Boz Scaggs | ||
| Allmusic Biography : Boz Scaggs is a Grammy-winning, chart-topping blues, jazz, and R&B; singer/songwriter and performer. He served as guitarist and occasional lead singer with the Steve Miller Band in the 1960s, and in the 70s gained fame with several solo Top 20 hit singles in the United States, including the hits "Lido Shuffle" and "Lowdown" from the critically acclaimed multi-platinum proto-disco breakthrough album Silk Degrees (1976), which peaked at number two in the Top 200. Scaggs earthy tenor ranges wide across virtually any material he chooses to sing. His laid-back delivery belies his intense focus and passion. His recordings run the gamut from earthy blues and R&B; dates to pop standards to jazz and rock, cut with some of the finest musicians in the business. While he records infrequently, when he does its an event. More recent recordings -- including 1997s Come on Home, 2013s Memphis, 2015s A Fool to Care, and 2018s Out of the Blues -- all reflect his lifelong obsession with R&B;, soul, and blues that originally captured his attention as a high-school student and budding musician in Plano, Texas. In addition, his live appearances, particularly with the all-star Dukes of September touring group that included Michael McDonald and Donald Fagen, have underscored that assertion. Born William Royce Scaggs in Ohio on June 8, 1944, he was raised in Oklahoma and Texas, and while attending prep school in Dallas met guitarist Steve Miller. Scaggs joined Millers group the Marksmen as a vocalist in 1959, and the pair later attended the University of Wisconsin together, where they played in blues bands like the Ardells and the Fabulous Knight Trains. Scaggs returned to Dallas alone in 1963, fronting an R&B; unit dubbed the Wigs; after relocating to England, the group promptly disbanded, and two of its members -- John Andrews and Bob Arthur -- soon formed Mother Earth. Scaggs remained in Europe, singing on street corners. He also recorded a failed solo acoustic LP for Polydor in Sweden entitled Boz (as "William R. Scaggs"), before returning to the U.S. two years later. Upon settling in San Francisco, he reunited with Miller, joining the fledgling Steve Miller Band; after recording two acclaimed albums with the group, Children of the Future and Sailor in 1968, Scaggs exited to mount a solo career. With the aid of Rolling Stone magazine publisher Jann Wenner, Scaggs next secured a contract with Atlantic. Sporting a cameo from Duane Allman, 1968s soulful Boz Scaggs failed to find an audience despite winning critical favor, and the track "Loan Me a Dime" later became the subject of a court battle when bluesman Fenton Robinson sued (successfully) for composer credit. After signing to Columbia, Scaggs teamed with producer Glyn Johns to record 1971s Moments, a skillful blend of rock and R&B; which, like its predecessor, failed to make much of an impression on the charts. Scaggs remained a critics darling over the course of LPs like 1972s My Time and 1974s Slow Dancer, but he did not achieve a commercial breakthrough until 1976s Silk Degrees, which reached number two on the album charts while spawning the Top Three single "Lowdown," as well as the smash "Lido Shuffle." Released in 1977, Down Two Then Left was also a success, and 1980s Middle Man reached the Top Ten on the strength of the singles "Breakdown Dead Ahead" and "Jo Jo." However, Scaggs spent much of the 80s in retirement, owning and operating the San Francisco nightclub Slims and limiting his performances primarily to the clubs annual black-tie New Years Eve concerts. Finally, he resurfaced in 1988 with the album Other Roads, followed three years later by a tour with Donald Fagens Rock and Soul Revue. The solo effort Some Change appeared in 1994, with Come on Home and My Time: The Anthology (1969-1997) both released in 1997. The newly energized Scaggs spent the next few years consistently releasing new material, including Fade into Light, Dig, and a collection of standards called But Beautiful. An expanded reissue of Silk Degrees and Runnin Blue (a recording of a 1974 performance) appeared in 2007, and Speak Low saw him reinterpreting a number of jazz standards in 2008. Scaggs toured as a member of the Dukes of September in 2012; the groups other principals included Michael McDonald and Donald Fagen. Scaggs emerged from his recorded silence in March of 2013 with the Steve Jordan-produced Memphis, a collection of original and cover tunes. Recorded at Willie Mitchells Royal Studio in the city, the album was meant to reflect the heritage of the Southern soul tradition in the 21st century. In 2014, Scaggs -- with Jordan again as his producer -- booked four days at Nashvilles famed Blackbird Studio with a core band from Memphis. They enlisted top-flight Music City session players as well as guests Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams to supplement the sessions. A Fool to Care, released by 429 in 2015, showcased covers of classic soul, NOLA R&B;, rock & roll, country covers, and new material. After successful tours of the U.S., Europe, and Japan -- both solo and with the Dukes of September -- Scaggs returned to the studio to complete his "roots trilogy" begun on Memphis and A Fool to Care, that expressed his lifelong love of great blues and R&B.; Hed been mining the music throughout his career but began paying homages in earnest with the aforementioned covers set Come on Home. He recorded the material of iconic soul-blues singers such as Bobby "Blue" Bland, Jimmy Reed, and Magic Sam, as well as delivering an unexpected reading of Neil Youngs "On the Beach," and included original compositions by songwriter Jack Walroth. For the occasion, Scaggs produced the set, and assembled a star-studded studio band that included guitarists Doyle Bramhall II, Ray Parker, Jr., and Charlie Sexton, bassist Willie Weeks, drummer Jim Keltner, keyboardist Jim Cox, and Walroth on harmonica. Scaggs played guitar and bass. Preceded by the May issue of the single "Rock and Stick," the album Out of the Blues was released in July of 2018. It hit number one on the blues charts and spent more than six months in the Top Ten. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 28 Title: Boz Scaggs Released: 1969 Tracks: 9 Duration: 43:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 I’m Easy (03:08) 2 I’ll Be Long Gone (04:15) 3 Another Day (Another Letter) (02:58) 4 Now You’re Gone (03:49) 5 Finding Her (03:57) 6 Look What I Got (04:12) 7 Waiting for a Train (02:41) 8 Loan Me a Dime (12:31) 9 Sweet Release (06:14) |
