# CD review: Mose Allison – Live 1978 – 2023: Video, CD cover

- Link: https://jazzblues.eu/2023/08/11/cd-review-mose-allison-live-1978-2023-video-cd-cover/
- Published: 2023-08-11T00:02:13+01:00
- Author: https://JazzBlues.EU

**Mose Allison was indeed a unique artist. Growing up in rural Mississippi, his 
original songs were steeped in the blues music he heard in his early years. Once
he made to New York City in 1956, he was playing piano with jazz saxophone legends
like Stan Getz and Zoot Sims. His intricate piano work pushed the limits of the 
standard blues fare, yet jazz fans often dismissed his work as too simple and too“
country”. Allison’s laid-back vocal style allowed him to bring plenty of southern
charm and insights to his often humorous examinations of life.**

Blues fans certainly will recognize a number of Allison’s songs. Bonnie Raitt did
a exemplary rendition of “Everybody’s Cryin’ Mercy,” while the Who made “Young Man
Blues” a feature of their live shows. One of his best known classics, “Parchman 
Farm,” borrowed the title from a Bukka White song, relating Allison’s thoughts on
existence at the infamous Mississippi prison farm. The Yardbirds, with Jeff Beck
on guitar, were the first to record a cover of “I’m Not Talking”.

According to the brief liner notes included on this Record Store Day vinyl release,
Allison only recorded one album from 1973 through 1981, making this album a rare
glimpse of his artistry at that point in his career. Backed by Tom Rutley on upright
bass and Jerry Granelli on drums, Allison delvers an inspired performance over six
of his originals and seven covers. He gives Percy Mayfield’s “Lost Mind” a jaunty
run-through with Rutley’s bass featured prominently in the mix. “Wildman On The 
Loose” is a fast-paced ode to grabbing all the gusto you can, complete with Allison’s
fleet-fingered piano work. Next, he unveils a witty tribute to the female form on“
Your Molecular Structure,” again with intricate piano playing over a solid rhythmic
foundation.

The audience at the Showboat Lounge in Silver Springs, Maryland undoubtedly enjoyed
two more originals, with “It Feels So Good” rolling along on Rutley’s impressive
bass groove while “Swingin’ Machine” is rapid-fire, swinging affair with the trio
delivering some exciting instrumental interplay. The group digs into two Willie 
Dixon songs, starting with “I Live The Life I Love,” which gets a spirited take 
complete with cascading piano runs from the leader. The classic “Seventh Son,” first
recorded by Willie Mabon, finds Allison demonstrating the extent of his impressive
piano skills, as Granelli pushes him along every step of the way.

Listed as an Allison composition, “Wild Man” is actually a cover that finds Allison
having fun with the increasingly boastful lyrics, the opposite of his reserved nature
offstage. Both members of the rhythm team get a turn in the spotlight, a moment 
of glory both take full advantage of, then Allison brings the song home with some
inspired keyboard playing. Delving into the point where blues and country intersect,
Allison covers the Hank Williams classic ‘Hey Good Lookin’,” taking the song uptown
for a spin in the bright lights culminating in a swirling piano interlude that is
a definite highlight.

On “If You’re Goin’ Up To The City,” Allison offers some advice that may have sprung
from personal experiences, warnings for those making the move north as he did. The
ending slows into a decided blues vein, with two final pieces of hard-spun wisdom.
The closing tune is another top flight Allison composition, “Your Mind Is On Vacation,”
which remains as relevant today as it was when it was written. This version has 
a harder edge than the original, perhaps because Allison was already realizing how
prophetic his lyrics were. The trio really dig in between the verses, then Allison
ends the proceedings with one final emphatic declaration.

The sound quality is what you might expect for a live recording in this era. The
notes do not provide information of the source of the material. The high end is 
lacking, especially when it comes to Granelli’s cymbals. The piano tones come through
loud and clear, as does Allison’s vocals. It is a noteworthy addition to the Mose
Allison discography, certainly a fine starting point for anyone who has yet to discover
this under-appreciated artist.

![MOSE ALLISON: Live 1978 - HamiltonBook.com](https://i0.wp.com/www.hamiltonbook.
com/media/image_full/7749279A.JPG?resize=640%2C584&ssl=1)

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