From the Vaults of Atlantic Records (series)

I've Been Doin' Some Thinkin'

by Mose Allison

Description by OLDIES.com:

Originally released by Atlantic in 1968, this album features Allison backed by Red Mitchell on bass and Bill Goodwin on drums.

Product Description:

Personnel: Mose Allison (vocals, piano); Red Mitchell (bass); Bill Goodwin (drums).

Originally released on Atlantic (1511). Includes liner notes by Herb Wong.

Pianist/vocalist Mose Allison has made a name for himself with his unique blend of jazz and blues, which serves as an ideal backdrop for his witty lyrics and charmingly mellow voice. I'VE BEEN DOIN' SOME THINKIN' (1968) features 11 original tunes and a cover of the traditional song, "You Are My Sunshine," which Allison reworks with complex, jazzy chords. Other songs here, such as "City Home" and "Everybody Cryin' Mercy," are very blues oriented. The latter was popularized by Bonnie Raitt in a gritty rendition, though Allison's original version, as heard here, is quite smooth and laid-back. On this tune, Allison croons about the contradictions of humanity and the duplicity of both individuals and nations. Many of the lyrics on this album discuss love and relationships in ways that are quite compelling, and often downright funny. For example, "Your Molecular Structure" uses molecules as a metaphor for describing a pretty woman. This is Allison at his best.