Video Reviews

This 46-minute video features blues legend Freddie King and his band performing six songs and an instrumental called "Blues Band Shuffle" in an outdoor setting in front of a huge, mostly young, enthralled audience. King sings a few of the more well-known songs from his repertoire, including "Big Legged Woman," "Ain't Nobody's Business," "Key to the Highway," "Have You Ever Loved a Woman," and "Goin' Down," the closing number. King is an imposing figure on a stage, and his guitar work is often stinging. The camera work doesn't always meet the highest professional standards, but this would still be a worthy addition to any blues video collection. — Paul-Emile Comeau (Comeauville, NS, Canada)

Cheryl Wheeler
What Do I Care I Don't Have Any Kids Construction Company Inc.
Philo VI 002 (1998; rec. 1997)

Those who have experienced Cheryl Wheeler only via studio recordings have missed a large part of her skill as a performing artist. Although she does occasionally pen humorous songs, her wonderful skills as a monologist and her earthy humor are generally absent from her commercial releases. What Do I Care…, which was recorded live at North ampton, Massachussetts' Iron Horse, captures the essence of Wheeler's live show, mixing the wistful remembrances that led to "Mrs. Pinocci's Guitar" with the practiced bitchiness of the story describing the genesis of "Cow Pattern Clothes." This nicely produced 70- minute video captures Wheeler on a good hair day, in the midst of an extremely clean cut and supportive audience. The diverse program includes drop dead ballads like "Driving Home" and "Arrow" mixed in with quirkier pieces like "Peace or Prozac?" and the aforementioned "Cow Pattern Clothes." Wheeler seems relaxed and puts on a fine performance that is alternately rip-snorting and touching. – Michael Parrish (Downers Grove, IL)