| Boz Scaggs : Allmusic album Review : Departing from the Steve Miller Band after a two-album stint, Boz Scaggs found himself on his own but not without support. Rolling Stone publisher Jann Wenner, his friend, helped him sign with Atlantic Records and the label had him set up shop in Muscle Shoals, recording his debut album with that legendary set of studio musicians, known for their down-and-dirty backing work for Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett, among many other Southern soul legends. The Muscle Shoals rhythm section, occasionally augmented by guitarist Duane Allman, gives this music genuine grit, but this isnt necessarily a straight-up blue-eyed soul record, even if the opening "Im Easy" and "Ill Be Long Gone" are certainly as deeply soulful as anything cut at Muscle Shoals. Even at this early stage Scaggs wasnt content to stay in one place, and he crafted a kind of Americana fantasia here, also dabbling in country and blues along with the soul and R&B that grounds this record. If the country shuffle "Now Youre Gone" sounds just slightly a shade bit too vaudeville for its own good, it only stands out because the rest of the record is pitch-perfect, from the Jimmie Rodgers cover "Waiting for a Train" and the folky "Look What I Got!" to the extended 11-minute blues workout "Loan Me a Dime," which functions as much as a showcase for a blazing Duane Allman as it does for Boz. But even with that show-stealing turn, and even with the Muscle Shoals musicians giving this album its muscle and part of its soul, this album is still thoroughly a showcase for Boz Scaggs musical vision, which even at this stage is wide and deep. It would grow smoother and more assured over the years, but the slight bit of raggedness suits the funky, down-home performances and helps make this not only a great debut, but also an enduring blue-eyed soul masterpiece. | ||
 | Album: 2 of 28 Title: Moments Released: 1971 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 We Were Always Sweethearts (03:31) 2 Downright Women (04:38) 3 Painted Bells (04:03) 4 Alone, Alone (03:41) 5 Near You (04:54) 6 I Will Forever Sing (The Blues) (05:16) 7 Moments (04:35) 8 Hollywood Blues (02:42) 9 We Been Away (03:44) 10 Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over) (instrumental) (05:20) |
| Moments : Allmusic album Review : If his 1969 eponymous debut found Boz Scaggs digging down deep and creating some gritty soul-rock, highlighted by Duane Allmans extended work-out on "Loan Me a Dime," his 1971 follow-up Moments -- his first album for CBS -- found him sketching out the blue-eyed soul that would eventually bring him fame when he streamlined it for 1976s Silk Degrees. Boz Scaggs was a Southern record, but Moments is thoroughly Californian, sun-bleached and brightly colored, easily gliding along smooth surfaces. In the hands of producer Glyn Johns, Scaggs doesnt have any rough edges, and the change suits him well, as his soft, soulful croon almost cries out for a setting this lush, one thats just this side of being louche. Although Scaggs would go that down the gauche road in the 70s, Moments is far from the glitzy disco of Silk Degrees and its spawn. This is thoroughly a 60s hangover, right down to how the country shuffle of "Alone, Alone" slides between the warm soul grooves of the rest of the album. Most of this is decidedly laid-back -- the casually funky grind of "I Will Forever Sing (The Blues)" and slyly funny boogie of "Hollywood Blues" callbacks to the Southern strut of the debut, are the exception, not the rule -- and while this is mellow, its not lazy: its a relaxed exploration. By the time "Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over)" quietly drifts away on extended instrumental coda, setting like a sun into the ocean, Scaggs has started down the path toward his signature blue-eyed soul. | ||
 | Album: 3 of 28 Title: Boz Scaggs & Band Released: 1971 Tracks: 9 Duration: 34:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Monkey Time (03:00) 2 Runnin Blue (03:57) 3 Up To You (03:36) 4 Love Anyway (03:29) 5 Flames Of Love (04:32) 6 Here To Stay (02:35) 7 Nothing Will Take Your Place (03:44) 8 Why, Why (05:31) 9 Youre So Good (04:08) |
| Boz Scaggs & Band : Allmusic album Review : After the burnished, mellow Moments, Boz Scaggs put some grit back into his music with this third album, Boz Scaggs & Band. Not that he got down and dirty -- his blue-eyed soul and funk is still sleek and stylish, music for uptown parties, not downtown juke joints. But Scaggs gave his band equal billing on the title here because they carry equal weight on Boz Scaggs & Band. Its a true band album, showcasing the groups tight interplay as much as it does Scaggs vocals. Sometimes, the band almost dominates the proceedings too much, as they do on "Runnin Blue," where theyre as splashy as a Vegas big band. Such excesses are balanced by the nimble "Up to You," this albums irresistible foray into country -- something that was a regular Boz feature at this point -- and the brief, breezy "Here to Stay," which helps keep things light and casual. But the best thing about Boz & Band is hearing that band play, particularly on "Flames of Love" and "Why Why," where they get down low, playing funky rock and soul that holds its own with Little Feats Meters-inspired grooves. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 28 Title: My Time Released: 1972-10 Tracks: 10 Duration: 32:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Dinah Flo (03:03) 2 Slowly in the West (03:56) 3 Full-Lock Power Slide (03:09) 4 Old Time Lovin (02:52) 5 Might Have to Cry (04:03) 6 Hello My Lover (03:23) 7 Freedom for the Stallion (02:32) 8 Hes a Fool for You (03:46) 9 Were Gonna Roll (02:52) 10 My Time (02:56) |
| My Time : Allmusic album Review : On his fourth album My Time, Boz Scaggs pop side truly begins to surface in earnest -- or, rather, he begins to channel his smooth soul into a pop package, pushing the funky workouts that dominated the previous Boz & Band toward the background and putting emphasis directly on the song. Theres still a bit of grit here -- "Full-Lock Power Slide" charges forward on blaring guitars and organs -- but Scaggs takes a cue from "Hello My Lover" and "Freedom for the Stallion," the Allen Toussaint tunes he covers here, and gives this an easy, relaxed feel, one thats classy and seductive without being gauche. This is elegant, soulful music, with Scaggs effortlessly hitting his marks on both the strutting "Hello My Lover" and his original heartbreak ballad "Might Have to Cry." One of the best things about My Time is how his impeccably chosen covers fit seamlessly with his originals, to the point that its hard to tell that "Old Time Lovin" is an Al Green tune, which also points out Scaggs growth as a songwriter. And not only are his songs getting better, theyre getting more distinctive and, in retrospect, the cheerful "Were Gonna Roll," and especially the opening "Dinah Flo," point the way toward Silk Degrees. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 28 Title: Slow Dancer Released: 1974 Tracks: 10 Duration: 36:35 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 You Make It So Hard (To Say No) (03:31) 2 Slow Dancer (03:13) 3 Angel Lady (Come Just in Time) (03:28) 4 There Is Someone Else (04:32) 5 Hercules (04:03) 6 Pain of Love (03:11) 7 Sail on White Moon (03:13) 8 Let It Happen (03:18) 9 I Got Your Number (03:43) 10 Take It for Granted (04:19) |
| Slow Dancer : Allmusic album Review : Featuring his would-be-soulman sound, Slow Dancer finds Boz Scaggs straddling the apparently fine line between Van Morrison and Isaac Hayes. While Silk Degrees is often touted as Scaggs best 70s album -- based largely upon the chart success of "Lowdown" -- Slow Dancer features just as many catchy melodic tunes that meld a kind of boogie pub rock with an organic urban soul. Produced by Motown regular Johnny Bristol, Scaggs delivers some of his best performances on the Bristol-penned track "Pain of Love" and the Neil Young meets Marvin Gaye ballad "Sail on White Moon." | ||
 | Album: 6 of 28 Title: Silk Degrees Released: 1976 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:24 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 What Can I Say (03:00) 2 Georgia (03:56) 3 Jump Street (05:13) 4 What Do You Want the Girl to Do (03:53) 5 Harbor Lights (05:58) 6 Lowdown (05:17) 7 It’s Over (02:52) 8 Love Me Tomorrow (03:17) 9 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 10 We’re All Alone (04:12) |
