Live From Cell Block D

by Tracy Nelson

Overview

Country-gospel-blues singer Tracy Nelson takes a cue from Johnny Cash and B.B. King by heading to prison to record her first live album. Few singers belt out songs with as much husky power and gutsy intensity as Nelson, and the surroundings lend themselves to performances of Memphis Slim's "Mother Earth" and Big Bill Broonzy's "I Feel So Good" that rank with her most impassioned work. A full band, including horns and a female backing vocalist, churns up exciting arrangements, and everyone seems to have been inspired by the audiences at these shows. Recorded in front of two separate crowds divided by gender, the enthusiastic response pushes Nelson and her band to superb heights. Guitarist Sam Stafford is particularly fiery, especially playing slide on "I Feel So Good." Incendiary versions of Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and Bessie Smith's "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair," the latter obviously custom-picked for this audience, elicit a rowdy response that is channeled back into Nelson's set. Even run-of-the-mill swamp rockers such as "Be Good to Me Baby," "Strongest Weakness," and "Got a New Truck" -- the latter co-written with Marcia Ball -- are elevated by Nelson's attack. The straight-ahead country of "After the Fire Is Gone" turns into a near gospel frenzy, as does a cover of Lyle Lovett's partly humorous "God Will." There are few singers with a voice as naturally passionate as Tracy Nelson's, and none who effortlessly combine genres with such skill. The album makes a case for more live shows to be recorded in prisons, and is a worthy successor to those that already have been. ~ Hal Horowitz

Product Details

Release Date:	06/17/2003
Label:	Memphis International
UPC:	0823862200421

Tracks

1. I Need All the Help I Can Get
2. Walkin' After Midnight
3. God Will
4. Got a New Truck
5. Tennessee Blues
6. Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair
7. After the Fire Is Gone
8. Mother Earth
9. Strongest Weakness
10. Down So Low
11. Feel So Good

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Tracy Nelson   Primary Artist,Piano,Vocals
Toni Sehulster   Bass (Electric)
Shane Stafford   Guitar
Vickie Carrico   Vocals (Background)
Charlie Wood   Organ,Piano
Scott Thompson   Trumpet
Jim Spake   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor),Sax (Soprano),Sax (Baritone)

Technical Credits

Brad Blackwood   Mastering
Delbert McClinton   Composer
Lewis Simpkins   Composer
Public Domain   Composer
Donnie Fritts   Composer
William Floyd   Live Mixing
Michael H. Goldsen   Composer
Brooke Barnett   Cover Design
Don Hect   Composer
Kevin Houston   Engineer
L.E. White   Composer
Bekka Bramlett   Composer
Gary Nicholson   Composer
Lyle Lovett   Composer
Don Hecht   Composer
David Less   Producer,Liner Notes
Peter Chatman   Composer
William Lee Conley Broonzy   Composer
George Brooks   Composer
Willie Nelson   Liner Notes
Alan Block   Composer
Marcia Ball   Composer
Tracy Nelson   Composer,Liner Notes
Bobby Charles   Composer
Bill Monroe   Composer
Mike Dysinger   Mixing
Big Bill Broonzy   Composer