Long Time Coming (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Nappy Brown (vocals); Nappy Brown; Mookie Brill (harmonica, bass guitar); Joe Sunseri, Joe Sunseri (baritone saxophone); Clark Stern, Clark Stern (piano); Jim Pugh (Hammond b-3 organ); Mario Moreno (bass guitar); The Broke And Hungry Quartet (background vocals); Junior Watson, Kid Ramos, Sean Costello, Bob Margolin, Johnny Rapp (guitar); Bob Corritore, John Nemeth (harmonica); Henry Gray (piano); Big Joe Maher, Chico Chism (drums); The Mighty Lester Horns.

Audio Mixer: Mark Williams .

Liner Note Author: Bill Dahl.

Recording information: 02/25/2002-05/??/2007.

Author: Scott Cable.

Nappy Brown was an R&B star in the 1950s, but he dropped below the radar for many years, making a brief comeback in the `80s. He re-emerged once more in time for what would be his swan song, 2007's aptly titled LONG TIME COMING. Its mix of classic R&B, jump blues, and Chicago sounds, energized by Brown's surprisingly youthful-sounding voice, ensured that Brown, who died in 2008, went out on a high note.

Nappy Brown is a survivor, an R&B pioneer from the mid-'50s who had hit records for Savoy before drifting away into obscurity after 1962. He made a short-lived comeback in the '80s and then was off records again for many years before recording Long Time Coming in May of 2007. Nappy Brown is still in prime voice throughout this spirited set. In addition to a variety of blues (including an acoustic "Cherry Red"), blues ballads, and some vintage R&B, he is quite effective singing soul (which he predated) on "Give Me Your Love" and a gospel piece, "Take Care of Me." With the fiery playing of guitarist Sean Costello egging him on along with the drive of the other sidemen, Nappy Brown is heard throughout at the top of his game. He certainly does not sound 78. ~ Scott Yanow minimize