| Silk Degrees : Allmusic album Review : Both artistically and commercially, Boz Scaggs had his greatest success with Silk Degrees. The laid-back singer hit the R&B; charts in a big way with the addictive, sly "Lowdown" (which has been sampled by more than a few rappers and remains a favorite among baby-boomer soul fans) and expressed his love of smooth soul music almost as well on the appealing "What Can I Say." But Scaggs was essentially a pop/rocker, and in that area he has a considerable amount of fun on "Lido Shuffle" (another major hit single), "What Do You Want the Girl to Do," and "Jump Street." Meanwhile, "Were All Alone" and "Harbor Lights" became staples on adult contemporary radio. Though not remarkable, the ballads have more heart than most of the bland material dominating that format. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 28 Title: Down Two Then Left Released: 1977 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Still Falling for You (03:54) 2 Hard Times (04:30) 3 A Clue (03:53) 4 Whatcha Gonna Tell Your Man (03:51) 5 Were Waiting (06:20) 6 Hollywood (03:10) 7 Then She Walked Away (04:06) 8 Gimme the Goods (04:12) 9 1993 (04:02) 10 Tomorrow Never Came, Tomorrow Never Came (Reprise) (04:38) |
| Down Two Then Left : Allmusic album Review : With 1974s Slow Dancer, produced by Johnny Bristol, Scaggs recast himself as a more R&B-infused; singer. 1976s multi-million-selling Silk Degrees found Scaggs switch paying off commercially, displaying enough skills and chops that the odious "blue-eyed soul" tag was deemed passé. This is noticeably more detached than Silk Degrees. And although this set is indeed quirky, the often unsurprising production featuring almost-on-cue guitar solos makes this album more "mainstream" than it had to be. "Still Falling for You" kicks the album off and sets the standard for the skilled, seamless production juxtaposed to meandering, almost incoherent lyrics. The melodic "A Clue," the best of the released singles, attains the offhanded cool and tunefulness that most of this set is striving for. Although this set is more soulful throughout than Silk Degrees, nothing sticks out like "What Can I Say." More than anything, this album puts the spotlight on Scaggs romantic views, but they are so all over the road its hard to tell what he really thinks. On the lush "Were Waiting," a listener may not have an idea of what hes talking about, but his vocal inflections say what the lyrics fail to. After a while, Scaggs seems to give up on making this a statement about love and offers some so-so rockers. In particular, the strongly produced "1993" has Scaggs imagining a drastically changed world as he sings, "Before they take me up/Theyll have to alter, alter me." Down Two Then Left has a melancholy appeal much like Al Green Is Love and Joni Mitchells Hissing of Summer Lawns, but a few concessions prevent this from being in their elite class. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 28 Title: Hits! Released: 1980 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:04:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 What Can I Say (03:00) 2 JoJo (05:52) 3 Miss Sun (05:32) 4 Hard Times (04:30) 5 Slow Dancer (03:14) 6 Harbor Lights (05:58) 7 Dinah Flo (03:03) 8 Look What Youve Done to Me (05:17) 9 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:34) 10 You Make It So Hard (To Say No) (03:31) 11 It’s Over (02:52) 12 We’re All Alone (04:12) 13 Heart of Mine (04:12) 14 Lowdown (05:17) 15 Lido Shuffle (03:42) |
| Hits! : Allmusic album Review : Released in 1980, Hits! capitalized on the end of the decade as well as Boz Scaggs commercial success from 1976-1980. Thats not to say everything is here. The 1972 classic "Loan Me a Dime" is missing, as this concentrates on Scaggs more radio-friendly efforts. From the pre-Silk Degrees era, "Dinah Flo" and "You Make It So Hard to Say No" are here. Not surprisingly, this set takes a few tracks from Scaggs best-selling album Silk Degrees. While the sleek and funky "Lowdown" is no doubt here, the underrated "What Can I Say" strangely didnt make this overview. Hits! seemed to stray far from the commercial disappointment of 1978s Down Two Then Left by not including one track. Having "A Clue" on this would have helped in the areas of continuity. Middle Mans biggest hits, "Breakdown Dead Ahead" and "Jojo," are included. The best track from Middle Man, "You Can Have Me Anytime," is one of Scaggs strongest ballads. The album also managed to slip in never-a-hit "Miss Sun," which attempted to approximate the sound of a Boz Scaggs hit circa 1980. Hits! seems to betray Scaggs range, and after 1997s My Time: The Anthology (1969-1997) gave a more substantive look, this was deemed superfluous. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 28 Title: Middle Man Released: 1980 Tracks: 9 Duration: 41:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Jojo (05:54) 2 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:35) 3 Simone (05:05) 4 You Can Have Me Anytime (04:56) 5 Middle Man (04:51) 6 Do Like You Do in New York (03:45) 7 Angel You (03:38) 8 Isnt It Time (04:53) 9 You Got Some Imagination (03:56) |
| Middle Man : Allmusic album Review : 1980s Middle Man was Boz Scaggs last album for Columbia before an eight-year self-imposed sabbatical. Scaggs nonetheless caps off the decade with equal nods to his 70s hitmaking formulas and the newer, shinier production techniques of the coming decade. The synthesizer rocker "Angel You" and the title track are given the full in-vogue androgynous (i.e., Hall & Oates) treatment, while the opener "Jo Jo" and "Simone" are pages taken from his Heres the Low Down-era grooves that wedded soulful vocals against a flurry of jazz changes. His penchant for the ballad is explored on "You Can Have Me Any Time" and "Isnt It Time," while his seldom-seen rockier side comes up for air on the bluesy "Breakdown Dead Ahead" and "You Got Some Imagination," both featuring stinging guitar from Steve Lukather. Not his best album, but a very timely one. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 28 Title: Other Roads Released: 1988-08-30 Tracks: 10 Duration: 45:05 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Whats Number One? (03:58) 2 Claudia (04:07) 3 Heart of Mine (04:12) 4 Right Out of My Head (05:26) 5 I Dont Hear You (04:42) 6 Mental Shakedown (04:10) 7 Crimes of Passion (04:02) 8 Funny (05:51) 9 Cool Running (04:14) 10 The Night of Van Gogh (04:20) |
