Life Ain't Easy

• Artist: Big Joe Turner
• Rating:
• Release Date: June 03, 1974
• Total Time: 40:04
• Genre: Rhythm & Blues

Review

Big Joe Turner's Pablo recordings of 1974-84 tended to be loose and sometimes a bit sloppy (with some overlong performances) but they were always full of spirit. On this particular CD, Turner's classic singing is matched with a mostly all-star crew including trumpeter Roy Eldridge, trombonist Al Grey, tenor saxophonist Lee Allen, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Earl Palmer (along with guitarist Thomas Gadson and Jimmy Robins on piano and organ). Turner performs Woody Guthrie's "So Long" and five of his recent originals; Eldridge and Grey's occasional competitive solos uplift the music. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Life Ain't Easy	Big Joe Turner, Joe Turner	Joe Turner	(6:45)
Plant Your Garden	Big Joe Turner, Joe Turner	Joe Turner	(8:17)
So Long	Russ Morgan, Remus Harris, Irving Melsher	Joe Turner	(5:05)
For Growin' Up	Big Joe Turner, Joe Turner	Joe Turner	(10:40)
Morning Glory	Joe Turner, Traditional	Joe Turner	(3:00)
Kick the Front Door In	Big Joe Turner, Joe Turner	Joe Turner	(6:17)

Credits

Ray Brown (?), Earl Palmer (Drums), Phil Stern (Photography), Jimmy Robins (?), Phil Carroll (Art Direction), Ed Green (Engineer), Gilles Margerin (Design), Norman Granz (Producer), Roy Eldridge (?), Thomas Gadson (?), Phil DeLancie (Digital Remastering), Jimmy Robins (Organ), Al Grey (?), Roy Eldridge (Trumpet), Jimmy Robins (Piano), Earl Palmer (Drums (Snare)), Lee Allen (Sax (Tenor)), Al Grey (Trombone), Big Joe Turner (Vocals), Thomas Gadson (Guitar), Ray Brown (Bass), Dennis Sands (Engineer)