite, "Thru The Winter," one of the dramatic ballads. I love that one, too. Bettye's emotion, at times, is astonishing. The reviewer at MN Blues online, said he delayed his review because he couldn't find the words to describe this great album. He was literally in shock.
Everybody is trying to analyze what Bettye did here. I know that she worked like ten men on this project and melded her SOUL with Dennis Walker's. He produced her like he was making a date for the Grammys (he already took B. B. King and Robert Cray to wins)...let's hope that it's Bettye LaVette's turn. She deserves this one.
I will see LaVette at one of New York's best nightclubs in August, Joe's Pub, which is located right next to the Public Theatre in the East Village. Her appearance will bring out the music critics, especially since her album has been critically aclaimed. I hope that the club videos her shows, I know they have of other artists.
By Soul Sister (65.43.150.250) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 09:43 pm: |
Oliver;
We just did a "gig"at Joe's Pub last month, the owner & staff are great there, the food is good too. Enjoy it and the great show!!
Soul Sister
By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 10:38 pm: |
This is great news. Bettye happens to be one of my favorites and I wish her every success with this new CD. We haven't heard from Bettye lately so, Bettye if you're looking in stop and say hello.
By MEL&THEN SOME (217.14.178.93) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 10:59 pm: |
You cant miss
with anything that Miss Betty Lavette does.
Has and always will be
one of the greatest artists around.I have a lot of her material and she still does it for me in a big way.
It makes me laugh the way the critics say how a lot of theses fine musicians are back.
Hey,
a lot of them have never ever left us in the uk.
We are a very loyal lot(andthensome).
all the very best Betty Lavette.
Mel(and your huge following on the all-nighter scene).
By Lagunabeach (65.238.115.223) on Saturday, May 17, 2003 - 11:41 pm: |
So glad to hear Bettye is getting great reviews on her new CD. Does anyone out there have an opinion on her Motorcity CD? I just bought Pat Lewis' and thought it was really good. I know many don't like the Motorcity stuff, but, I thought Pat's was good. What's your guys spin on this?
By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Sunday, May 18, 2003 - 12:05 am: |
Listening to Soul Sisters cd today-Betty LaVette has a cut on it, as well as Mary Wells-dont ever say she didnt sing good stuff after Motown-Dear Lover brings it home-beautifully; Margie ALexander tears it as does Dee Dee Warwick and Barbara Lynn.
By Funkyone D J Dollar BILL (216.221.81.96) on Sunday, May 18, 2003 - 10:44 am: |
Bettye is a singer of truth in her music and a speaker of truth in her life.A beautiful lady at any age,through and through.
By Davie Gordon (193.122.21.42) on Sunday, May 18, 2003 - 11:44 am: |
Lagunabeach,
I haven't heard all Bettye's Motorcity tracks but the ones I have heard are among the best of the
label's catalogue. Her vocals are as good as we've come to expect - "Have A Heart" is excellent
and her version of "Surrender" is the best I've heard. I'll have to try to find a copy of the
"Best of Betty Lavette" CD which compiles all
the Motorcity tracks - it was released in the US
on Hot.