| Other Roads : Allmusic album Review : When Boz Scaggs released Other Roads in 1988, hed been off the scene for a full eight years. Produced by Bill Schnee, it featured some of his most unlikely songwriting collaborations with instrumental backing by Toto along with some studio aces. Scaggs tried hard to walk a line between the decades obsession with more processed studio sounds that utilized electronic keyboards and drum machines up front, while relying more heavily on electric guitars and kit drums. He doesnt always succeed in keeping the balance, but the attempt sets him apart from most mainstream acts at the time. Other Roads is odd from the start: the opener, "Whats Number One?" is a spacey pop number written with the late poet and songwriter Jim Carroll and bassist/arranger Marcus Miller. "Right Out of My Head," written with Dan and David Huff, juxtaposes Steve Lukathers blistering guitar work against a synth fill right out of Gary Numans "Cars." Scaggs nailed another number one with "Heart of Mine" co-written with pop-jazz songwriter Bobby Caldwell (and the only cut produced by Stuart Levine). Theres a strange futurist club noir inherent in both "I Dont Hear You" and "Crimes of Passion" written by Carroll and the Huffs. "Cool Running" written by Scaggs with Patrick Leonard is a solid, grown up, island groover with staggered R&B; horns contrasted with a female backing chorus and a bridge of vocal counterpoint. "Claudia," by Steve Williams is one of Scaggs classic mid-tempo, broken love songs with a killer bridge, and stellar guitar work by Lukather. The set closer is a dreamy adult pop ballad entitled "The Night of Van Gogh," co-authored by him, Caldwell and Peter Wolf. Scaggs was in top vocal shape when he cut this: cool, bemused, but able to capture and communicate emotion mellifluously with freeze frame accuracy. While Other Roads didnt scale the charts as an album, and is regarded as a minor work, hearing it in the 21st century reveals Scaggs ambition and vision reach outside the box in a collection of great songs -- even if the production doesnt fare as well as the material. | ||
 | Album: 11 of 28 Title: Boz the Ballade Released: 1992 Tracks: 14 Duration: 58:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 We’re All Alone (04:12) 2 Heart of Mine (04:13) 3 My Time (02:56) 4 Slow Dancer (03:14) 5 Freedom for the Stallion (02:32) 6 You Can Have Me Anytime (04:57) 7 Look What You’ve Done to Me (05:18) 8 Sail on White Moon (03:13) 9 A Clue (03:58) 10 Tomorrow Never Came / Tomorrow Never Came (reprise) (04:38) 11 Isnt It Time (04:55) 12 The Night of Van Gogh (04:20) 13 Might Have to Cry (04:05) 14 Harbor Lights (05:58) |
 | Album: 12 of 28 Title: Star Box Released: 1993-12-12 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:14:36 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Heart of Mine (04:13) 2 Slow Dancer (03:14) 3 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:35) 4 We’re All Alone (04:12) 5 Hollywood (03:09) 6 Lowdown (05:17) 7 Miss Sun (05:32) 8 Harbor Lights (05:58) 9 Youll Never Know (03:46) 10 It’s Over (02:51) 11 The Night of Van Gogh (04:20) 12 You Can Have Me Anytime (04:57) 13 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 14 Dinah Flo (03:04) 15 Hard Times (04:32) 16 Jojo (05:52) 17 Look What You’ve Done to Me (05:18) |
 | Album: 13 of 28 Title: Some Change Released: 1994-04-05 Tracks: 10 Duration: 49:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 You Got My Letter (04:22) 2 Some Change (06:11) 3 Ill Be the One (05:29) 4 Call Me (03:18) 5 Fly Like a Bird (03:35) 6 Sierra (05:21) 7 Lost It (05:52) 8 Time (04:18) 9 Illusion (05:28) 10 Follow That Man (05:51) |
| Some Change : Allmusic album Review : When Boz Scaggs signed with Virgin Records after spending at least 17 years with Columbia, listeners had no idea what to expect. Some Change proved to be a pleasant surprise. Instead of going out of his way to be as slick and commercial as possible or offering something contrived and robotic, the singer-turned-restaurant-owner let his better instincts win out and delivered a very honest and natural-sounding collection of pop, pop/rock, and soul-influenced pop. On songs ranging from the smooth "Ill Be the One" (which has a slightly Average White Band-ish appeal) and the haunting "Sierra" to the ominous "Follow That Man," theres no question that Scaggs is coming from the heart. Arguably, Some Change is his best album since 1976s Silk Degrees. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 28 Title: Fade Into Light Released: 1996-11-19 Tracks: 11 Duration: 54:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Lowdown (unplugged) (05:39) 2 Some Things Happen (04:53) 3 Just Go (03:01) 4 Fade Into Light (04:38) 5 Harbor Lights (unplugged) (06:47) 6 Lost It (Valley version) (05:06) 7 Time (04:17) 8 Sierra (05:21) 9 Were All Alone (unplugged) (04:03) 10 Simone (unplugged) (06:59) 11 Ill Be the One (remix) (03:49) |
| Fade Into Light : Allmusic album Review : Fade into Light is a stellar album. It features unplugged and redone performances from Scaggs classic Some Change, Silk Degrees, and Middle Man, as well as some new tunes. The unplugged tunes include readings of "Dirty Lowdown" and "Simone." "Harbor Lights" is changed significantly as well, in that the disco riff in its ending has been replaced by smooth jazz. "Sierra" is a remarkable redo that gives the tune a completely different feel. "Just Go" has Scaggs playing almost everything on the track, and it is one of his most nakedly emotional performances committed to tape. The sheer brokenness in his voice reveals a depth and dimension in the performance that takes the listener deep into the lyric. It is followed by a sultry, nocturnal read of "Love T.K.O." that reveals his deep authority, allowing the lyric to speak through him, not because of him. There is an authority here that allows the vast emotion in the song to be read through the spirit of acceptance, and it all lies in his nuance and phrasing. Its so inspired, offering a view of the many sides of Scaggs as a singer, that Fade into Light is a must for anyone even remotely interested in Boz Scaggs. | ||
 | Album: 15 of 28 Title: Come On Home Released: 1997-04-08 Tracks: 14 Duration: 59:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 It All Went Down the Drain (05:33) 2 Ask Me ’Bout Nothin’ (but the Blues) (04:39) 3 Don’t Cry No More (03:18) 4 Found Love (03:00) 5 Come On Home (03:16) 6 Picture of a Broken Heart (04:04) 7 Love Letters (03:49) 8 I’ve Got Your Love (04:35) 9 Early in the Morning (04:39) 10 Your Good Thing (Is About to End) (07:22) 11 T-Bone Shuffle (02:44) 12 Sick and Tired (04:29) 13 After Hours (04:05) 14 Goodnight Louise (04:01) |
| Come On Home : Allmusic album Review : On this prime collection of R&B; and blues songs and influences from Boz Scaggs youth -- and four new yet classic-sounding self-penned originals -- the blue-eyed soulman eschews the slick production values of his pop chart-toppers such as "Lido" and "Lowdown," instead getting way down and his hands dirty with the honest blood, sweat, and tears of the real down-home blues. Packing in tow drummer Jim Keltner, guitarist Fred Tackett (from Little Feat), and slow-burning, soulful horn arrangements by Willie Mitchell, one of the founding fathers of Memphis soul (and composer of Come On Homes title track), Scaggs covers of songs originally composed and performed by such legends as Jimmy Reed ("Found Love"), T-Bone Walker (the legendary "T-Bone Shuffle"), Sonny Boy Williamson ("Early in the Morning") and Bobby "Blue" Bland (the thunderous "Ask Me Bout Nothing (But the Blues)"), along with "It All Went Down the Drain" (Earl King), and the smoldering "Your Good Thing (Is About to End)" (David Porter with Isaac Hayes), are absolutely impossible to resist. Come On Home is a genuine musical treasure. | ||
