Risin' with the Blues (CD - 2006)

The often-controversial Ike Turner is unfortunately best known for his behind-the-scenes contributions to R&B and rock & roll (he claims his "Rocket 88" was the first rock-&-roll record) and his violence toward his former wife, the singer Tina Turner. But this set is evidence that, after more than six decades as a musician, he's still more than capable of producing a compelling collection of down-and-dirty blues and funk. Starting with the deep groove of "Gimme Back My Wig" and a nod to his roots on the jump blues of "Caledonia," Turner also revisits "A Love Like Yours," which he and Tina first recorded in 1966 with Phil Spector. And his unapologetic, gospel-tinged "Jesus Loves Me" points an accusing finger back at his unforgiving critics. minimize