The Montreux Years
BMG, 2021
9/10
Culled from performances at The Montreux Jazz festival from the years 1975, 1977, 1978, 1989, 1990 and 1993, this collection of 21 tracks across 2 discs showcases the tremendous skill of Etta James, whose inestimable singing spanned blues, rock’n’roll, gospel, R&B and much, much more.
“Breakin’ Up Somebody’s Home” starts the listen with soulful, vibrant brass, thick drumming and, of course, robust and expressive singing from James on the bluesy opener, and “I Got The Will” follows with warm organ and playful trumpet complementing James’ rugged yet tuneful vocal acrobatics.
Deeper into Disc 1, “Running And Hiding Blues” displays swift keys and no shortage of rhythm alongside the strong singing, while “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me” benefits from spirited guitar work and jumpy keys in the gospel influenced climate.
The standout track, “Medley: At Last/Trust In Me/Sunday Kind Of Love”, then brings so many ideas to the thoughtful, emotive landscape that showcases just how talented James was at jazz sounds, too, and “Baby What You Want Me To Do (Encore)” exits the listen with a raw display of her meticulous delivery amid Claude Nobs’ sublime harmonica as James pays homage to Jimmy Reed.
The 2nd disc is a very rare recording of her first performance in Europe back in 1975, and starts with the gritty, playful and powerful “Respect Yourself”, and continues to the intimate and exploratory “Drown In My Own Tears”.
On the back half of the set, “I’d Rather Go Blind” is nothing short of sublime in its poetic delivery, and “Stormy Monday” exits the listen with an incredible vocal performance that alternates between soft and eloquent as well as ebullient, almost as if James is having a spiritual awakening on stage.
It is no stretch of the imagination to say that James is one of the all time greatest vocalists to have ever lived, and the documentation here certainly reinforces that as we’re treated to 3 decades worth of performances that no one will ever replicate quite like this.
Travels well with: Nina Simone- The Montreux Years; Dr. John- Gris-Gris