1. In the Middle of It All
2. Flowers
3. I Count the Tears
4. Make Me a Pallet on Your Floor
5. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
6. If You Knew How Much
7. Another Man Done Gone
8. Till I Can't Take It Anymore
9. These Honey Dos
10. Another Lonely Heart
11. Soul of a Man
12. Stone Survivor
13. Shelter in the Rain
Amazon.com
Irma Thomas has long been hailed as the "Soul Queen of New Orleans," an accolade that's accurate but seems a little limited. (Imagine calling Elvis Presley the "King of Memphis Rock & Roll.") As her first album of new recordings in six years attests, Thomas can sing just about anything better than just about anyone from just about anywhere. Though the liner notes indicate that most of the material was selected before Hurricane Katrina, there's a bittersweet resonance that extends from Arthur Alexander's lament about a once happy home "In the Middle of It All" and the soul classic "I Count the Tears" to the funeral dirge of the traditional "Another Man Done Gone" and the Blind Willie Johnson blues standard "Soul of a Man." There's an inspirational quality as well, in the gospel "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free" and the stirring closer, Stevie Wonder's "Shelter in the Rain," with only David Torkanowsky's piano backing Thomas's transcendent voice. Other Louisiana instrumental seasonings come from Sonny Landreth's slide guitar and Dirk Powell's fiddle. Most singers who have been recording as long as Thomas resort to tricks, mannerisms, and show-off displays, but she remains the anti-diva, a stylist of exquisite understatement whose every note rings true and hits home. --Don McLeese
Album Description
Irma Thomas is one of New Orleans' most beloved and iconic entertainers. On 'After the Rain,' the Soul Queen of New Orleans brings her rich and resonant vocals to a surprisingly varied repertoire that spans 75 years of American songwriting, the common thread being Irma's soulful and direct-from-the-heart delivery. Spare and often acoustic instrumental settings by an all-star Louisiana band allow Irma's vocals to shine through on each song. Recorded at rural Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana only months after Hurricane Katrina, After the Rain is a remarkable declaration of resilience, presenting Irma Thomas at her very best.
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After the Rain
- Audio CD: 0 pages (2006-04-25)
- Publisher: Rounder / Umgd
- Label: Rounder / Umgd
- Studio: Rounder / Umgd
- Average Customer Review:
 based on 10 reviews
- Sales Rank in Music: #39253
Avg. Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: it's Irma 2007-11-03
Comment: It is Irma Thomas, after all. She is fabulous. Anything by her has to be appreciated for the gem it is. True Americana. Blues as it should be interpreted.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: Love Ya 2007-08-11
Comment: Irma Thomas is undeniably one of the best blues singers of all time.
For those of us with a special place in our heart for her amazing singing since "It's Raining" and "I wish someone would care", here she is back, as strong as ever.
This album is delightful and the first song alone "In the middle of it all" is worth the price of the CD. Great band, wonderfully natural production.
A keeper.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: My favorite Irma Thomas recording ever!! 2007-07-28
Comment: I have listened to After the Rain for hours and hours, and never tire of it. Never has her voice had greater depth or range. I love the choice of songs and the quality of the recording is excellent!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: A "Nawlins" Angel Sings For Us All 2007-05-27
Comment: I wasn't familiar with this artist in any way shape or form a month ago (4-07). I heard "In the Middle of it All" by her on a Blues streaming channel on my computer one afternoon. I was absolutely entranced in every way. I immediately ordered the CD on Amazon and consider it one of the finest CDs I own by a female singer bar none. I own over 2500 CDs and had double that in vinyl a few years ago. Rest assured, this CD will find its' way into your heart and your ears as a top favorite in your music collection. Guaranteed.............. My only puzzlement is why I wasn't familiar with her before now, I arrogantly thought I knew who was who in mainstream music, obviously I have a whole lot left to learn (I love that because I will never hear enough music like this) Buy it, buy it, buy it.......
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
Customer Rating:
Summary: LEGENDARY SURVIVOR AT HER PEAK~BRAVO IRMA!!! 2006-12-01
Comment: Back in the musically wonderful sixties a real standout classic and timeless performance is "Wish Someone Would Care" by Irma Thomas being a haunting listening experience to this day...over the years since this great singer has been making many fine albums then along comes a true masterpiece...who knew it would be all these years later! A fixture in New Orleans for decades, this collection of richly varied songs was recorded a few months after Hurricane Katrina which wiped out Irma's worldly possessions but not her soul or remarkable talent as she has never sounded quite like this...deeply involved with each song Irma takes the listener on the musical trip of a lifetime and richly illuminates each great song with a emotional richness that is stunning!!! Anyone who loves a great singer at the peak of her incredible powers will want this mesmerizing collection...essential must have desert island disc and the finale of this tremendous set is make up of not one but three incredible performances that are the most stirring and deeply moving that have come along in years. "Soul Of A Man" is bluesy and deep, "Stone Survivor" is a funky and riveting rocker while Stevie Wonder's "Shelter In The Rain" is deeply soulful and features a magnificent stunning vocal that is beautifully surrounded by piano only and the effect is unforgettable making one wish for a complete "Stevie Wonder Songbook" from this great singer...plus ten additional stellar performances and each is a richly rewarding listening experience! Bravo Irma and here is wishing you a much deserved Grammy Award for this musical treasure that is a true classic to be enjoyed over and over! 12/9 update; Congratulations Irma Thomas for your Grammy Award Nomination!!! 2/12 update; Congratulations, I knew you would win the Grammy Award!
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