Jimmy "T99" Nelson first started performing R&B way back in the late '40s and scored his first and only hit, "T99 Blues," in 1951.
The Legend, cut some 50-odd years later, is easy to like from the first track.
Nelson still possesses a deep, expressive vocal style, and he knows how to put a song across with style and feeling. He's also surrounded himself with a fairly large, top-notch supporting band that includes electric guitar, a horn section, and piano. A fun set list includes
Willie Dixon's "Help Me" and originals like "The Devil's Sending Up a Blessing to You." The formula -- an expressive singer, a solid band, and great material -- shows that making authentic R&B really hasn't changed that much in 50 years. What really sticks with the listener, though, is
Nelson and the band's ability -- again and again -- to offer fresh arrangements and an eclectic choice of material.
The Legend, then, doesn't remind one of the type of blues album that sounds -- by midway point -- pretty much the same. Recording the album live at Duke's Mood Room also seems like an inspired choice, because the album maintains a high level of energy through track 11.
The Legend is a very satisfying album and will please fans of classic R&B and blues. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.