 | Album: 16 of 28 Title: My Time: A Boz Scaggs Anthology (1969-1997) Released: 1997-10-14 Tracks: 33 Duration: 2:33:01 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Runnin Blue (03:58) 2 We Were Always Sweethearts (03:29) 3 Near You (04:59) 4 Painted Bells (04:02) 5 Dinah Flo (03:04) 6 Might Have to Cry (04:06) 7 You Make It So Hard (To Say No) (03:34) 8 I Got Your Number (03:48) 9 Slow Dancer (03:14) 10 Hercules (04:04) 11 What Can I Say (03:00) 12 Its Over (02:51) 13 Harbor Lights (05:58) 14 Lowdown (05:17) 15 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 16 Were All Alone (04:12) 17 Loan Me a Dime (13:04) 1 Hard Times (04:30) 2 1993 (04:05) 3 Jojo (05:52) 4 Isnt It Time (04:54) 5 Simone (05:08) 6 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:35) 7 Miss Sun (05:32) 8 Look What Youve Done to Me (05:17) 9 Heart of Mine (04:12) 10 Whats Number One? (03:58) 11 Drowning in the Sea of Love (05:02) 12 Sierra (05:21) 13 Some Change (06:11) 14 As the Years Go Passing By (W. Booker) (04:46) 15 Just Go (03:01) 16 Goodnight Louise (04:02) |
 | Album: 17 of 28 Title: Heres the Lowdown Released: 1998 Tracks: 10 Duration: 41:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Lowdown (04:26) 2 Take It for Granted (04:19) 3 Whats Number One? (03:59) 4 1993 (04:03) 5 Then She Walked Away (04:06) 6 Crimes of Passion (04:02) 7 We’re Waiting (06:21) 8 Slow Dancer (03:14) 9 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 10 Pain of Love (03:11) |
 | Album: 18 of 28 Title: Double Pack Released: 2001 Tracks: 10 Duration: 42:39 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Still Falling for You (03:54) 2 Hard Times (04:30) 3 A Clue (03:53) 4 Whatcha Gonna Tell Your Man (03:51) 5 Were Waiting (06:20) 6 Hollywood (03:10) 7 Then She Walked Away (04:06) 8 Gimme the Goods (04:12) 9 1993 (04:02) 10 Tomorrow Never Came, Tomorrow Never Came (Reprise) (04:38) |
 | Album: 19 of 28 Title: Dig Released: 2001-09-11 Tracks: 11 Duration: 55:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Payday (04:43) 2 Sarah (04:45) 3 Miss Riddle (06:27) 4 I Just Go (04:49) 5 Get on the Natch (04:50) 6 Desire (05:32) 7 Call That Love (04:18) 8 King of El Paso (05:16) 9 Youre Not (04:19) 10 Vanishing Point (04:48) 11 Thanks to You (06:00) |
| Dig : Allmusic album Review : Boz Scaggs returns to the arena in the thoroughly modern Dig, four years after his much-acclaimed return to traditional R&B; on Come on Home. This takes no small bit of courage for an artist like Scaggs, who has reveled in obscurity for most of the 80s and 90s. Come on Home won the man all sorts of critical platitudes for making unfashionable roots music in a highly unlikely time. It showed, of course, in that the record sold barely respectably. Dig is, if anything, a hyper-modern take on R&B.; Scaggs and co-producers David Paich (who co-wrote virtually all the material here) and guitarist Danny Kortchmar have embraced modern production, recording, and mixing techniques in the same way Scaggs did on Silk Degrees (whose part two this is definitely not). The result is simply a very fine adult contemporary take on rhythm & blues that showcases Scaggs in the finest voice hes given us in decades, a solid batch of tunes, and very few irritating elements. Scaggs use of hip-hop methodologies in tracks like "Desire," with Michael Rodriguezs programming, is subtle enough to add atmosphere to an already beautiful song. The tune is a ballad so smooth and streetwise, so late-night in feel and sentiment, the Timberland rhythm just underlines the spooky guitars and Scaggs sweet crooning; in fact, his voice here sounds better than it ever has. There are other modernisms that Scaggs employs here that would have been better left on the cutting room floor, such as his insistence on rapping on "Get On the Natch," where he sounds like a Wal-Mart cross between Frank Zappa on "Dina Moe Hum" and Tom Waits from Bone Machine. But there are only a couple of moments like that; his blues roots manifest themselves well on "King of El Paso" and his embrace of Latin-tinged pop suits him well on "Call That Love." While its a slick record in typical Scaggs fashion, its a slim cast of characters who pull it all off -- mainly Scaggs, Paich, and Kortchmar (who is as fine a guitarist as ever), with guests like Ray Parker, Jr., pedal steel god Steve Lukather, and jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove Jr. lending their hands in various spots. For a guy everybody said was in the hallmark of memory, Boz Scaggs is making remarkably refreshing and compelling music. Dig is mature enough to resonate well with his aging audience, and its slick and polished enough to catch the ear of pop radio programmers. With precious few rough spots, Dig is a pop triumph by a sleight-of-sound master. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 28 Title: But Beautiful Released: 2003-05-06 Tracks: 10 Duration: 50:59 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Whats New? (04:30) 2 Never Let Me Go (05:06) 3 How Long Has This Been Going On? (06:07) 4 Sophisticated Lady (05:14) 5 But Beautiful (05:36) 6 Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (03:29) 7 Easy Living (04:13) 8 I Should Care (05:25) 9 You Dont Know What Love Is (05:46) 10 For All We Know (05:30) |
| But Beautiful : Allmusic album Review : Apparently, old rock singers who have exhausted their commercial appeal and have sung all the pop and soul standards have but one place to turn -- the American popular songbook. Linda Ronstadt pioneered this move in the 80s, Rod Stewart picked it up at the turn of the century, and, now no longer at Virgin, Boz Scaggs picks up the torch with 2003s But Beautiful, a ten-track trawl through standards like "Whats New?," "How Long Has This Been Going On?," and "Sophisticated Lady." It should be no surprise that Scaggs is not deliberately following Stewarts footsteps -- in his liner notes, he says his old friend Jimmy Pierre initiated the project years ago with a list of songs he thought Boz should sing, and then pianist/arranger Paul Nagel later encouraged him to begin this project -- but it cant help but feel that way, given the number of old rockers turning to the music their parents loved. Scaggs, thankfully, doesnt take the lush, orchestrated route, choosing to record with a small quartet featuring Nagel, saxophonist Eric Crystal, bassist John Shifflett, and drummer Jason Lewis. They have a nice, late-night feel -- nothing adventurous, but well-done -- and Scaggs is appropriately laid-back, which doesnt necessarily mean that hes well-suited for this material. His off-hand phrasing sometimes is too casual and he delivers the tunes predictably, never finding a way to make these much-heard songs sound fresh. That doesnt mean this sounds bad, because it doesnt; its an entirely pleasant listen. But even longtime Boz Scaggs fans may not find a reason to spin this more than once. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 28 Title: Greatest Hits Live Released: 2004-08-17 Tracks: 16 Duration: 1:46:14 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Lowdown (05:39) 2 Slow Dancer (04:34) 3 Heart of Mine (04:20) 4 It All Went Down The Drain (06:16) 5 Harbor Lights (07:45) 6 Jojo (05:45) 7 Ask Me Bout Nothin But The Blues (06:06) 8 Breakdown Dead Ahead (05:52) 1 Look What Youve Done To Me (06:36) 2 I Just Go (05:10) 3 Georgia (04:38) 4 Miss Sun (06:35) 5 Lido Shuffle (05:28) 6 Runnin Blue (11:17) 7 Loan Me a Dime (15:39) 8 Were All Alone (04:27) |
