Editorial Review

Along with Magic Slim, Eddy Clearwater is a preeminent torchbearer of Chicago bar-band blues. He's not quite a virtuoso guitarist, but on this reissue from 1986, he has the guts and chops to go head-to-head with Otis Rush for five songs. Clearwater even quotes Rush's famed "All Your Love" lick back at Rush on "Sail the Ship." On all eight cuts, Clearwater's crisp, shouted vocal delivery adds an electric charge to the works, pumping uptempo entries like his "All About the Blues" (Clearwater's own statement of purpose) and lending a defiant edge to Charles Brown's anthem of the downtrodden, "Black Night." The guitar interplay's stunning on the latter, too. The title track lays down a hearty R&B groove, and Clearwater pays homage to one of his mentors, Chuck Berry, in the flat-four rocker "Do This Town Tonight." Song to song, the unflagging dependability of Clearwater's all-around journeyman musicianship makes Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

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

Reviews (8)

A mediocre overview of Collins's Alligator years
Alligator Records' "Deluxe Editions" are usually very good overviews of their artists' output for the label, providing excellent introductions to men like Son Seals and Lonnie Brooks.
Never "Too Tired" for Albert Collins
Albert Collins will put some zip in your step.If you have some mindless job to do, turn on Albert Collins, crank it up, and get to it.Most of his music evokes energy, such that no matter how tired you are, you are never too tired to listen to "Too Tired".His music makes you want to move.Great wake up in the morning music.
Capo'd Telecaster Wails Passion & Blues!
Albert Collins was a man of style. His Telecaster seemed to sing, right along with Albert's gritty and passionate vocals. It takes some right talent to make your guitar seemingly speak, and Albert does just that on this album. Gone far before we were ready to lose him, his music lives on. A standard by which other blues artists are measured to as well.Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Give us more!
I concur with my fellow jazz enthusiasts - the entire GRP Christmas Collection is both a treasure and a necessity during the holiday season.The more you listen, the jollier you feel. My only complaint would be,"When is Volume IV going to surface?"Dave, Larry, you're on aroll - don't stop now!

Get all lit up like a Christmas Tree with B.B. King!
Listen to the sample of Feliz Navidad, I beg you.Too bad you can't hear the whole thing...but it is excellent, as are the other songs on this CD.I have also written reviews on the other two volumes of the GRP ChristmasCollection CD's.Everyone with whom I share this music loves it.If youhave all classical or pop Christmas CD's, these will add a nice variety toyour collection.Some are jazzed up and funky, some are mellow andatmospheric.Highly recommend whole collection, and I beg GRP to issuemore volumes!Dave Grusin, phone your office! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Christmas Music    4. Contemporary Instrumental    5. Contemporary Jazz    6. Crossover Jazz    7. Fusion    8. Hard Bop    9. Holiday    10. Jazz-Pop    11. New Age    12. Pop    13. Post-Bop    14. Xmas Vocal Collections   

Editorial Review

Koko Taylor's something of a deluxe edition herself. With a Cadillac of a voice that rumbles the earth and rattles the glassware, she reigns as the undisputed empress of the blues. Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

My God, That Voice!
If you have stumbled across this page because you are looking for a great blues CD to add to your collection, then congratulations--you have found it. If you buy this CD, or any other CD by Koko Taylor, you will be rewarded with moving songs that hit you right in your gut. In other words, this is not background music. This is music for when you actually want to listen to music. Koko need only sing one note and I have chills from head to foot. Not a lot of artists can do that to me. This is the real thing.

****1/2. A really nice sampler
Koko Taylor has been hailed as "Queen of the Blues" for almost forty years. Born Cora Walton in Mississippi in 1935, she made her first recordings for Chess Records in Chicago, but signed with Bruce Iglauer's Alligator Records in 1975 when Chess went under.
SING IT KOKO
This is her very best. I have been collecting her records for about a year now and when i listened to this record I think it sums up all of what Koko is about. She doesn't play and is very rough. No one in this universe can replicate her voice.Her growls are scary as a wolfs.When she sings with other blues singers the song just can't get any better. This is a collectors Item. This is a good CD to listen in the car or in the house or a gift to someone. If you have never heard Koko sing well by this record because it will show you what she is all about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Chicago Blues    4. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    5. Pop    6. R&B   

