I am a fan of good blues of all styles. “Keep On Pleasin’ You” is the first cut on  Nappy Brown’s “Long Time Coming” CD.  It is a high-energy jump blues tune that grabs your attention as Mr. Brown delivers a strong and clear vocal performance with a great sense of style. At the age of 78,  Nappy not only still has a big voice, but he has honed it to seemingly effortless perfection on this album.   He is truly one of the originals, starting a recording career in the ’50’s, touring with Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, Buddy Holly and others.  His R&B, gospel and soul style is impossible to resist.  “Long Time Coming” is a very well-done album with a wonderful attitude and feel.

Blind Pig Records released this album in Autumn of 2007.  There are a couple of classics on here that were re-recorded for this album along with some new killer tracks. This is a fresh sounding album that covers a variety of blues styles from jump, to Chicago style, etc and also contains some cuts that allow Napoleon (Nappy) Brown Culp to stretch out and show that his chops are as strong as ever. The 4th track, “Give Me your Love” is the perfect vehicle on which his classic Blues-Crooner style sets sail.  He sings it from the heart, and his soul.  As on all the tunes, the production is tight  and still very real and there is a definite sense of humor threading it’s way through each tune.

“Don’t Be Angry” was originally recorded by Nappy in 1955.  Here it is again swinging as hard as ever.  Nappy lays out his “Night Time Is The Right Time” with soulful grit. The B-3 on this tune rings through so strong and tasteful that I had my cash out waiting for the collection plate.  There is a no-nonsense stinging guitar solo laid out here also.  Nappy wrote “Night Time…” in 1957 and it was recorded by Ray Charles a couple of years later. 

Big Joe Turner’s “Cherry Red” is a quiet acoustic blues covered here with style, brushes and tasteful guitar.  Yet another crooner tune for Nappy.   I think this is my favorite cut on the album.

The album ends on a very high note with the gospel tune ‘Take Care Of Me”.  This whole album just makes you feel good from start to finish.

The vocal range of Mr. Brown is remarkable.  He approaches each song with just the right tone and attack, or subtlety, depending on what the tune requires. This along with all the other tasty players on this album make this a classic piece of work from a classic veteran artist.    I can imagine the fun to be had at one of Nappy’s club dates.

Another good one to be had!  Get it.

- Lone Lee

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