Reviews (6)

Awesome guitar -- beyond comparison
JB Hutto LAYS WASTE to any other electric guitarist you've ever heard play. How it is he isn't a household word is beyond my comprehension -- he's unbelievable!!!

Essential blues from the Slidewinder!
I think J.B. himself summed up this album with those immortal words from the title song- "HAVE MERCY!"

****1/2. The last and greatest of Elmore James' disciples
Hound Dog Taylor and J.B. Hutto were the last disciples of the king of post-war slide guitar, the great Elmore James, and Joseph Benjamin Hutto's main source of inspiration is obvious on this his first studio album, "Hawk Squat". The first track, "Speak My Mind", is in fact a thinly-veiled cover of "Dust My Broom".
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Pop    6. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

A mainstay of the festival circuit and blues clubs, MarciaBall is acaptivating performer and a one-woman ambassador for the southLouisiana soundshe loves. This, her third Rounder album, dates from 1989. It's amostlyself-composed program that doesn't quite capture thejoy of herlive shows, but comes close at times. Of all the new songs, "The Powerof Love" isbest. It's a beautifully poised performance that grows slowly andinexorablyfrom a two-minute vocal-piano intro. Some of the songs are builtaround themournful swamp-pop chord changes; others around Cajun two-steps.The albumcloses with country star LeRoy Parnell's "Red Hot," which hassince become oneof her show-closers. Read more

Reviews (4)

An excellent early album
On this set, Marcia demonstrates her skills on a variety of songs, beginning with How to carry on, an up-tempo rocker, which sees her attacking the piano in a manner reminiscent of Jerry Lee Lewis. There's nothing else quite like that here, but there is a nice mix of tempos. The mood of the album is generally upbeat. First rate
This is the best of the cds put out by Marcia Ball and I recommend it highly.The performances on other Ball cds is equally good, but the quality of the songwriting on this one sets it apart from the rest. (Irealize 4 stars around here amounts to damning with faint praise, but geez,there ought to be some shades of gray between the ridiculous and thesublime).

energy personified
I've seen her performance live and this CD easily captures all the energy of her live performance. "La ti Da" is "awsome. Probably the most moving (and my #1 fav) cut on the CD is The Power of Love". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Texas Blues    4. Louisiana Blues    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Piano Blues    7. Pop    8. Swamp Blues   

Editorial Review

Back in 1969, Muddy Waters and Otis Spann teamed with young guns Paul Butterfield and Michael Bloomfield to create Read more

Reviews (20)

all-around excellent blues-rock disc
I tend to stay away from collaborations and stick to the original blues recordings, but I read a few good reviews of this disc and when I saw the line-up of the artists on it, I thought I'd give it a try.Let me tell you, it doesn't disappoint at all.This CD has a good drive, a strong rhythm, excellent production values and will definitely pick you up.This CD has blues classics laid on a British rock foundation.It doesn't get too much into the rock territory, though.I thought a really nice balance was achieved between blues and rock, such that the strong drive is always there, but at the same time, this is unmistakably blues, with excellent piano and harp to add to solid guitar work.Even though there are a few prominent rock guitarrists assembled in this CD, there is no guitar shoot-out here.The guitars provide a solid, pleasant, easy-to-listen backing but never take over the songs as is often the case in pure blues.This is a great CD for driving - you will never get any highway hypnosis if you have this CD on.If you've stayed away from blues but like classic/British rock, give this a try.If you are blues purist and are suspicious of this all-star line-up, give this a try.If you are looking to ease smoothly into the blues scene, give this a try.If you like country rock, give this a try.I think you can't go wrong with this disc.This a good value for the money.

Good for both blues novices and pros
Anyone put off by the "all-star" supporting cast on this tribute to the late Chicago blues legend Jimmy Rogers, which is an understandable thing based on other such offerings out there, is missing the point. The point is this is a good, solid effort throughout the disc. If you're new to the blues, this is a good, accessible intro. If you're a longtime blues aficionado, this is still strong; this is not "blues for kids". He gets help from the best: Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Taj Mahal, Robert Plant, Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Jimmy D Lane, Kim Wilson on harmonica, Johnny Johnson on piano, even Stephen Stills. I agree with some of the other reviewers that the last track, John Lee Hooker's "Gonna Shoot You Right Down (Boom Boom)" is good stuff. Rogers himself sings the vocals and plays guitar on the tracks and sounds great. He passed before the album was released, but musically, he went out strong with this one. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the blues.