Editorial Review

Blues singer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter Paul Oscher's Read more

Reviews (1)

Hurry, buy this
Traditional and modern, at the same time. It has a live sound because it is essentially live in the studio. I'm guessing that no computers were used to make this music. What a joy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Chicago Blues    3. Pop    4. This former Muddy Waters Blues Band member gets deep in the blues with a stunning collection of downhome blues capturing the essence of his live performances    5. United States of America   

Reviews (4)

Take care of the baby.
This is a fine collection of blues songs played on the slide guitar.It features legends like Charlie Patton, Blind Boy Fuller, Leadbelly and Robert Johnson.These guys naturally turn in good performances, but a suprising highlight is a unique version of "Swing Low, Chariot" by the obscure Sister O.M. Terrell.Fans of old time blues will really enjoy this CD.

Amazing
If you want to go back to the purest roots of guitar music, this cd is definitely for you. There are several tracks on this record that would alone warrant the purchase (e.g. Sylvester Weaver's Guitar Rag in the 1927 version), and there are several tracks that are almost painfully intense. In addition, the booklet provides interesting background information on the history of bottleneck guitar playing. A must, if you ask me.

Some of the greatest recordings ever.
Even without the Slide Guitar moniker, these recordings stand as some of the best performances of the 20th century.A most have for all music lovers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20's    2. 30's    3. Acoustic Blues    4. Acoustic Chicago Blues    5. Acoustic Texas Blues    6. Blues    7. Blues Gospel    8. Blues Music    9. Blues Traditional Collections    10. Country Blues    11. Delta Blues    12. East Coast Blues    13. Field Recordings    14. Folk Revival    15. Piedmont Blues    16. Pop    17. Prewar Blues    18. Prewar Country Blues    19. Prewar Gospel Blues    20. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

Although he’ll never entirely break free from the Albert King comparisons (certainly as long as he brandishes that Flying V guitar), Michael Burks’ second Alligator album moves him closer to hotshot guitar slinger territory. His playing has attained an even more muscular, slightly psychedelic edge that ferociously jumps out of the mix. Almost as impressive is Burks’ sand and honey voice. Like Latimore--whose "Let the Doorknob Hit You" he covers here--the Arkansas-raised guitarist is a commanding and gritty singer, naturally joining soul, R&B, and blues. He’d make a convincing vocalist even if he never played another gripping lead. But it’s his fleet-fingered attack that commands the most attention, as he torches through blistering solos like on the closing "Snake Eggs"--a stripped down showcase for guitar and Billy Gibson’s Little Walter-styled harmonica where Burks sounds menacing even without a band. The aching, slow burn gospel-laced "Lie to Me" also benefits from Burks’ stunning tone that prowls and growls like a caged tiger. The combination of his singing and six-stringing talents makes Michael Burks an incendiary force and lights the fire under Read more

Reviews (8)

Almost as good as live!
--A talented guitarist who knows when _not_ to play.An amazing range, from the dirty I-IV-V blues of "Snake Eggs," to the gritty funk on "Miss Mercy," not to mention the wryly sung "Let the door knob hit you" ("where the good Lord split you," is the rest.)I saw the man live in '03, and was pleasantly surprised by this album; not everyone with that kind of passion on stage can also find it in the studio, but he does.Only fans of monotony need not apply.

The smoke you smell is your strings burning Michael!
Wow! Michael Burks is quite a talent. And this cd has quickly become one of my favorites. Great songs, great guitar playing, and great singing from this blues beast. Here he gets funky with songs like "One More Chance", just plain rocks out with songs like "All Your Affection Is Gone," and slows it down with songs like "Time I Came In Out Of The Rain." Michael's voice reminds me so much of Albert King's, but it's not in a copying sort of way, it's just that he has that honey and smoke vocal style. And on the the way it's recorded: you know, things change. The recording equipment around today is just a lot better. It captures things more clearly. I really like the sound of this album, and it's one I know I'll be listening to for a long time.

