After the huge success of his debut album Let Them Talk on which he celebrated and revived classic material from the world of NOLA blues, Hugh Laurie will release his second album Didn't It Rain.Didn't It Rain sees Hugh Laurie depart the sounds of New Orleans as he follows the trajectory of the blues upstream and into the American heartland. It includes songs dating back to early pioneers W.C. Handy (‘St Louis. Blues') and Jelly Roll Morton (‘I Hate A Man Like You') to more recent artists such as Dr. John (‘Wild Honey') and Alan Price of The Animals (‘Changes').Again produced by Joe Henry, Didn't It Rain was recorded at Ocean Way Studio in Los Angeles in January of this year. Complemented with the heart and accomplishment of his supporting musicians the Copper Bottom Band - Jay Bellerose, Kevin Breit, Vincent Henry, Greg Leisz, Robby Marshall, David Piltch and Patrick Warren with Elizabeth Lea and Larry Goldings - the album also features several lead vocal performances from Guatemalan singer-songwriter Gaby Moreno and soul singer Jean McClain who has previously worked with artists as varied as Jimmy Cliff and Sheryl Crow. The album also highlights a very special guest in the shape of the Grammy-winning blues artist Taj Mahal who contributes vocals to a new take on Little Brother Montgomery's ‘Vicksburg Blues'.
L**T
He just gets better
House is a great program about an antihero genius flawed medical doctor. Hugh Laurie is an extraordinary multi instrumentalist whose singing voice takes some getting used to. But his love of the standards shines through, which is the part of this album that appeals to me. you feel his passion for these old tunes. If you've watched the show, you know the music was as essential as the written scripts and the actors who played the various roles. This is a different facet of Laurie, examining a side of him that is just as genuine as his acting. I understand he is also does comedy, one of those Renaissance men. Having said that, there are other vocalists and musicians on this disc that shine just as brightly and give it all they've got:Jean McClain, Taj Mahal & Gabby Moreno share the vocal spotlight with Laurie on some of the tracks, backed by a great band of musicians, making you think this was recorded in New Orleans. No, it was Los Angeles, but their hearts were in the Big Easy and that comes across loud and clear on this album! Favorites include Junker's Blues, The Weed Smoker's Dream, Send me to the 'Lectric chair, Didn't it Rain and One for my Baby.
F**N
Fantastic Follow up album.
I find this to be a great follow up to "Let Them Talk". You can easily throw this album in and listen to it from start to finish.Hugh and his Copper Bottom Band once again show such talent when it comes to layering a song with rich tone and highlighting individual instruments.One of the GREAT highlights of this album is Gaby Moreno. "Kiss of Fire" is a playful and fun track between Hugh and Gaby. However, Gaby absolutely purrs "The Weed Smoker's Dream". I don't care what your sexual orientation is, gentlemen, if that track does not get you're heart rate up and some steam under your collar, you might possibly be dead.The only strange track for me is "Evenin". I LOVE this song and I'm quite fond of this songs take from Gary Moore on his 'Close as You Get' album. For me, Hughs' take is a bit too quick and Jazz Club for me. I know that Hughs' take on the song is closer to the original than Gary but I prefer for the song to smolder nice and slow.Overall this is a great album and once again, I hope Hugh continues to make music!
I**E
Some of the classics and some newer songs all with the Hugh Laurie touch.
I dug out "Didn't It Rain", "Let Them Talk" and my guitar this cold snowy day (actually I plugged in my Fire Stick and played them on the TV, but somehow digging them out of the snow gives a better story). Sat pretending I was with Hugh and band most of the morning, playing counterpoint on the guitar.Didn't It Rain has some old songs (St Lous Blues, Vicksburg Blues, I Hate a Man Like You, Careless Love) and a lot of new ones. All done in an easygoing New Orleans jazz style. I'm always taken by Jean McClain's vocals so end up repeating "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair" and "I Hate a Man Like You" until family members get tired of them. I like all the songs, the instrumentation, the mixing and Laurie's piano, but Jean is just one of my standout all time favorites.
M**R
Review
Better than expected
D**N
Not quite "Let Them Talk", but an excellent album!
A wonderful album. His other album, Let Them Talk, is one of the best music purchases I've ever made. This isn't quite up to that standard, but I'm very happy with it. I loved the duet on Kiss of Fire.I have to admit Laurie's voice took a little getting used to for me, but the emotion, interpretation, and incredible musicians on these albums have sold me. I am a big fan!I bought this as downloadable mp3. But I can't find liner notes anywhere online, I can't even find out who the musicians are, even his website . They apparently are more interested in making music than publicizing it. Ok, if that's the way it is, I'll be happy to just soak up the great vibe from this stealth band.
A**C
Well Done and Medium Rare
Resplendent performances, easy to jive along with. But who is that vocalist? It doesn't sound 'acted' at all. This Brit, who loves these tunes, has tuned into them completely. And the voice he lends to them isn't showy at all, but genuine. The joy of artistic collaboration, and generosity for the collaborators, reverberates. And not satisfied with those accomplishments, the album is crowned with The Perfect Liner Notes. A wonderfully well-authored story of music and philosophy, deferential to the history and the craft of our Blues. Yes sir, Mr. Laurie arrived at the gig early and stayed late, and well earned his seat on the stool. And what a gift he presents as a result.
A**R
Does not disappoint.
I picked up Laurie's first album "Let Them Talk" at the store solely based on my admiration for him as an actor and person, knowing absolutely nothing about even what genre the music could be. His passion and love for New Orleans blues and jazz seeps into every recording and makes it a true joy to listen to. A step up from "Let Them Talk", "Didn't It Rain" branches out and explores new ground, along the way beautifully showcasing the band and guest vocalists even more than on the previous record, making the whole project feel like a group effort and labor of love. If you enjoyed "Let Them Talk", "Didn't It Rain" will not disappoint.
A**K
Not my cup of tea
I bought this album for three reasons. 1) I like the blues 2) I liked House and Jeeves and Wooster 3) The cover reminds me of Schroeder from the Peanuts. My main problem with the album is Mr. Laurie's vocals. He sings in an American accent, which is neither his native voice, nor the voice of his American persona, House. The voice he chose lacks the visceral power that I like in blues - YMMV. The production is a bit thin, minimalistic, but that was a choice for the music and it stands up okay. I think he was going for something "authentic" which, when you are talking the blues, is a bit difficult to pull off for a middle aged, wealthy Englishman. What brings this album up to three stars are the guest vocals on a few tracks - they are good, but they do highlight what is off about the other songs.
