“Blues After Hours” by Elmore James and The Broom Dusters - album review

features in: Album Chart of 1960Album Chart of the Decade: 1960s

TJR says

Elmore James was to the blues what Little Richard was to Rock n Roll – raucous, threatening and sexy. That said, the material selected for his one and only “proper” studio album, all compiled from Flair single sides released in 1954 and 1955, was a lot smoother than most of his fiery output from the early 1950s. Dynamic opener “Dust My Blues” is, understandably, closest to that early 50s spirit, seeing as it was actually a rework of 1951’s “Dust My Broom” in all but name. By the end of the LP, however, Elmore is almost into Rock n Roll ballad territory as he wails “Goodbye Baby” in an affecting James Brown “Please Please” style. Although Crown was not renowned for thoughtful album presentations, “Blues after Dark” could perhaps be viewed as an exceptional effort. From that sultry cover to the actual album title and smooth “lover’s blues” grooves, it was a wholly coherent set. Every tune impacts hugely. It’s an absolute must for blues lovers – or even lovers of the blues.

n.b. Although a 5 to 6 year time gap would usually rule it out, I’ve given this LP “A-list” status respite in the spirit of that “first 50s album” vibe a la BB King, Fats Domino etc etc.

The Jukebox Rebel
15–May–2012

Tracklist
A1 [03:12] 9.9.png Elmore James and his "Broom Dusters" - Dust My Blues (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
A2 [03:19] 8.6.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - Sunnyland (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
A3 [02:16] 9.1.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - The Way You Treat Me (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
A4 [02:49] 8.0.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - Dark And Dreary (Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
A5 [02:48] 8.7.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - Standing At The Crossroads (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B1 [02:47] 8.4.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - Happy Home (Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B2 [02:24] 6.7.png Elmore James and his "Broomdusters" - No Love In My Heart For You (Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B3 [02:45] 9.2.png Elmore James and his "Broom Dusters" - Blues Before Sunrise (Leroy Carr) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B4 [02:52] 8.2.png Elmore James and his "Broom Dusters" - I Was A Fool (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues
B5 [02:59] 9.6.png Elmore James and his "Broom Dusters" - Goodbye Baby (Elmore James, Joseph Bihari) Blues / Rhythm n Blues

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