Search - Lonnie Mack :: Memphis Wham!

The Wham of that Memphis Man

Johnny L. Waddell | W-S, NC | 12/17/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in 1963 when Eric Clapton was learning to play the guitar and Joe Cocker's voice was still changing. Lonnie Mack and his band created the standard for blues-rock music with recording of The Wham of That Memphis Man. This album got lost in the British invasion when it was first released in 1964. While the English bands were taking their names from blues songs and attempting to play the blues, this album was the real thing. Lonnie and this band nailed the sound that Leon Russell, Joe Cocker, Delaney & Bonnie, ect... would use years later, with songs like I'll Keep You Happy, Satisfied, and Baby What's Wrong. The music sounds as fresh today as it did back then, due to spontaneous sound and the musicians enjoying themselves. Listen to Where There's a Will There's a Way and notice Lonnie doesn't know all the lyrics and improvises with soulful singing. So soulful the song was even got a lot of airplay on black radio stations until they discovered he was white. I'm sure there wasn't a very many retakes on these recordings, where the feel is lost with each retake. Even though they might have been improvising at times, this band was tight, just listening to Wham and Why, still amazes me. Elektra records did a marketing blunder in the early 70's when they reissued this with the lame title For Collectors Only. Elektra continued to impress me when they missed the opportunity to reissue it when Stevie Ray Vaugh was raving about the album in interviews. Thanks to Ace's excellent release we get not only the legendary release of The Wham of That Memphis Man plus 13 additional killer tracks, like Farther on Up The Road, Chicken Pickin', Say Something Nice To Me, Oh, I Apologize, ect...Lonnie Mack has earned the right to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the recording of The Wham of That Memphis Man."

Absolutely a CRIME it took so long for this CD!

Michael J. Hoerr | Cincinnati, OH USA | 08/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I started playing guitar in the 60s in Cincinnati, Lonnie Mack's home base, everybody in the immediate (and not so immediate) area tried to play like Lonnie. But no one could touch him. He is a true original and a consumate perfectionist. I've seen Lonnie Mack live a dozen times and never heard a miscue. And to see him live will make your hair stand on end. Sheer power. Sheer excellence. I don't know if his touring days are over, but I will say that the CD version of his seminal album, so long overdue, will show that he broke new ground in popular music. In 1963, when everyone was grooving to the Beach Boys, here came WHAM! WOW!... What a relief! His synthesis of blues, rock, gospel, and a touch of country was so refreshing and so original that I don't think people were ready for such a powerful album. He is probably one of the most overlooked guitarists in history. If you are a guitarist, a blues fan, or just a music lover, this is one CD you cannot do without."

Finally, Finally, Finally!

Rising Word Entertainment | Nashville, TN USA | 02/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finnally! I have been waiting since the advent of CDs for the rerelease of one of my favorite albums on CD. I discovered Lonnie and this album in 1965 and it became a constant companion and a great teacher of guitar. I continue to be astounded that this album was 1) Not available 2) Not known. It should be in the Blues Hall of Fame. Lonnie Mack had blues guitar and singing sewed up. No other white man could come near him. Listen to the immortal guitar solos on "Baby What's Wrong." Listen to the singing on "Why" and "Where there is a Will". Yes gospel tunes, originally sung by Archie Brownlee and the Mississippi Blind Boys."