Nice!
I've always been a bit sceptical about these superstar collaborations...they don't always work too well, and sometimes the guest stars overshadow the supposed main artist. But Jimmy Rogers and his various all-star combos manage to pull it off really well.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B   

Reviews (9)

A legend.....each and every song a hit!
Buddy Guy is one of my all-time favorite bluesmen....and this is the album which started it all for me.
Outstanding !
Every track on this compilation is strong, no doubt about it.I like much of Buddy's later work but I keep returning to the sides he recorded for Chess in the 60s.Fortunately, the sound quality is excellent for that era and doesn't get in the way at all.There is great variety in this set and I have difficulty picking favorites but these tunes do make it easy to see why so many musicians have been influenced by Buddy.It's obvious to see that young Buddy was more than capable of leading a band.Typical of Chess Records, the CD booklet has a great historical perspective and complete song info.what a band Buddy had together back in the 60's!Lafayette Leake, Little Brother Montgomery, Leonard Caston and Otis Spann alternated on piano, Jack Meyers and Phil Upchurch on bass, Fred Below, Al Duncan, Phil Thomas and Clifton James on drums plus a host of other talented players.Enjoy the newer mucis Buddy has made but don't forget his first golden era.Great stuff.

Very On Point Collection
Buddy Guy is One of the Baddest Blues Playing Guitar Players Ever to me.His tone is pure&He doesn't overkill on the heavyHanded Riffing&Soloing like some cats do. this Collection is a Great showcase of His Talent&Rawness. His Vocals are on point as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop   

Reviews (23)

a feel good album...
10 years I've had this cd, and it has been a constant favorite.I also love the heavily instrumented and "loud" albums of buddy guy and junior wells, but this album is much different.It covers a completely different mood, occasion for listening.
Acoustic greatness
This is two old blues pro's and running mates doing it up!
What a Team!
The magical synergy of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy was apparent in"Hoodoo Man Blues", recorded before Buddy Guy was well known.Junior Wells' subsequent solo works, while workmanlike, have never achieved the same pinnacle (e.g., Come On Into This House).With this joint effort, that synergy is back.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Chicago Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Chicago Blues    5. Pop   

Reviews (1)

I keep coming back and wanting more.
Three independently good solo jazz singers meld together compellingly. I keep giving copies away. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Electric Texas Blues    5. Pop   

Reviews (3)

i will sing
This is an average recording all around, but it is worth it to hear Guy Penrod on "I will sing of My Redeemer."

An awesome collection of old favorite hyms by "Homecoming"!
You won't find a bigger fan of Gaither music than I am. I love the new songs of today, but there is something special about the old hymns. The highlight of this album is Glen Payne and Guy Penrod singing "TheHaven of Rest". This is probably a 6 star album in my opinion!!!

A Must for everyone who loves classic hymns and the Gaithers
This CD is a compliation of most of the hymns found on the Homecoming CD's and videos.There's a sweet spirit moving when Larry Ford and Guy Penrod sing "I Will Sing of My Redeemer", and the entire group singing"Majesty" and "Sitting at the Feet of Jesus".Wellworth the investment! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Chicago Blues    2. CCM    3. Contemporary Gospel    4. Gospel    5. Gospel/Christian Music    6. Pop    7. Religious / Contemp. Christian    8. Southern Gospel   

Reviews (5)

Butterfield's Magnificent Swan Song
This record/CD is a true gem. Though there were a few more efforts from Butterfield including the 2nd effort by this line-up, he would never again reach the stellar heights he hit with this record. First the band smokes from every standpoint vocals, solos, and ensemble playing. The rep covers every genre of blues and Better Days nails everyone with verve and authenticity. In addition to Butterfield we are introduced to some of the most talented players who were virtually unheard of at the time. Amos Garret's one of kind guitar playing comes from out of left field with his double string bends and unique phrasing. His solo on "Please Send Me Someone to Love" belongs on the list of top ten guitar solos of ALL time. It brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. Ronnie Barron and Geogg Muldaur both sing their tails off and Chris Parker and Billy Rich just groove from beginning to end. I cannot recommend this timeless CD enough.

Classic Blues album.
Yes, I'm old enough to call it an album, as I do own the LP that I bought in the 70's, but too many parties and it isn't in the same pristine condition it was 30 years ago.Butterfield rocks and this is the album with my favorite PB tune, Buried Alive in the Blues. Really worth a few late night listens....

