Bobby Charles – Last Train To Memphis – 2 CD Set
This was an out-of-print LP with appearances by major artists who worked with the late Louisiana singer-songwriter Bobby Charles (1938-2010). The 2-disc reissue Last Train To Memphis (Dropped Nov 21/Last Music Co) is primarily considered Bobby’s “lost years” (1971-2003). Written & self-produced, it has rich genre-blending elements: soul, R&B, country, MOR & pop. Bobby’s voice has a warm tone that would’ve fit in The Band. The title track “Last Train To Memphis, (covered by The Band & later singer Beth McKee), “The Legend of Jolie Blonde,” & “What Are We Doing” are evident.
I first heard Bobby on a Warner Brothers compilation in the ‘70s that sampled a tune from his only commercial LP. A song he co-wrote with The Band’s Rick Danko, “Small Town Talk.” That prompted me to seek more. I was pleased to know I wasn’t alone. Bob Dylan also praised Mr. Charles. Bobby appeared in The Band’s “Last Waltz” concert (though his segment had been cut from the film).
This set features Bobby’s (Robert Charles Guidry) soulful vocal with the likes of Willie Nelson (acoustic nylon string guitar/vocal), Neil Young (acoustic guitar), Fats Domino (vocals), Clarence “Frogman” Henry (piano), Sonny Landreth (electric slide guitar), Delbert McClinton (harmonica/bgv), Tracy Nelson (vocal harmony), Geoff (acoustic guitar/bgv) & Maria Muldaur (vocals).
There’s a Dr John touch that cruises easily through “Spent All My Money Loving You.” With songs like “Homesick Blues,” a duet with Maria Muldaur, I began to wonder if English folk singer the late David McWilliams (famous for “Days of Pearly Spencer” & “Marlena”) had heard Charles’ songwriting style. His bluesy ballad “Don’t Need Your Blues” is reflective of Bobby’s. Unlike many of David’s other songs. These 2 songwriters would’ve been wonderful together. Bobby’s “The Sky Isn’t Blue Anymore” & “Sing” are both beautiful. Typical of McWilliams himself. The majority of Bobby Charles’ songs illuminate a good life. “Goin’ Fishin’” borders on Creedence, with a touch of Ry Cooder.
There isn’t a bad song here. This, from the man who originally wrote the Bill Haley hit “See You Later, Alligator” (included here by Bobby with a hot sax solo). It’s curious how some artists of quality are lost to the mainstream audience. Instead, they retain those who eventually fade. The Bay City Rollers were supposed to be the next Beatles. Remember? It’s true (in some respects) that music is like fruits & vegetables. Perishable. With limited shelf time & disposable.
Nick Drake & Eva Cassidy almost fell victim to this. Then, there’s Duncan Browne, Michael Dinner, Kris McKay, Timi Yuro, Kit Hain, Jackie Leven, Alfie Zappacosta & William Topley — teetering on that brink. Bobby Charles should’ve earned a longer time in the spotlight.
CD 2 has an additional 19 pieces. Songs like “But I Do” are easy-listening piano tunes tailored to Judy Collins or the late Bobby Darin. Whereas “Party Town” with plenty of energetic Dixieland flavour, “Not Ready Yet,” & “Ambushin’ Bastard” find Bobby singing all 3 with a good Randy Newman attitude & intonation.
With his French ode “Les Champs-Elysees,” Bobby widens his songwriting margins & joins the wonderful French-oriented tunes of that era – like Adam Mitchell’s classic “The French Waltz.” The legendary Fats Domino joins Bobby at the conclusion of “Walking To New Orleans,” one of Bobby’s songs that was a hit for Fats early in his career. “I Remember When” features Willie Nelson on vocals & Willie with Neil Young on guitar. Stunning.
Lots of surprises throughout this double LP. Isn’t that what music is supposed to be about?
Highlights – CD #1 – 15 tracks (59:19) – “Last Train To Memphis,” “The Legend of Jolie Blonde,” “Spent All My Money Loving You,” “I Wonder,” “Homesick Blues,” “Forever & Always,” “The Sky Isn’t Blue Anymore,” “Sing,” “Goin’ Fishin’” & “See You Later, Alligator.”
CD #2 -19 tracks (73:17) from 2 LPs (“Wish You Were Here Right Now” & “Secrets of the Heart”). “Secrets,” “But I Do,” “Party Town,” “Love In the Worst Degree,” “I Believe In Angels,” “Les Champs-Elysees,” “Not Ready Yet,” “The Jealous Kind,” “Walkin’ To New Orleans,” “I Remember When,” “Ambushin’ Bastard” & “Wish You Were Here Right Now.”
Musicians – Rufus Thibodeaux (fiddle), Steve Bruton (mandolin), Mickey Raphael (harmonica), Chris Ethridge, Sam Broussard (acoustic, rhythm & electric guitars), Martin Simpson (acoustic slide guitar), Derek Trucks, Fred Carter Jr, Eddie Hinton, Terry Irwin, Jody Payne, Grady Martin, Bobby Broussard, Walter Jnr. Tommy Moran, Scott Goudeau & Jerry McEwen (electric guitars), Jody Maphis, Cranston Clemens, Dan Penn & Leo Jackson Jr. (acoustic guitars), Ben Keith (lap & pedal steel guitars), Mike Elliott (guitars/synth drums/bouzouki), Pat Breaux & Joey Miskulin (accordion), Spooner Oldham (organ), Terry McMillan (piano/percussion), Phil Chandler, Reese Wynans & Joe Krown (keys), David Briggs, Charles Cochran, Hargus Robbins, Floyd Domino Larry Marshall, William Rainsford, & Bob Wilson (piano), George Bitzer (piano/electric piano/Hammond B-3), David Hyde, Norbert Putnam, Dave Ranson, Joe Allen, Jackie Street, Bee Spears & Charles Chappelear (bass), David Peters, Kenny Buttrey, Leland Waddell, Billy English, Mike Burch, Karl Himmel & Brian Brignac (drums), Kenny Malone, Marshall & Wayne Jackson (percussion), Jon Smith, Jerry Jumonville & Eric Traub (tenor sax), Bill Samuel (tenor & baritone sax), Jerry Embree, Roger Lewis (baritone sax), Marshall Cyr (trumpet), Bobby Campo (trumpet/percussion), Wayne Jackson & Jim Horn (horns), Dickie Landry (sax), Dan Cassin & Layton Martens (cello), Maria Traykova, Adrianne Hulscher, Burton Callahan & Ziva Pratt (violins), Jennifer Cassin & Ann Taylor (violas), Ronauld Langlinais (spoons), Ben Keith (slide guitar/synth drums/bass/cowbell/harmony/percussion), Wardell Quezergue (string arrangements/conductor), Charlene Howard, Nick Daniels with children, Erica Falls, Chamisa Cook, Devisia Brian, Rocklyn Tabor, Lisa, Tony & Mike Smiley, Elaine & Lisa Foster (bgv).
A 12-pp stitched insert is included. B&W image courtesy of the Bobby Charles Fan Site. CD @ Amazon & eBay. https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/albums/last-train-to-memphis