Benny Turner - "BT" - All tracks produced by Benny Turner - Tracks 4,6,8 co-produced by Bobby Gentilo

Nola Blue, Inc. - www.nolabluerecords.com

 

review written with many thanks and much appreciation to - Benny Turner -and - Sallie Bengston -  John Muller - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1

 

 

85 year old Benny Turner was born in Gilmer,Texas. His older brother is the famed guitarist known to the public as Freddie King. 

 

            " I had a great time working on this album with some of my favorite musicians and reminiscing about my musical history, from picking up the guitar again to revisiting my gospel roots, to finally recording some of my favorites.....the songs "Born In This Time" and "Who sang It First " are a very important reminder of the history of slavery and the roots of the blues that should never be forgotten." - Benny Turner

           

            When Nola Blue Records president Sallie Bengston established her label a decade ago , then New Orleans bassman and vocalist Benny Turner , age 75 at the time , was the label's debut artist , and his critically acclaimed "Journey" was Nola Blues inaugural release . Sallie believed in Benny's story so much that she commissioned prolific writer Bill Dahl to author the award-winning 2017 autobiography,"The Survivor:The Benny Turner Story" . 

              "BT" , Benny's latest release, is the wonderful soundtrack to his remarkable life and career . Much like his acclaimed autobiography the music and the songs reflect a life well lived and a soul well traveled . A veteran musician of more than 50 years , one of the few living bluesmen , along with Bobby Rush and Buggy Guy , who knew greats such as Muddy waters , Howlin' Wolf , Jimmy reed and others , Benny has played everywhere from the Chitlin Circuit to Japan , Europe , Australia, and all points in between. He and Luther Allison were once roommates! For those unfamiliar with Benny Turner let me school you with a few more facts - Younger brother of Freddie King,Benny was the bass player for the Freddie King Band . Later , Benny joined Mighty Joe Young as the bass guitarist of his band before becoming the bandleader for Marva Wright for 20 years . After many years as a sideman , Benny Turner started his solo career . 

             The "BT" sessions had a uniquely interesting journey all on their own . In 2018 recording began to take place at FAME in Muscle Shoals, then continued in New Orleans . However the sessions were later postponed indefinitely for various and unforeseen circumstances - The COVID lockdown; Benny had to deal with the destruction of his New Orleans home due to Hurricane Ida; Benny wanting to work alongside his friend Cash McCall, who was terminally ill,giving Cash support on the "Going Back Home" sessions , the final recording from Cash McCall ; and Benny Turner's move to the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. The "BT" sessions were finally completed in August , 2024 , in Columbia,Pennsylvania , with guitarist Bobby Gentillo co-producing three tracks and contributing stellar guitar work throughout.

             The diversity of the material on "BT" is impressive , taking the listener on a musical odyssey , visiting Chicago , New Orleans , Memphis, and Muscle Shoals , Benny leading the way towards a wonderful and wildly entertaining mix of blues , funk , R&B , and Gospel . With a HUGE roster of talents assembled each track is uniquely special , showcasing Benny's contributions , but spotlighting the remarkable talents of artists across the musical spectrum . 

               * "Sleepy Time in the Barnyard" - Instrumental is a feast for guitar fans to savor , showcasing Benny's best fret work alongside second guitarist and engineer Bobby Gentilo. Bobby has called this track a down-home back porch country blues instrumental like he used to hear his family play when he was a boy in East Texas.

                * Inspired by friend Jimmy Reed (would have liked to have been a fly on the wall when Benny and Jimmy partied together) , "Drunk" is a fun-loving track, a classic blues shuffle, reflecting the clever wit of "BT" himself . You'll find yourself singing along , sober or not!

                  * "Going Down Slow" is a well-crafted track and wonderfully original , starting out as a fiery harmonica-driven blues scorcher but suddenly shifting gears to become a soulful , heavenly , gospel song. Benny says that this song is one of the most requested at his live shows! Recorded by Howlin' Wolf in 1961 , Benny honors his friend , and salutes the Chicago legends , on this special recording.

                      * From the 1971 film ,"Mandingo" , sung by Muddy Waters during the film's opening credits , "Born in This Time"  , a powerful reflection on cultural injustices and insufferable inhumanity . 

                        * A track certainly influenced by the dance craze songs of the 50's and 60's , "The Walk" was one of the last tracks added to the album.Sallie Bengston says the inspiration to record this came from a blues history lesson during a night of Dominoes between herself and Benny Turner.

                   * "Smoke my Peace Pipe(Smoke it Right)" is an homage to Benny Turner's New Orleans years, saluting Big Chief Bo Dollis with Marva Wright on backing vocals , a funked up etoufee of spicy R&B  , irresistible and inescapable. Amongst the 5 vocalists working their mojo here is the late Warner Williams' distinct vocals resulting from his tracheostomy tube! Crank this one way , way up !!

                    *  "Bump Miss Susie" - Miss Susie certainly enjoys bumping "all night long" , and we are invited to this wildly exciting soiree ! A song by Rudolph Toombs , often credited to Big Joe Turner , this track will have your hips quakin' and your butt shakin'  right from the start!

                     * "Who Sang it First" - Benny co-wrote with Jim George , appearing initially on "Breakin' News:10 Years of Blues" , the Nola Blue 10-year anniversary release . Benny shines on vocals alongside outstanding contributions from Tiffany Pollack and Kassie Netherland Miele - a "tribute to all the black pioneers and artists who have paved the way, invented the music and enriched all our lives."

                         * The B-side of Dee Clarks 1958 hit,"Nobody But You" , is a wonderful mix of Gospel and blues , "That's When I Call on You" , filled out with Clayton Ivey's B-3 work and riveting background vocals.Dee Clark invited Benny Turner to tour with him on the road to support his 1961 hit,"Raindrops" . Another outstanding recording in homage to a highly-regarded friend.

                         * "Finger Poppin' Time" features the last remaining member of The Midnighters, Billy Davis , on guitar with Benny handling all the harmonies . Benny created this medley after meeting Billy Davis , a tribute to Hank Ballard and The Midnighters.

                          "BT" is a wonderful recording , a pure delight from start to finish , shining a bright light on a deeply soulful man who has made a timeless mark on the music scene . Benny Turner is a treasure , a blues music icon , a gem to be admired and enjoyed . Celebrating Benny Turner's 85th birthday , and Nola Blue Record's ten year anniversary , "BT" sends us on a musical odyssey spanning decades , a soul-stirring and entertaining milestone that is pure magic. A great time from start to finish!

 

And we thank the amazing musicians and vocalists who pulled together this extraordinary ensemble of inventive collaboration:

                Bobby Gentilo - guitar,clavinet,piano,percussion,background vocals / Paul Murr - drums,background vocals/Nate Young - Wurlitzer, piano, percussion and background vocals / Will McFarlane , Derwin "Big D" Perkins,Billy Davis, Steve Grills,June Yamagishi , and jack Miele - guitars ; Harrel "Young Rell" Davenport , harmonica ; Clayton Ivey- Wurlitzer, keys, and Hammond B-3 ; Justin Holder and Christy Engel - drums ; Tiffany Pollack , Warner Williams, Marva Wright , Kassie Netherland Miele , background vocals ; Jeffrey "Jellybean" Alexander,drums ; Sax Gordon , horns ; Shawn Allen and Keiko Komak , piano and B-3 ; Dave Keyes , piano ; Norwood "Geechie" Johnson , bass drum ; Joe Krown , B-3.

 

Congratulations.......Making her recording debut , Nola Blue Records very own , Sallie Bengston, on background vocals and claps!! 

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