The lesser known Butterfield Band, but no less talented
Most of those who will read this are already aware of the late Paul Butterfield's ability on harp,vocals,and band-leading, but perhaps some don't know as much aboutthe other band members: Amos Garrett is a true wizard-guitarist, bending and sliding multiple strings into perfectly in-tune moving chords ,(usually only playable by two guitarists together), without devices. . Some readers will better remember him as the solist on'Midnight At The Oasis' by Maria Muldaur,(formerly married to Jeff).The late Ronnie Barron, on piano and vocals, was a contemporary of Mac Rebenak,(Dr.John). There's a legend that Mac originally was going produce Ronnie as Doctor John,before deciding to do it himself. The truth of this rumor doesn't matter, what does is how believable it is after hearing Ronnie Barron. Chris Parker has been a major session drummer ever since this recording, perhaps best known from the 'Saturday Night Live' band. With all of their individual talent, they play as a cohesive unit, musically, more so than the original band, (which depended more on hot solos). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Electric Harmonica Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Modern Electric Blues    9. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    10. Pop    11. Rock   

Reviews (14)

Masterpiece - nothing else in blues quite like this
I've just bought this CD for the 4th time - along with Jack Dupree's "Blues From The Gutter", it's the one I give away when I really want to give, and turn someone on to the blues.
sensational discovery
I knew Lenoir from Scorcesse's films "Blues History" .Hia social interests captivated me so much.

A great reissue of the brilliant work of a neglected master
Most hardcore blues fans know of J.B.Lenoir, but if you're unfamiliar with him then this CD will be a revelation. He is a unique stylist, master guitar player, and profound lyricist. His singing is powerful, idiosyncratic and full of conviction.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Chicago Blues    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Chicago Blues    6. Country Blues    7. Electric Chicago Blues    8. Folk-Blues    9. Pop   

Reviews (6)

Do not buy this CD!
What a waste.Is this bad music?Not really.Is it the best choice for Lindy Hopping?No!It is one of the worst compilations out there in fact.This is a result of people that teach at a general dance studio trying to be cool and find music you can swing to--while not being swing music.Or perhaps they couldn't secure the rights to anything else???Could you dance to these songs?I guess.Do I want to?No way.

pardon the putative cynicism
This album is a compilation of competent cuts of good classics which individually and collectively appear to represent the title, but in general, each piece is far from the center as a representative of each genre. To an accomplished dancer this may work or even be exactly what you are looking for. To a novice this album is the pits.

Disappointing
As the first reviewer said, this is not Lindy Hop music.Aside from the Royal Crown Revue track, it is maybe West Coast Swing music at best.Great for WCS, but not for Lindy or even East Coast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Ballroom Dance    3. Big Band Collections    4. Doo Wop    5. Easy Listening    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Harmonica Blues    8. Jazz    9. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    10. Pop    11. Popular Music    12. R&B    13. Urban   

Features

• Import

Reviews (1)

A fine compilation
Spectrum's "The Essential Bo Diddley" is really the only single-disc compilation which can compete with MCA/Chess' "His Best".Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues Music    2. Electric Chicago Blues    3. Oldies    4. R&B    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll    7. United States of America   

Reviews (2)

Where does he come from???
If you have heard of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Walter Trout, Johnny Lang or Joe Kubek; Ask where does their music come from? Most probably the answer is: Freddie King; Burglar.
great 70's funky, boogie blues
This album has a 70's rock, funky style to it, so it's a departure from Freddie's early sound. The songs contain horns, however, they are not overpowering, just in the background. Some of the songs kind of have a Albert King/Albert Collins style to them. Oh yeah, a prime example of a 70's album cover adds to the enjoyment of this. Listen to the soundbites and hopefully you will enjoy this disc as much as I do. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Texas Blues    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Pop    6. Texas Blues   

Features

• Live

Reviews (14)

Blues at Sunrise: Live at Montreux
This is a very well done live recording. Both the material and the sound quality are top notch. The only thing I found missing was some additional material from the festival not on this CD. For that one must get the "Blues at Sunset" CD that contains the rest of the set as well as more excellent recordings from the Wattstax concert.

