They call it "Stormy Monday," but Tuesday's just as bad

You know you're sick when you can't even enjoy LOU RAWLS properly.
I am laying on the floor of my living room, listening to "LOU RAWLS LIVE," nursing a big glass of water, praying the Tylenol Cold & Congestion tablets take hold and -- "RORY SHUT UP!" -- wondering why the dog decided today would be the right day to begin barking out the window at the wind as it blows.
Even with the inside of my mouth tasting like CHALK and my nose running like a torrent, I can tell the 1966 album "Lou Rawls Live" is fabulous.
Rawls croons with backing by Tommy Strode (piano), Herb Ellis (guitar), Jimmy Bond (bass) and Earl Palmer (drums).
The between-songs banter is just as memorable as the tunes.
Rawls just talked about the wind on a cold Chicago day cutting like a razor blade, and the crowd is clapping in time with the rhythm of his cadence. The spoken introduction comes right before a swinging version of "Tobacco Road."
If you only knew Rawls as a singer of R&B ballads (and he is one of the best), you need to check out "Lou Rawls Live" to discover his jazzy side.
It is almost as good as orange juice when you're sick.