Take a Sentimental Journey With Fats Domino

The following is taken from the April 2007 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 292) when I did a lengthy review of a number of releases on The German Blue Label (a subsidiary of SPV Gmbh). This is the first of a number of posts from that composite review. My review copies were supplied by the publication. This is still in print.

Of interest will be a double disc by the legendary Fats Domino titled Sentimental Journey. Recorded in 1987, Fats was accompanied by his working band for what is a solid live recording at the University of New Orleans as he revisits so many classics including I’m Gonna be a Big Wheel Someday, I’m Walking, Ain’t It a Shame, The Fat Man, Walking to New Orleans, Blueberry Hill, My Girl Josephine, Let the Four Winds Blow, I’m in Love Again and Professor Longhair’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans. 

 The band is in solid form and the Fat Man rocks and one gets to hear plenty of his piano in addition to his warm, ingratiating vocals. Unfortunately no band personnel are listed though there is plenty of fine sax, muted trumpet and guitar (featured with Fats on the closing instrumental rendition of Sentimental Journey). This is an enjoyable performance, although there is much live Domino available including a hot European concert with trumpeter Dave Bartholomew present and his Austin City Limits TV show (also available on DVD). 

Here is some Fats live.