Zakiya Hooker – Live in Germany – International Bluesfest – Eutin, Germany
Boogie With The Hook Records
14 linear tracks|75:34 running time
Though it was recorded five years ago, this disc was released in tandem with Zakiya Hooker’s latest studio effort, 2015’s In The Mood. Listening to them in succession yields a comparative yardstick with which to compare and contrast the live experience versus the studio experience. As stated in the January 30 2016 review of In The Mood, Zakiya’s producer/bass playing husband is Ollan Christopher Bell. His stage name is Chris James and he is the music directer of the band on this date. You may remember his former vocal group, the Natural Four, who sprang from Oakland, California’s Boola-Boola record label to be signed by ABC Records and ultimately contracted to Curtom Records and subsequently produced by the legendary Curtis Mayfield.
The opening track on this Cd is Bell/James covering the late Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “I Want To Ta-Ta You Baby,” a track that according to Mr. Google, has not been covered on record by many since it’s inception in 1976. Mr. James does an outstanding job, nailing Watson’s groove and putting the crowd in the mood for Zakiya.
Ms. Hooker greets the throng as if from here own living room. “Well hel-lo. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Truly you must be Blues fans. You are out here in this raaiinnn!
The Louis Jordan/Sam Theard song, “Let The Good Times Roll,” was chosen as the opener and as she explained to the crowd later, Zakiya is sometimes inclined to change the lyrics to fit her relaxed delivery.
The song selection of the disc also includes compositions by Robert Johnson, Brownie McGhee, John Lee Hooker, Luther Dixon, the husband and wife songwriting team of Zakiya and Ollan as well as others.
The artist’s in between song patter is upbeat and jovial despite the precipitation that everyone had to endure. At one point she pauses to acknowledge and praise some children who approached the stage.
On the Hooker/Bell penned “Cold, Cold Feeling” and the epic Robert Johnson’s “Stones In My Passway,” Zakiya pours out down in the alley Blues sensibility and phrasing that can’t be faked. The band adds some sizzling funk flavor to the Johnson composition.
The musicians on this session are Zakiya’s Argentinean contingent and include the Bozas brothers, Federico on bass and Willy on drums as well as keyboardist Fabricio Loborda. Anchored by and under the direction of bassist Bell/James, they swing and shift effortlessly between Blues, Jazz, Funk and Rock arrangements. The energy generated on and off stage indicates a good time was had by all. Even in all that rain.
Listeners, be advised that this is a linear recording recording with all fourteen selections on track 1.