James Booker Classified

Pretty weird musician, a bit of Hendrix, a bit of Prince, oldstyled and severe drugproblems but also enough to tell

Category:

Music

Tags:

• James
• Booker
• Classified

[gamoonbat]

Booker is not so weird if you know where he was coming fro... wuh... wuhm.

[EngelmannSpruce]

GENIOUS!

[bluesscotty769]

@solbro2000 I used to see him at the maple leaf on tuesdays in 80-81 when you could have a beer and do your laundry at the same time. i was in awe of his talents and, right in the middle of sunny side, he would jump up off the stool, run outside, come back in a few minutes later and mesmerize you again. phenomenal!!

[bluesscotty769]

@Ivpoundz2 not total reverence if you have read 'under a hoodoo moon' but, none the less captivated by his gift and, lets face it, this cat has no peer.

[MultiKZB]

"Werid"?...an absolute genius who could outplay any of the pianists I have heard...and that includes Van Cliburn, Ray Charles, Elton John, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ramsey Lewis, Liberace, Allen Toussaint, etc., etc....and yes, I heard all of these performers up close and personal...James could play circles around them!!

[kochcurve]

@gamoonbat or if you've ever been to the oc-eaw-wa-wa-wa-wammm

[1blastman]

Booker's Maple Leaf sets are legendary. Cox Cable in Jefferson Parish did a two set just under two hour special on Booker. The camera really focuses on his amazing technique especially with his left hand. It is part of the Music City series sponsored by Time Saver. I doubt any copies of it are around comerically, but it's a treasure if you ever get to view it.

[videochris51]

never thought to look booker up. glad i did. ricky nye does a great rendition of this, my favorite booker tune.

[hassledguy]

Booker's issues with drugs and alcohol are more romantic legend than fact. He died of Kidney disease. He didn't abuse drugs or alcohol to any greater degree than most of his contemporaries, many of which are still alive and playing. The song here called Classified is nothing more than a slightly different version of "Qualified" by Mac Rebennack ..aka Dr. John and the great Jessie Hill that appears on Right Place Wrong Time. They were all bandmates and running partners during this era.

[trhummer1]

This is straight New Orleans, the new Professor Longhair. Terrific.

[Geepereet]

@eyencyst YBSU with your WTF, use your eyes, use some fantasy and association but if you wanna be that puristic, drink that acid yourself. I used the description 'A BIT OF' remember, AH!

[Ivpoundz2]

Booker is amazing....Connick took lessons from him...Dr. john speaks about him in total reverence