| Greatest Hits Live : Allmusic album Review : In 2004 Boz Scaggs released his first, and what is likely to be only, officially sanctioned live disc in an extensive career. With 35 years of experience and 13 albums of material to choose from, it also substitutes as a reasonable best-of, although Sony/Legacys 1997 double set My Time did an excellent job of recapping his studio hits. Even if its a byproduct of the associated DVD recorded at the same August, 2004 San Francisco gig, this is a lively and professionally performed show that makes up in soul what it lacks in spontaneity. Live hits discs coming in the twilight of the artists career are typically dicey affairs, often used as a backdoor way for a new label to release some of the acts best material, the originals of which they do not have rights to. While that may be the case here, this is far from a fast way to make a few bucks off Scaggs catalog. The seven-piece band (plus two backing vocalists) offer perfect, occasionally inspired renditions of a relatively unsurprising set list. The show is a terrific mix of the lovely, but sometimes sappy Scaggs ballads such as "Heart of Mine," "Were All Alone," "Slow Dancer" and "Look What Youve Done to Me" with the blue-eyed funk-pop of "Lowdown," "Jojo," "Georgia," and "Lido Shuffle." The songs that ultimately work the best and are the loosest are the blues-based tracks, in particular a sumptuous version of Bobby "Blue" Blands "Ask Me Bout Nuthin but the Blues," and nearly a half-hour on disc two dedicated to the jazzy jump blues of "Runnin Blue" and a fiery "Loan Me a Dime." Scaggs is in terrific voice throughout, the band adapts remarkably well to a varied set list and the live sound is crisp but not sterile. Many of the arrangements, especially of the pop songs, dont differ substantially from the originals, but the effect is lively and with slightly more drive due to the live setting. The rather forced between-song patter very present in the DVD is edited out for the audio version, which provides a better musical flow. Some of these songs never charted, and were not even particularly popular. Many tracks from My Time and even three from the slimmer Hits! collection are missing. But these are minor complaints for an extremely well produced, immaculately played, stylishly presented and dynamic look at Scaggs diverse catalog. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 28 Title: Moments Boz Scaggs & Band Released: 2008 Tracks: 19 Duration: 1:17:10 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 We Were Always Sweethearts (03:31) 2 Downright Women (04:38) 3 Painted Bells (04:03) 4 Alone, Alone (03:41) 5 Near You (04:54) 6 I Will Forever Sing (The Blues) (05:16) 7 Moments (04:35) 8 Hollywood Blues (02:42) 9 We Been Away (03:44) 10 Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over) (instrumental) (05:20) 11 Monkey Time (03:02) 12 Runnin Blue (03:58) 13 Up to You (03:37) 14 Love Anyway (03:29) 15 Flames of Love (04:32) 16 Here to Stay (02:36) 17 Nothing Will Take Your Place (03:44) 18 Why Why (05:33) 19 Youre So Good (04:10) |
| Moments Boz Scaggs & Band : Allmusic album Review : In 2008, BGO released Boz Scaggs first two albums for CBS as a two-fer. If his 1969 eponymous debut found Scaggs digging down deep and creating some gritty soul-rock, highlighted by Duane Allmans extended workout on "Loan Me a Dime," his 1971 follow-up, Moments (his first album for CBS) found him sketching out the blue-eyed soul that would eventually bring him fame when he streamlined it for 1976s Silk Degrees. Boz Scaggs was a Southern record, but Moments is thoroughly Californian, sun-bleached and brightly colored, easily gliding along smooth surfaces. In the hands of producer Glyn Johns, Scaggs doesnt have any rough edges, and the change suits him well, as his soft, soulful croon almost cries out for a setting this lush, one thats just this side of being louche. Although Scaggs would go that down the gauche road in the 70s, Moments is far from the glitzy disco of Silk Degrees and its spawn. This is thoroughly a 60s hangover, right down to how the country shuffle of "Alone, Alone" slides between the warm soul grooves of the rest of the album. Most of this is decidedly laid-back -- the casually funky grind of "I Will Forever Sing (The Blues)" and the slyly funny boogie of "Hollywood Blues," while harking back to the Southern strut of the debut, are the exceptions, not the rule -- and while this is mellow, its not lazy: its a relaxed exploration. By the time "Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over)" quietly drifts away on an extended instrumental coda, setting like the sun into the ocean, Scaggs has started down the path toward his signature blue-eyed soul. However, after the burnished, mellow Moments, Boz Scaggs put some grit back into his music with this third album, Boz Scaggs & Band. Not that he got down and dirty -- his blue-eyed soul and funk are still sleek and stylish, music for uptown parties rather than downtown juke joints. But Scaggs gave his band equal billing on the title here because the bandmembers carry equal weight on Boz Scaggs & Band. Its a true band album, showcasing the groups tight interplay as much as it does Scaggs vocals. Sometimes, the band almost dominates the proceedings too much, as on "Runnin Blue," where the group is as splashy as a Vegas big band. Such excesses are balanced by the nimble "Up to You," this albums irresistible foray into country -- something that was a regular Boz feature at this point -- and the brief, breezy "Here to Stay," helping to keep things light and casual. But the best thing about Boz Scaggs & Band is hearing that band play, particularly on "Flames of Love" and "Why Why," where the group gets down low, playing funky rock and soul that hold their own with Little Feats Meters-inspired grooves. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 28 Title: Speak Low Released: 2008-10-28 Tracks: 12 Duration: 52:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Invitation (05:27) 2 She Was Too Good to Me (03:53) 3 I Wish I Knew (05:24) 4 Speak Low (03:43) 5 Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me (04:04) 6 Ill Remember April (04:03) 7 Save Your Love for Me (05:15) 8 Ballad of the Sad Young Men (05:35) 9 Skylark (04:01) 10 Senza Fine (03:28) 11 Dindi (03:51) 12 This Time the Dreams on Me (03:41) |
| Speak Low : Allmusic album Review : From his late 1960s days as the lead singer of the Steve Miller Band, Boz Scaggs has always had an undercurrent of jazz influence in his phrasing. Therefore, SPEAK LOW should come as no surprise to longtime fans. No mere raid on the Great American Songbook in the manner of Rod Stewarts adult contemporary albums, SPEAK LOW is a personal, canny follow-up to 2003s collection of standards, BUT BEAUTIFUL. These 12 tracks offer less familiar tracks like Duke Ellingtons "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me" and Chet Bakers "She Was Too Good To Me," given abstract, cerebral arrangements in the manner of 1950s Gil Evans charts. | ||
 | Album: 24 of 28 Title: Original Album Classics Released: 2010 Tracks: 52 Duration: 3:36:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 We Were Always Sweethearts (03:31) 2 Downright Women (04:38) 3 Painted Bells (04:03) 4 Alone, Alone (03:41) 5 Near You (04:54) 6 I Will Forever Sing (The Blues) (05:16) 7 Moments (04:35) 8 Hollywood Blues (02:42) 9 We Been Away (03:44) 10 Can I Make It Last (Or Will It Just Be Over) (instrumental) (05:20) 1 You Make It So Hard (To Say No) (03:31) 2 Slow Dancer (03:13) 3 Angel Lady (Come Just in Time) (03:28) 4 There Is Someone Else (04:32) 5 Hercules (04:03) 6 Pain of Love (03:11) 7 Sail on White Moon (03:13) 8 Let It Happen (03:18) 9 I Got Your Number (03:43) 10 Take It for Granted (04:19) 1 What Can I Say (03:00) 2 Georgia (03:56) 3 Jump Street (05:13) 4 What Do You Want the Girl to Do (03:53) 5 Harbor Lights (05:58) 6 Lowdown (05:17) 7 It’s Over (02:52) 8 Love Me Tomorrow (03:17) 9 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 10 We’re All Alone (04:12) 11 What Can I Say (Previously Unissued Live - 08.15.1976) (03:25) 12 Jump Street (Previously Unissued Live - 08.15.1976) (05:07) 13 Its Over (Previously Unissued Live - 08.15.1976) (03:37) 1 Jojo (05:54) 2 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:35) 3 Simone (05:05) 4 You Can Have Me Anytime (04:56) 5 Middle Man (04:51) 6 Do Like You Do in New York (03:45) 7 Angel You (03:38) 8 Isnt It Time (04:53) 9 You Got Some Imagination (03:56) 1 Still Falling for You (03:54) 2 Hard Times (04:30) 3 A Clue (03:53) 4 Whatcha Gonna Tell Your Man (03:51) 5 Were Waiting (06:20) 6 Hollywood (03:10) 7 Then She Walked Away (04:06) 8 Gimme the Goods (04:12) 9 1993 (04:02) 10 Tomorrow Never Came, Tomorrow Never Came (Reprise) (04:38) |
