Blind Pig Records: Heaven - Pinetop Perkins- New Release Review

On April 17 Blind Pig Records will offer a previously unreleased set of 1986 "after hours" recordings by Pinetop Perkins called Heaven. Typically I think of posthumous recordings as a bunch of remastered junk that has been put together by a record company to squeeze ever last dime out of a deceased artist but this cd is terrific! The 12 track set finds Pinetop at top form performing solo on all but 4 tracks. It is a very intimate listen to Pinetop at his peak at only 73. Willie "Big Eyes" Smith contributes to Sitting On Top Of The World prior to his passing in September and Otis Clay compliments the jazz standard Since I Fell For You.
The cd (also available on 180g audiophile vinyl) opens with 44 Blues and it is solid as a rock. If this doesn't get your attention, you likely won't like the recordings. This is great! Perkins finger articulation on Relaxin' is right on. The feel is all there. I'm a sucker for Sittin' On Top Of The World and Perkins does a masterful job. Of course Pinetop's Boogie Woogie is present and jammin'. One of my favorite tracks is Ida B with Mike Markowitz on harp. Pinetop's Blues is strong and heartfelt demonstrating not only Perkins abilities on piano but also his effectiveness vocally. Pinetop's instumentl take on Willow Weep For Me converts it from an old Jazz vocal standard to a New Orleans blues track. That's All Right is a great summation for the recordings. Perkins sings with clarity and his playing is crisp and strong. This album is not only a must for those who have to have everything that Pinetop has ever done...but those who don't have any.

Great recordings and a great tribute to a great blues man!
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I looked had to try to find the right video but this is the best I could do. When these recordings were cut Pinetop was 73. In this recording he's 95, but most of the film that I could find of him that was time appropriate was featuring him with Muddy Waters.