Albert is god!

simply stunnig
what you're holding in your hand is one of the very best live blues album ever. I own quite a few albert's album but this one has always found a special place in my heart. Both the setlist and the performances are wonderful and it has my favourite version of i'll play the blues for you. After he says "exscuse me" he unveils a terrific solo that gets you realize what blues power is all about, the interplays with the horns section is stunning and the voice, man, the voice...if you gotta get just one album by this master get this one, you wont be disappointed ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Soul-Blues    6. Urban Blues   

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Traditional    3. Chicago Blues    4. Piano Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B   

Editorial Review

Three decades ago Bruce Iglauer founded Alligator Records, selling his hero Hound Dog Taylor's records out of his car trunk. Since then, Alligator has become America's best-known and most prolific blues label, and many of the reasons for its success appear on this budget-priced, two-disc 30th anniversary collection. Much of the material, including Marcia Ball's "Louella" and Shemekia Copeland's "Turn the Heat Up," comes from relatively recent recordings, since the label also released anthologies honoring its 20th and 25th anniversaries. Those two collections are unreservedly recommended, with the 20th providing the best historical overview of the label's evolution.Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (3)

Excellent
Alligator does it again!Incredible compilation.If you are contemplating starting a blues collection get the Anniversary Collections by Alligator first.These CD sets introduce you to many talented artists without shelling out 100's of bucks. Smokin' Blues From the Alligator Vaults
The first thing I did when I got this CD was play the bonus CDROM video track of Hound Dog Tayor & The Houserockers' "Taylor's Rock" on my computer and cranked up the volume.My computer will never be the same!Taylor's slide playing is raw, powerful stuff on this nearly four-minute instrumental captured in black and white from the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues Festival.Taylor also tears the roof off the house with a raucus version of "It's Alright."It's no surprise that Taylor closes out the live disc.Taylor's eponymously titled debut on Alligator was the first of his career and the first for the then fledgling blues label. The five stars here,is just a few of the constelation !
Yes,this five stars are just a few,just a few of many others,infinity others from the constelation of this truly great Blues Record!Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Blues Music    4. Blues-Rock    5. Contemporary Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Modern Electric Blues    8. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    9. Pop    10. Soul-Blues    11. Urban Blues    12. V/a Compilations   

Features

• Import

Reviews (8)

Spann and Green - Match made in Blues Heaven
I love Otis Spann.Both his solo work and as a member of Muddy Water's band.This album sees Spann hooking up with the original Fleetwood Mac line up san their drummer (what was his name?). Otis' piano nicely compliments Peter Green's guitar, which is a little more restrained then usual on this album.This album features some great rockin' tunes and as well as some excellent slow blues like 'Ain't Nobody's Business'.Don't be put off by the strange album cover.This is a great, great blue album.

Not The Best Otis Spann CD
I have about all of Otis Spann's CD's that are available.I did not care for this CD that much.The sound of his great piano playing was washed out and upstaged by the noisy guitars.Also, he departed from his traditional Chicago Blues CD and went with a more fast paced rock and roll type sound.I would recommend Otis Spann's Best Of Vanguard Years instead.

Forget Scorcese...THIS is BLUES
Clapton, Hendrix, Beck, Page all have reputations as great blues, blues/rock guitarists. Peter Green was THE best. Just listen to this album. Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. British Blues    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Piano Blues    7. Pop    8. Pop/Rock    9. Popular Music    10. Rock   

Editorial Review

One could conceivably argue that Hound Dog Taylor was a blues punk; he favored energy, excitement, and above all, fun over minor considerations like, say, tuning. It's that exuberance that carries the day on this best-of collection. It's all material from Taylor's too-brief stint at Alligator in the 1970s (he died in 1975), but it's all good blues--blues good enough to launch a record label. Taylor's guitar is grungy enough to get a starring role in a Seattle band circa 1990, and while his voice never quite rises out of a monotone, it's still oddly expressive. Fast, furious, and brimming with energy, Taylor is the perfect cure for the wintertime blues. --Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

One of the Best
I liked this CD.Hound Dog Taylor at his best.The songs on this CD are traditional Hound Dog Taylor.If you like the blues, you'll like this CD.

