Black And Blue (1963)/ Tobacco Road

""Black And Blue" and "Tobacco Road" were Lou Rawls' third and fourth records for Capitol cut in 1962 and 1963, respectively. The powers that be at the label made the decision to send Rawls into the studio with a swinging big band under the direction of Onzy Matthews and featuring some real heavyweights like saxophonists Curtis Amy, Teddy Edwards, and Sonny Criss; organist Groove Holmes; and bassist Curtis Counce. The choice didn't pan out commercially, but artistically it is a triumph. The band is perfect, the arrangements are tight and interesting, and Rawls sounds completely in his element as he belts out jazz standards like "Summertime" and "Gloomy Sunday." Most of the records are devoted to blues standards like "Trouble in Mind," "Stormy Weather," "St. James Infirmary," and "I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water," and while on paper they may look like the same old songs everyone does, Rawls brings them to life and even sets a few ablaze with his rich, rough, and powerful vocals." (Tim Sendra, Allmusic)