Greatness In The Making
Michael Burks and the band are a hard working group that produced a recording or should we say recordings that show what hard work and devotion will do when you give all you have. It is obvious that Michael puts his soul into his music. He plays a guitar with such a force that is hard to believe anyone can compare him to other blues guitarists because he plays a flying V although he has been compared to Albert King by some. Time will tell that Michael Burks cannot be compared to anyone except MICHAEL BURKS. He sings with such a deep silky voice that only experience can produce. When he sings (I Hope He's Worth My Pain) it seems he is singing about a life experience and makes you feel some of your own experiences. (Lie To Me) is another song that Michael sings that shows the intensity of his experiences and lets you know you are not alone in the world of pain. It is obvious that band members are behind Michael as they seem to play with the same intensity. This is Michaels 3rd CD and so far each new one has been better than the last. Michael and the band get better with each CD and we can only expect the next to be the best. So I Smell Smoke!!!! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Robert Nighthawk's slide guitar was revered by the likes of Muddy Waters and B.B. King. It's easy to hear why on this raw, lively, and relaxed recording of Nighthawk and a few of his cronies, including harmonica ace Carey Bell, playing outdoors at Chicago's famed Maxwell Street Market. It's the kind of setting Nighthawk loved (for more of the music recorded there, also check out the three-CD set Read more

Features

• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

Nighthawk: Master of the Slide
Robert Nighthawk is a true master of slide guitar. His slide playing is low-down, dark, emotive, and causes me to make all kinds of strange facial expressions. Nighthawk had a relaxed singing voice and a decent variety of blues lyrics, though his real strength was his killer guitar playing. However, the song "Mama, Talk To Your Daughter" keeps me from giving this album 5 stars. The singer, who is probably not J.B. Lenoir, doesn't have the greatest voice and sometimes forgets to sing directly into the microphone. The song is also very repetitive, and is better when it's kept to three minutes or so in length, like Lenoir or John Lee Hooker's versions of it. Don't get me wrong; this is an awesome album, and one of the top three greatest live blues albums of all-time. The thirteen minute interview is very enjoyable and revealing. Nighthawk seems like a quiet, reserved, humble man, and it's a shame that some of the slide playing he demonstrates in the interview didn't provoke him to disregard the interview altogether and play entire songs! One can definitely see where Muddy Waters' solo on his live version of "Streamline Woman" came from; Muddy borrowed it from Nighthawk. As another reviewer said, if you are interested in the California, studio-produced, obnoxious, crappy music that is an indication of the downfall of Western Civilization, avoid this album because you won't like it.If you are interested in authentic electric blues, forget about Vaughan, Clapton and Johnny Winter for now, and get to the heart of electric blues- Robert Nighthawk, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf.

Real Blues the Way It Was Meant to Be Played
Ashlee Simpson fans would not appreciate this CD.This is real blues played live in a relaxed setting.
One of the all-time classic blues records
Robert Lee McCullum, called "Nighthawk" after his song "Prowling Nighthawk", was one of the major innovators of electric blues. He was a stylish and extremely versatile slide guitarist, and the man behind blues classics such as "Anna Lee" and the definitive reading of "Sweet Black Angel" (a song which is usually associated with B.B. King, who re-named it "Sweet Little Angel").
Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Chicago Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Chicago Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Pop    8. Slide Guitar Blues   

Reviews (4)

all round blues
Ireally enjoy this CD. What stands out for me, is you start out in New Orleans and start traveling thru Georgia on up to St.Louis and Chicago. All kinds of blues is represented.
Very enjoyable
"Buddy Guy & Junior Wells Play The Blues" is one of the duo's very best albums. Two tracks are Junior Wells-less, recorded by Buddy Guy with the J. Geils Band; the remaining eight songs feature a star-studded backing band which includes pianist Dr. John on several tracks, and some guy named Eric someting. Capton, something like that.
leave outtwo tracks
Five stars for sure if not for tracks 7&10. So it gets four stars instead. ... 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   

Editorial Review

This is a treasure trove--for the Muddy Waters fan, for the blues historian, for the country-blues enthusiast. Alan Lomax, searching for Robert Johnson (recently deceased), came through and recorded a young McKinley Morganfield. The rest is history. Early versions of future classics can be found on these field recordings from 1941-42, and the guitar and voice that would have unimaginable influence on blues and rock & roll. There's no Chicago yet in these often-scratchy recordings, but if you listen, you can hear where it came from. --Read more