| Original Album Classics : Allmusic album Review : This Sony UK entry in the Original Albums Classics series contains five Boz Scaggs recordings; one of which is a true classic, two more which should be, and two more middling albums. These are the remastered versions of these recordings. The inarguable standout in the pack is the legendary Silk Degrees album from 1976, which includes, as bonus cuts, three live versions of tunes on the album’s track list: “What Can I Say,” It’s Over,” and “Jump Street.” Two very important recordings in Scaggs’ catalog that are included here both preceded Silk Degrees: Moments, issued in 1971, reveals (whether he admits it or not) Van Morrison’s influence on the singer and songwriter. Here, Scaggs is moving more directly into blue-eyed soul as evidenced by the stellar title cut, “We Were Always Sweethearts,” and “Near You.” Slow Dancer, issued in 1975, immediately preceded Silk Degrees and finds Scaggs digging deeper into the blue-eyed soul vein while actively seeking a bigger, more polished, and richer palette of sounds in his production. The tunes here somehow bridge the gap between the rootsier and grittier Morrison and the theatrical, sultry, groove master Isaac Hayes. Stand-out tracks include “You Make It So Hard (To Say No),” the title cut, and a killer cover of Allen Toussaints “Hercules.” The two albums issued after Silk Degrees, 1977’s Down Two Then Left, and 1979’s Middle Man (his last album for eight years), are slick disco and post-disco soul workouts with some rock tinges. While they are less successful than their monumental predecessor, they still contain more than their share of fine tunes, and as albums, are better appreciated in the 21st century than they were in the 20th. Stand-out tracks include “Still Fallin’ for You,“ "Hollywood,” and “1993” on the former, and “Jojo” and “Breakdown Dead Ahead” on the latter. In all, this Boz Scaggs entry in the Original Album Classics series is a fine value. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 28 Title: Memphis Released: 2013-03-05 Tracks: 12 Duration: 47:34 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Gone Baby Gone (03:35) 2 So Good to Be Here (03:15) 3 Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl (03:44) 4 Rainy Night in Georgia (04:34) 5 Love on a Two Way Street (03:36) 6 Pearl of the Quarter (03:28) 7 Cadillac Walk (04:27) 8 Corrina, Corrina (03:45) 9 Can I Change My Mind (04:19) 10 Dry Spell (03:24) 11 You Got Me Cryin’ (04:55) 12 Sunny Gone (04:32) |
| Memphis : Allmusic album Review : On Memphis, Boz Scaggs pays tribute to the citys magnificent soul tradition, Al Green, and producer Willie Mitchell and his Royal Recordings studio, whose location and personnel were used to cut it in three days. Produced by drummer Steve Jordan, the core band includes the singer and Ray Parker, Jr. on guitars, and bassist Willie Weeks, augmented by the Royal Horns & Strings, a small backing chorus, sidemen, and guests. Greens influence is celebrated in the opener, Scaggs "Gone Baby Gone." Its wafting B-3, Rhodes, fluid electric guitars, and a tight backbeat underscore his baritone croon to excellent effect. If there were doubts about the quality of his voice at this juncture, theyre immediately dispelled when his sweet falsetto emerges. In his cover of Greens "So Good to Be Here," Scaggs references him but digs deeper into his own trick bag with more rounded, earthier highlights. Then Scaggs begins to move the recording off the ledge a bit. His take on Willy DeVilles "Mixed Up Shook Up Girl" reveals just how deep the late New York rockers R&B; roots really ran as a songwriter. He furthers that notion in covering Moon Martins "Cadillac Walk," a tune that was a minor hit for DeVille. Scaggs lets raucous, electric roadhouse blues hold sway. These songs draw attention to an under-celebrated singer, songwriter, and performer. Scaggs has always loved the seam where roadhouse blues and R&B; meet. The nasty readings of Jimmy Reeds "You Got Me Cryin" and the Meters "Dry Spell" attest to that. The latter features a scorching electric dobro solo by Keb Mo. Blues are reconstructed in the gorgeous version of "Corrina Corrina." While it is recorded somewhat nearer to its traditional folk origins, Spooner Oldhams Wurlitzer ghosts in from the margins and ushers it in from history to the present era. In Scaggs smooth voice, the passage of time blurs; it stretches and ultimately ceases to matter. Motown gets the Royal Studios treatment in the glorious reading of Sylvia Robinsons "Love on a Two-Way Street," which features Funk Brother Jack Ashford on vibes. In a real twist, Steely Dans "Pearl of the Quarter" proves a real set highlight, as early rock & roll, doo wop, Memphis soul, New Orleans R&B;, and jazz all come flowing through the bands presentation and Lester Snells string arrangement. They buoy Scaggs, whose trademark phrasing and emotional honesty offer immediacy and closeness. His own "Sunny Gone" closes it. His lower register is drenched in a meld of R&B;, jazz, and his own classic pop balladry -- à la "Harbor Lights" -- carry his delivery which sends Memphis whispering off with a touch of melancholy elegance. This set is a stunner. Scaggs is in full possession of that iconic voice; he delivers songs with an endemic empathy and intimacy that make them sound like living, breathing stories. | ||
 | Album: 26 of 28 Title: The Essential Boz Scaggs Released: 2013-10-29 Tracks: 32 Duration: 2:35:26 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Ill Be Long Gone (04:03) 2 Loan Me a Dime (13:04) 3 Runnin Blue (03:58) 4 We Were Always Sweethearts (03:29) 5 Painted Bells (04:02) 6 Near You (04:59) 7 Dinah Flo (03:04) 8 Might Have to Cry (04:06) 9 You Make It So Hard (To Say No) (03:34) 10 Slow Dancer (03:14) 11 What Can I Say (03:00) 12 Its Over (02:51) 13 Harbor Lights (05:58) 14 Lowdown (05:17) 15 Lido Shuffle (03:42) 16 We’re All Alone (04:12) 17 Hard Times (04:30) 1 JoJo (05:52) 2 Isnt It Time (04:54) 3 Simone (05:08) 4 Breakdown Dead Ahead (04:35) 5 Miss Sun (05:32) 6 Look What Youve Done to Me (05:17) 7 Heart of Mine (04:12) 8 Some Change (06:11) 9 Sierra (05:21) 10 As Years Go Passing By (04:45) 11 It All Went Down the Drain (05:33) 12 Miss Riddle (06:28) 13 I Just Go (04:49) 14 Thanks to You (06:01) 15 Gone Baby Gone (03:35) |
