I think the story goes like this.
Aaron Neville had a Christmas party for a small group of family and friends. (Really small.) He asked James Booker to play the piano and gave him a request list which included some of his favorite songs. That's it. That's the story. Or is it?
I'd love to have some holes filled, like why does the recording sounds so good, and did this actually happen; a pretty big hole.
I love this tape. It is one of my very favorite Booker performances. Actually, I don't think I have ever been anything but awestruck by a James Booker performance. So many have been documented both officially and through private tapers, and quite a few show the very dark side of this genius, with unlistenable ramblings and conspiracy theories that used to "pepper" James Booker's sets. The man had a lot to say, but unfortunately little of it translated as powerfully as what he delivered on the piano. Let's focus on the music.
Here are two songs from that Neville party. Buckle up.
Medley: Loverman/Over The Rainbow
Black Minute Waltz>Malaguena
5 comments:
sounds amazing, can you post the entire set for us?
Hey Kimball,
I was hoping someone would ask. I'll get it posted before the week is out.
Thx,
sal
I'm very impressed by James Booker's talent. A shame he never became an esteemed classical concert pianist. Well, we know how the story goes.
Can't wait for the rest of the set!
Thanks Sal, starting off the New Year right.
Sal...anything you pull out of the Booker bag sounds great to me...Steven
Listening now to this great great set, just beautiful stuff. Thank you so much for sharing.
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