Reviews (7)

Indispensable Early Work of a Blues Genius
This is where the legend of the one and only, tremendous Muddy Waters starts. Few people have ever impacted any artform as much as Muddy has American music. Though he is accompanied on some songs, Muddy is also solo on many and performs some future classics w/ just an acoustic and his powerful voice. When Muddy heard the playback after "Country Blues" he knew that he had what it took to be a blues professional... possibly the greatest that there ever was. If you've never heard Muddy play acoustic, you are in for a shock; I believe my jaw dropped to the floor when I heard the amazing, full-bodied, vibrant sound that he got out of just a guitar and his voice on songs such as the first cut and "I Be's Troubled" (later recorded as "I Can't Be Satisfied." This is indispensable and essential listening, not just some study in the roots of American music.

Muddy's Delta Blues
Most Blues fans have heard a lot of chicago blues. Most fans have a lot of Muddy Waters chicago blues. But not alot of Muddy Waters fans would have heard Muddy sing the delta blues. This CD is very intersting because it shows Muddy playing the first blues he ever heard, The Delta Blues. Much like the sounds of Son House, Robert Johnson and Skip JAmes this cd is all acoustic blues. It is great to be able to hear a very young Muddy sing delta blues because once he went to Chicago he abandoned the delta sound and went electric. Muddy does several Robert Johnson songs on this cd quite well, and there are some interesting interviews with Muddy explaining what life was like in the delta and why he made songs out of his experiences. For those who like the old delta blues this cd is a must have, on no other cd do we hear Muddy singing blues like these.

Muddy's Real Real Folk Blues
When Muddy Waters made the first recordings here, he was 26 or 27 and had not been playing regularly.He didnt own a guitar and had to borrow Alan Lomax's Martin. You see here your basic Delta and Mississippi blues in full blossom, by a man who was a great player if he could sound like this when he wasn't in practice. People look at Mississippi blues with a distorted mind thinking of it only through the stream of Robert Johnson, when the music and the tradition was much broader.Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Chicago Blues    7. Country Blues    8. Delta Blues    9. Electric Blues    10. Electric Chicago Blues    11. Pop    12. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

With too many pop-aimed "all-star" discs available, this union of journeyman players--featuring former Muddy Waters drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith--just doing their thing is refreshing. Especially since their thing is old-school ensemble-style Chicago blues, played with ironclad taste, feel, and authenticity. What's new is that Smith cedes the drum seat to his son Kenny for most of these songs and compliments his weathered, Arkansas-born country voice with his own capable harmonica playing. James Cotton ups the harp ante on two cuts, and fellow Waters vets bassist Calvin Jones, pianist Pinetop Perkins (who's 92), and guitarist Bob Margolin join in. Smith's own "Blues and Trouble," a spare, haunted duet with Margolin, is especially moving, right from their twined harmonica and slide-guitar introduction. Even on the band numbers there's a respect for space and sonic detail that's the work of masters delivering performances to support and complement each other. Somewhere in heaven, Muddy is smiling down at these men he mentored. Read more

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

Reviews (12)

The more you listen, the more you hear
I am appreciating this CD more every time I listen to it.

I have nothing but pure admiration for "T-Bone..."
The late "T-Bone" Walker, a pioneering mastre of the electric blues guitar and a close friend of my Uncle "Pee Wee" Crayton another "axe-handler" during the immediate postwar era, whom was certainly unremitting influence by "Bone." However, avoiding comparisons, Uncle "Pee Wee" brought enough "heat" on his own and daring innovation to his playing to avoid being labeled as a mere "T-Bone" copy "kat."
Simply wonderfull
Lets not mince words. Hunt this down and buy it now. It is a must have. Sound quality is top notch. Turn down the lights and this will transport you to an old smokey blues joint. T-bone at his best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Texas Blues    6. Pop    7. Texas Blues   

Reviews (4)