| The Essential Boz Scaggs : Allmusic album Review : Boz Scaggs was subjected to a double-disc retrospective in 1997 with the excellent My Time: The Anthology (1969-1997). That was a lavish archival project, whereas 2013s Essential is part of Sonys ongoing one-size-fits-all series, but its nevertheless the superior set, containing all but six of that 33-track collections cuts in its 32 songs. Naturally, Essential covers more ground than My Time, going all the way up to 2013s fine Memphis LP, but it also digs slightly deeper into Bozs early years (it also helps that "Loan Me a Dime" is placed toward the front of the first disc instead of the back). This greater scope, combined with all the classic hits -- "Dinah Flo," "Slow Dancer," "What Can I Say," "Lowdown," "Lido Shuffle," "JoJo" -- makes this something close to a truly essential Boz Scaggs. | ||
 | Album: 27 of 28 Title: A Fool to Care Released: 2015-03-27 Tracks: 15 Duration: 1:02:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rich Woman (02:59) 2 I’m a Fool to Care (02:05) 3 Hell to Pay (06:15) 4 Small Town Talk (03:41) 5 Last Tango on 16th Street (06:25) 6 There’s a Storm a’ Comin’ (04:13) 7 I’m So Proud (03:37) 8 I Want to See You (05:41) 9 High Blood Pressure (03:35) 10 Full of Fire (04:17) 11 Love Don’t Love Nobody (05:09) 12 Whispering Pines (04:21) 13 Gypsy Woman (02:57) 14 Talk to Me, Talk to Me (03:43) 15 M.P.B. (03:33) |
| A Fool to Care : Allmusic album Review : Boz Scaggs follows 2013s killer Memphis with a second Tennessee album. A Fool to Care was recorded over four days with producer/drummer Steve Jordan and a core band of guitarist Ray Parker, Jr. and bassist Willie Weeks at Nashvilles Blackbird Studio. These 12 songs are primarily covers that reflect various sources, the most prevalent among them being R&B; and soul. The band is augmented occasionally with strings, horns, and Music City luminaries including guitarists Reggie Young and Al Anderson and pedal steel boss Paul Franklin. Simply put, there is no filler here -- virtually every song is a highlight. The opener is a swaggering, horn-drenched presentation of Dorothy LaBostrie and McKinley Millets "Rich Woman." Scaggs reading is inspired by Lil Millet & His Creoles 1955 version more than Canned Heats or Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. The title track was cut as a country swing tune by author Ted Daffan in 1940. Scaggs reads it through the New Orleans R&B; of Fats Domino. And speaking of NOLA, Bobby Charles and Rick Dankos "Small Town Talk" is executed flawlessly with slippery breaks by Jordan and a simmering B-3 by Jim Cox. "Hell to Pay" is an original, a badass blues driven by Weeks funky upright bass. Sung in duet with Bonnie Raitt (who also plays mean slide here), Scaggs takes an all too rare guitar solo. "Last Tango on 16th Street" melds Carlos Gardel, West Coast jazz, and Brechtian drama. Scaggs delivery is full of restrained empathy, not pity. His version of Richard Hawleys otherworldly waltz "Theres a Storm a Comin" features Franklins pedal steel crying amid accordion, bass, bump organ, and B-3. It is an elegant outlier here. Scaggs offers Curtis Mayfields "Im So Proud" with an expressive falsetto that would make the composer proud. Huey P. Smiths 1958 classic "High Blood Pressure" is rendered raw, ragged, and raucous. That shimmering falsetto returns to Memphis in a grooving version of Al Greens "Full of Fire" before slipping toward smooth Philly soul with a gorgeous take on the Spinners 1974 classic "Love Dont Love Nobody." But Scaggs saves the very best for last. He teams with Lucinda Williams for Richard Manuels (the Band) "Whispering Pines." Franklins steel returns in a breezy, warm, atmospheric arrangement that relies on the depth in Jordans floor tom-toms. The contrast between Williams bluesy, grainy contralto and Scaggs soul-basted croon underscores the wrenching heartbreak in the lyric. Ultimately, A Fool to Care is not only a companion to Memphis, but also to 1997s Come on Home and his earliest (pre-Silk Degrees) sides. Scaggs voice is unmarked by time. Whether singing new or old songs, he presents them in the moment as living, breathing entities. He remains a song interpreter who has few -- if any -- peers. | ||
 | Album: 28 of 28 Title: Out of the Blues Released: 2018-07-18 Tracks: 12 Duration: 52:32 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Rock and Stick (04:50) 2 I’ve Just Got to Forget You (02:57) 3 I’ve Just Got to Know (04:11) 4 Radiator 110 (04:08) 5 Little Miss Night and Day (05:20) 6 On the Beach (06:33) 7 Down in Virginia (03:24) 8 Those Lies (04:31) 9 The Feeling Is Gone (03:35) 10 Good Information (05:11) 11 25 Years (03:53) 12 Good Lover (03:54) |
| Out of the Blues : Allmusic album Review : Boz Scaggs considers Out of the Blues to be the final installment in a (primarily covers) trilogy that began with 2013s Memphis and continued with 2015s A Fool to Care, excellent outings that reflected Scaggs desire to reach back into the cradle of inspiration. This set looks back to his 1965 debut album Boz (a solo acoustic covers set released only in Sweden by Polydor) and 1997s criminally overlooked Come on Home, a woolly, house-rocking collection of (mostly) vintage R&B and soul-blues covers, for its foundation. While these early recordings dont necessarily sound similar, they make use of the work of a particular set of performers and songwriters -- including Jimmy Reed and Don Robey (credited with many of Bobby "Blue" Blands hits) -- who have always provided inspiration and grounding throughout his lifetime. Whereas Scaggs two previous offerings were produced by Steve Jordan, Boz opted to co-produce Out of the Blues with Chris Tabarez and Michael Rodriguez, creating an impression of intimacy and loose immediacy that ranks with the swampier feel of Come on Home. His band here includes holdovers bassist Willie Weeks, Jim Cox, and rhythm guitarist Ray Parker, Jr. as well drummer Jim Keltner (the kitman on Come on Home), and guitarists Doyle Bramhall II and Charlie Sexton; there is also a selectively and impactfully used three-piece horn section. The set includes two Robey tunes closely associated with Bland: the souled-out nighttime groover "Ive Just Got to Forget You" (with its gorgeously charted horns) and the organ-drenched jazz-blues of "The Feeling Is Gone" (whose horn section sounds like the Jazz Crusaders). And while the vibe on those two numbers is more sultry that raucous, that bill gets filled with an uptempo fingerpoppin version of Reeds "Down in Virginia," with Scaggs delivering a punchy I-IV-V progression to rival the masters, and Jimmy McCracklins swinging jump blues "Ive Just Got to Know," with a burning guitar break from Sexton. Interestingly, these tracks, fine as they are, are not the albums high points. Opener "Rock and Stick" is one of four tunes written or co-written by Jack "Applejack" Walroth, a compadre of Scaggs since the 1960s who has worked with everyone from Elvin Bishop to Mike Bloomfield, from Steve Miller to Cash McCall. Its shuffling, smoky, seductive futuristic West Coast blues is elevated by the composers harmonica and Bramhalls evocative, slippery guitar solo. The punchy six-string riff on the composers "Radiator 110" is played in tandem by Scaggs, Walroth, and Steve Freund with a lonesome highway harmonica break that rises like steam heat from the middle eight. Scaggs and Walroth co-wrote the thumping Chuck Berry-esque "Little Miss Night and Day," with lead breaks from both Sexton and Bramhall. The sets outlier is a moody, deep-blue read of Neil Youngs "On the Beach," where Scaggs trademark croon invests its minimal melody with a dark passion. Out of the Blues may be an excellent final chapter in this roots trilogy, but stands on its own as one of Scaggs most sure-footed releases. | ||