"Let Them Talk"
James Booker
(Check it out at tampacalling.com)
The flamboyant James Booker had a serious heroin addiction that landed him a prison term and an eyepatch (his eye was knocked out in a fight). Otherwise, he would probably hold his rightful place atop the pantheon of New Orleans piano greats. This rare footage of Booker performing the ballad "Let Them Talk" showcases his distinctive piano-playing style: a mesmerizing blend of classical, jazz, boogie-woogie, stride and pop that complements rather than overwhelms the lyric. An underrated vocalist, Booker compensates for his lack of range by offering spine-tingling emotion.
This article appears in Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2007.