They're all here
The reviewer who said that SRV was not on this set obviously did not read the liner notes, which indicate that SRV played on the Lonnie Mack tracks from the Strikes Like Lightening sessions.The other artists the reviewer stated that were not there ARE, but are not the featured artist on the tracks. Some good old blues
Amazon keeps inter-mixing the reviews for the 'Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Collection' album and the similarly named 'Alligator Records 20th Anniversary tour' album. So I will include a review of both here to set the record straight. I discovered most of my favorite blues artists from this CD
Alligator records has some serious talent on it's label. Many of them are big names that you will recognize if you have been into blues for very long. I have tried samplers from other blues record labels and have been very disappointed with the mediocre talent on their label. Usually there are only one or two people -out of fourteen or fifteen - that stand out on other blues samplers. You will recognize that the vast majority of artists on Alligator Records are true talents - even if you don't like their style. This album is definitely worth the investment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 70's    2. 80's    3. 90's    4. Blues    5. Blues Collections    6. Blues Music    7. Blues-Rock    8. Contemporary Blues    9. Electric Chicago Blues    10. Electric Texas Blues    11. Folk-Blues    12. Harmonica Blues    13. Modern Electric Blues    14. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    15. Modern Electric Texas Blues    16. Pop    17. Soul-Blues    18. Texas Blues    19. V/a Compilations   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (10)

Great Blues Compilation
Chicago: The Blues Today! contains great and classic performances. This three-CD set features two to three different artists on each CD, such greats as Otis Rush, Otis Spann, James Cotton, JB Hutto, Johnny Young, Homesick James Williamson, and Johnny Shines.
Essential Blues
In early 1966, blues history was made with the issuance of a three-volume set of new recordings produced by blues historian Samuel Charters. This series was known as Chicago/The Blues/Today! and the release sent shock waves through the world of rock and roll. Every artist on the three volumes had recorded before (some, like Otis Rush and Junior Wells, had actually seen small hits on the R&B charts), but these recordings were largely their introduction to a newer -- and predominately white -- album-oriented audience.The "today" part of the title was no bit of hyperbole, either. This series accurately portrayed a vast cross section of the Chicago blues scene as one could hear it on any given night in the mid '60s.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow!!!
In the sixties, the Chicago blues scene was so vibrant, alive, and brimming with great blues that an enterprising producer could (and did) literally pull some of the finest second-line bluesmen off the street, hustle them into a studio, and turn them loose. The resulting three-disc set represents some of the finest blues ever made, yet no one on this session is named Muddy, Wolf, Johnson, or Hooker! Of course, Junior Wells (with Buddy Guy in tow) is brilliant, especially with his moving "Tribute to Sunny Boy" (Williamson, of course!) and his fabulous "Messin' With The Kid" (later covered by the Blues Brothers, among others). JB Hutto is amazing, sounding as raw and unpolished as Robert Nighthawk, yet every bit as soulful. His mighty, slide-fueled renditions of "Going Ahead" and "Too Much Alcohol" will leave you begging for more! (More blues AND more alcohol, too!) Otis Spann, Muddy Waters long-time pianist, closes out Disc One with five mellow-yet-intense pieces, including an extra-wonderful "Spann's Stomp". Disc Two kicks off right-as-rain with another former Muddy colleague, harp extraordinaire whiz James Cotton. His frenzied cover of Ike Turners "Rocket 88" is the standout of his set. Otis Rush contributes a superb version of "I Can't Quit You Baby", later borrowed by Led Zeppelin, while former Elmore James cohort Homesick James weighs in with his first-rate "Set a Date."If there is a weak point of this set, it happens during the third disc, with Johnny Young and his rather annoying use of "blues mandolin"; however, his rendition of "One More Time" is very good indeed. Finally, ex-Robert Johnson sidekick Johnny Shines closes out the set in chilling, thrilling style, with "Dynaflow Blues" and "Black Spider Blues", while Big Walter Horton and Memphis Charlie (Musslewhite) serve up a sizzling version of "Rockin' My Boogie". A great 47-page booklet accompanies this box set, and the photos of winter in Chi-town circa 1965 are haunting and evocative indeed. In short, this is a must-purchase, for this three-disc wonder, recorded it seems only just yesterday, will give you true pleasure from Chicago blues not only today but tomorrow and far into the future as well!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Chicago Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Electric Harmonica Blues    8. Harmonica Blues    9. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    10. Pop    11. Slide Guitar Blues   

Reviews (6)

Blues Harp Doesn't Get Any Better Than This
Various Artists
Crucial?
Don't get me wrong, it's a pretty good collection, but crucial? I don't think so. It should be re-named "A pretty good collection of blues harmonica from a diverse group of cats, ancient and modern", but of course, the name's too long.

