Not really an introduction nessecary:
Albert Gene Drewery, known as Albert Collins and the Ice Man (October 1, 1932 – November 24, 1993), was an American electric blues guitarist and singer with a distinctive guitar style. He was noted for his powerful playing and his use of altered tunings and a capo. His long association with the Fender Telecaster led to the title “The Master of the Telecaster”. (by wikipedia)
A leading Dutch pop journalist, the well respected Jip Golsteyn,once wrote that Barrelhouse is and has been for a long time, the leading rhythm & blues group in the Low Countries.The band started in 1974, released 10 albums in as many years, among them a live album with the legendary Albert Collins from Texas.
After some changes in personnel during their acclaimed existence, the band split up in 1986, individual members finding new ways in different groups. But in spite of leadsinger Tineke Schoemaker’s chart success with One Two, a longing for the supple and solid band that once was theirs crept into the minds of the Barrelhouse members while time passed. In 1993 Barrelhouse hit the road again with their original line-up. It was an instant success, not in the least because of the flexibility with which the band renewed its repertoire. This renewed sound and approach was highlighted on the CD’s that followed: Fortune Changes (1993) and Time Frames (1998). By the end of the Summer of 2002 the third CD since the split was released: Walking in Time.
Taken from the video clip
Some say that Barrelhouse is ‘magic’, a lucky combination of musicians that blends into an energetic and solidly lubricated piece of rhythm & blues, all at once catching the eye, forcing you to dance. The most obvious element is the powerful voice of the lead singer Tineke Schoemaker. She doesn’t need to imitate: her soul and sound are original, her range and timing touches the audience immediately. But where would she be without the band featuring bass player Jan Willem Sligting and drummer Bob Dros who make up the very solid rhythm section always leaving room for the soloist to perform on top with their very characteristic Barrelhouse groove. Both guitar players Johnny and Guus LaPorte prove that excellent guitar-solos and strong and inspired rhythm guitar go hand in hand. The brothers excel in both. The band is completed by the technical prowess of piano player Han van Dam, who adds to the solidity of the rhythm section both during solos or in accompaniment. Barrelhouse is dynamic in their slow blues and medium tempo, but even more so when they get worked up with an energetic number which they perform with a kind of enthusiasm that puts a spell on any audience lucky enough to catch a show.
The band has appeared on Dutch television on several occasions and played on major European festivals like Breminale (Bremen – Germany), Moulin Blues (Ospel, The Netherlands), The R&B Festival Peer (Belgium), Blue Balls Festival (Luzern, Switzerland) and North Sea Jazz Festival (The Hague, The Netherlands).
And here´s a very fine live album from the early days of Barrelhouse (the band is still active !).
Collins is backed by a Dutch band on this recording of a December 1978 show in Alkmaar, Holland. Dividing his attention between originals and covers of tunes by the likes of Lowell Fulson and Guitar Slim, it’s a typically energetic set with long solos, the backup musicians playing competently, and female singer Tineke Schoemaker taking the vocals on “Blue River Rising.” (by Richie Unterberger)
I include a very rare video-clip from Dutch TV: Alber Collins & Barrelhouse the song “Conversation With Collins” … including a rely runny guitar-solo by Albert Collins … watch !
Alternate CD frontcover
Personnel:
Albert Collins (guitar, vocals)
with Barrelhouse:
Han van Dam (piano)
Bob Dros (drums)
Guus Laporte (guitar)
Johnny Laporte (guitar)
Jan Willem Sligting (bass)
Tineke Schoemaker (vocals)
Tony Vos (saxophone)
Tracklist:
01. Frosty (A.Collins) 4.44
02. Honey Hush (Fulson) 5.47
03. I’ve Got A Mind To Travel (G.Collins) 7.31
04. Don’t Loose Your Cool (A. Collins) 5.37
05. Blue River Rising (Shuler/Bonner) 6.32
06. Cock It On The Wall (Traditional) 3.04
07. Conversation With Collins (A. Collins) 9.28
08. Keep Your Business Straight (G. Collins) 9.27
+
09. Things I Used To Do (Slim) 4.54
10. Conversation With Collins (video-clip) (A. Collins) 6.19
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