Fun, energetic blues-n-boogie
A slide guitarist of the Elmore James school, Theodore Roosevelt Taylor and his bass-less Houserockers played raw, nasty-sounding blues n' boogie long on energy and short on subtleties. Other blues guitarists used distortion before Taylor, but he explored it to depths only previously investigated by white rock guitarists, blasting his tonal mayhem through cheap Japanese guitars and Sears & Roebuck amplifiers. The best electric blues you'll ever hear- PERIOD!
Maybe I'm biased because I've seen him too. 1974 in a tiny bar on the south side of Chicago. His smile lit the room. I'll never forget it! And that sound! It's just never been matched. Listen for yourself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Chicago Blues    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop    7. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

For the completist, this three-CD, 72-song box remains the definitive collection of one of the leading lights of Chicago blues. The collection spans 25 years, beginning with rare early recordings with pianist Sunnyland Slim and moving through Waters's peak '50s period, which offered the legendary support of Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, and Otis Spann. Luminaries including Pat Hare, James Cotton, Earl Hooker, Buddy Guy, and Pinetop Perkins all make valuable contributions to his '60s work. Along with his original hits and his noteworthy Willie Dixon interpretations, Chess wisely includes his lesser-known covers of Big Bill Broonzy, Howlin' Wolf, Guitar Slim, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, and Sonny Boy Williamson. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (17)

I want my blues to be blue
I like my blues to be blue.I want hard times, heartache. I'm surprised how often Muddy sings happy songs - one's titled "So Glad I'm Living", another one "I Feel So Good." And then there are all the sexual braggadocio songs, like "My Love Strikes Like Lightning." But my favorite songs are the dark ones - songs like "Still a Fool," or "You Shook Me,"a letter to a fantastic lover who's ruining his marriage and lover - and "Black Night, which, fitting its title, is just all around dark.
Best ever
This is simply the best collection of blues recordings ever!If you like the real blues, you must add this set no matter the cost. It makes you long for music that can be felt and not just heard like most anything recorded in the last quarter century.

The most complete overview of Muddy Waters' Chess sides
More casual fans will probably be better served by MCA/Chess's much cheaper (but very good) two-disc compilation "The Anthology: 1947-1972". But if you're looking for the best and currently most thorough available overview of Muddy's recordings for Aristocrat and Chess, this is it.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Revival    4. Blues Traditional    5. Box Sets (Audio Only)    6. Chicago Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Electric Blues    9. Electric Chicago Blues    10. Pop    11. Slide Guitar Blues    12. United States of America   

Reviews (1)

Excellent live performance by Mike Bloomfield and Friends
Those looking for an excellent in-concert example of Mike Bloomfield's musicianship will be happy with this CD. It contains 17 songs with Bloomfield performing on electric and acoustic guitars; accompanied on the former by Roger Troy, Mark Naftalin (whose piano playing is outstanding), and Bob Jones. Bloomfield's guitar solos are wonderful -- inventive, fluid, and full of passion. His vocals are surprisingly good, too, filled with humor and passion as well. There are many highlights here, from the opening guitar of "Eyesight to the Blind" to the last notes of "One of These Days," Bloomfield and Friends will entertain and satisfy. Overall, the CD reminds me of two first-rate concerts by Bloomfield and Friends that I saw in San Francisco a long, long time ago. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Electric Chicago Blues    4. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (3)

Copper Brown shines.
By far one of the greatest albums Muddy ever recorded together with "Hard Again" and "Mississippi Live".
****1/2 - great reissue of a tremendous album
The second of Muddy Waters' Blue Sky-albums, "I'm Ready" was originally issued in 1978, one year after Muddy had found renewed commercial and critical success with "Hard Again".
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL AND REQUIRED, PART 2
This is perhaps the greatest studio recording of the blues ever made. Re-united with 2 of his oldest colleagues, Muddy waters created a CD full of nuance, subtlety, variety, and power that enchants you all the way through. You will have an incredibly hard time not listening to this CD over and over again. "I'm Ready" says it all: Muddy was absolutely ready for this session, as were each of the remarkable musicians who accompany him herein. You will never catch a group of artists so compoletely on, all at the same time, that seamlessly they weave a sexually heated and often humourous take on the human condition. "Who Do You Trust" runs down the main suspects and highlights the sly underpinnings that compromise such endorsements. "Hoochie Coochie Man" humbles everyone who ever took on this track. "Copper Brown' is as sensual a paean as you'll ever hear, steamy as a night on the Delta. "Rock Me" is as feral a plea for sexual satisfaction as you will ever hear. Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Traditional    3. Chicago Blues    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Chicago Blues    6. Pop    7. Slide Guitar Blues