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Bronx in Blue
List Price: $18.97Our Price: $14.99 You Save: $3.98 (21%)Prices subject to change.
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0793018296021
Label: Razor & Tie
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
MPN: 82960
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Razor & Tie
Release Date: March 21, 2006
Studio: Razor & Tie
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Editorial Review:
As the voice behind such frothy oldies as "Runaround Sue," "The Wanderer," and "Ruby Baby," Dion doesn't spring to mind when one thinks of great blues interpreters. But this stripped-down session--the singer accompanies himself on acoustic guitar with just a hint of percussion--shows the former teen idol to be a convincing and affecting folk-bluesman. While nobody will confuse Bronx in Blue with Son House, Dion is in exceptional form, as he interprets about a dozen classics and contributes a newly written song. Even attempting to cover such crusty, trusty warhorses as "Crossroads" (one of four Robert Johnson tracks here), Howlin' Wolf's "How Many More Years?," and Jimmy Reed's "Baby What You Want Me to Do" is a daring move, but Dion succeeds due to his sense of integrity, obvious love for the genre, and an enthusiasm that leaps from the speakers.His voice is clear and emotional, his guitar playing frisky yet surprisingly accomplished--and the sheer joy Dion conveys on tracks like Hank Williams Sr.'s "Honky Tonk Blues" is contagious. The exceptional recording quality brings an immediacy and intensity to the performance, making Bronx in Blue a revelation for both oldies lovers and roots blues fans. --Hal Horowitz
Bronx In Blue is an all-acoustic blues outing highlighting the music that first inspired Dion as a child growing up in the Bronx. With songs by Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Rogers, Hank Williams, Lightnin' Hopkins and Jimmy Reed, the collection is a soulful tour de force for Dion, not only in his familiar role as a magnificently interpretive vocalist but, also, as a brilliantly innovative guitarist.
Dion notes, "When I was a kid, there was no Rock & Roll. In the early 50's - late at night, I'd tune into Wheeling, West Virginia (WWVA), listening to the Blues - Howlin' Wolf's `How Many More Years,' Jimmy Reed's `Bright Lights, Big City.' After school, I'd run home to catch the last half hour of the `Don Larkin Country Show' coming out of Newark. I was a Hank Williams junkie; for me, putting country and blues together - that's what I call Rock & Roll."
Previewing the album in MOJO, Paul Déchamé writes, "Recalling the back-to-basics approach of Cash's American recordings - muted drums, acoustic guitars - it's a little like having Dion in your front room strumming his favourite blues songs." Don McCleese, in No Depression, sums up Bronx In Blue thusly: "It all sounds like Dion. It all sounds great."
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Dion is the man!
I grew up listening to Dion & The Belmonts. I loved him then and now. If you like traditinal blues you will love this music. I ended up running down Skip James music and its great. This music just grows on you.
Rating: - Dion is for real, this is the record of a mature artist
Dion go to the masters and he does it with respect .He knows what he's doing
and deliver amazing vocal performances ( anyway , is not that what he always does ?) and very good guitar playing . This is the kind of record that can have several repeated listenings, that is based in respect for afro-american culture and tradition and is soulful and meaningful.
If Dion keep releasing records like this , wow! what's coming next?
Rating: - Dion has aged well.
This is an exceptional album by an artist who has matured very well. If you appreciate the Blues, both the slick guitar work and the vocals will amaze you. I bought this album for a friend and he cannot stop listening too while bogged down in traffic. Recommended for anyone who appreciate traditonal blues.
Rating: - DION IS THE BLUES MAN!!!
Dion, the Wanderer, ROCKS on this Blues album! I never would have known how impressive Mr. Dimucci was as Bluesman or as such a accomplished guitar player, I thought I was listening to "Albert Collins" or "Snooks Eaglin" or maybe even an acoustic "Junior Wells", DION is the Bluesman!
I have been a fan of Dion for years, "The Wanderer", "Runaround Sue" all the Doo Wop stuff is great and I still love it, but at 65 plus years old he has has seriously out done himself on this one. Channeling ... Read More
Rating: - Dion, bluesman
I have been a Dion fan for more years than I care to admit to. I knew he was a closet bluesman because of some of the lyrical phrasing and guitar riffs which were borrowed from a number of the original blues performers. This is certainly an homage to those singer/songwriters. I love the minimalistic production since this is the way the originals from Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf and the rest recorded their songs so many years ago.
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