Great for harp lovers and harp lovers to-be.
It is a great collection, that harmonica lovers will enjoy - BUT it's also a great CD to give someone not all that familiar with harmonica playing.There is enough variety on here for everone to find a style they love. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Blues Music    4. Chicago Blues    5. Harmonica Blues    6. Piedmont Blues    7. Pop    8. V/a Compilations    9. West Coast Blues   

Features

• Live

Reviews (6)

UPLIFTING AND A BLESSING
THIS VIDEO IS WONDERFUL. ADDING JONATHAN PIERCE AS TENOR WAS A COUP. BILL GAITHER SURE CAN PICK TALENT(JONATHAN PIERCE). ALL SONG ON THIS VIDEO IS VERY SPECIAL. JAKE HESS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES ALSO.JONATHAN SHOULD HAVE HAD A SOLO. THIS TALENT SHOULD BE SHOWCASED.

Ryman Gospel Reunion
this album is abosoutley wonderful. it takes me back to the "good ole days" when familys spent time together to worship. it is a pure delight to rember the old songs of faith. absolutly wonderful

Another great Homecoming album.
I have the video and album.This is more of the Homecoming group in some of their less contemporary songs. (wonderful for us fans of the older music too.) My favorite is Jess Hake singing "You and Me Jesus". ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Edward Chmelewski just couldn't wait to sling the good blues slop around, so he's kicked off the quarter-century celebration of his label's founding a few months early with this blockbuster label overview: two audio discs and an all-video CD-ROM. Some longtime Pig followers will grouse because dependable old albums by Chicago blues gents like Otis Rush and Mighty Joe Young are slighted, and this reviewer will keep kosher rather than hear the songs of Bill Perry, John Mooney, and Chris Cain again, but there's much to enjoy here. Among the worthies representing the contemporary-blues camp are Deborah Coleman, Popa Chubby, Chris Thomas King, and Tommy Castro. The older generation is well represented well by Snooky Pryor, Magic Slim, George Harmonica Smith, and Muddy Waters.Read more

Reviews (3)

Hog heaven
I bought this as a sampler for potential purchases of the musicians on the discs. This is a very fine collection of foot stompin jumpin dancin blues. very enjoyable to listen to. Great sound quality as well. A bargain...with plenty of ideas for other purchases.

A Fantastic Compilation!
Five years after its last anniversary release, the pig is back and this year, its phat! This compilation features Blind Pig recording artists, mainly with an emphasis on releases over the last 5 years. The exception being some older material from the likes of Muddy Water--"Honey Bee", George "Harmonica" Smith's--"Last Chance", Pinetop Perkins--"Ida B" and a couple of other notable legends. These artists are blended nicely with some outstanding contemporary musicians like Muddy Waters guitarist--Bob Margolin,Steve Miller's harpman--Norton Buffalo, Tommy Castro, former Nighthawk guitarist--Jimmy Thackery, O'Brother Were Art Thou's--Chris Thomas King, The son of Muddy Waters--Big Bill Morganfield and scores of others.Too many stanout tracks to list but check out the duet by Tommy Castro and Delbert McClinton "Don't Turn Your Heater Down" or John Mooney's "Gone To Hell" to get a taste of what this CD is about.As if this allstar cast were not enough, the Pig has included a CD-ROM that contains some very interesting material including off the cuff interviews with Muddy Water'sand Snooky Pryor as well as gritty performance by Popa Chubby.I have not come across a finer compilation.I wonder what the Pig has in store for it's 30th anniversary?

Incredible collection at a superb price!
The history of Blind Pig really comes out on this collection.You can tell where the blues has been -- and where it's headed!Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Collections    3. Blues Music    4. Blues-Rock    5. Chicago Blues    6. Contemporary Blues    7. Electric Chicago Blues    8. Harmonica Blues    9. Modern Electric Blues    10. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    11. Pop    12. Soul-Blues    13. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (10)

Some Kind Of Wonderful
Feels Like Rain was my introduction to Buddy Guy, and what a fine introduction it is! Altho some blues purists will complain that it isn't "pure" blues, and with it's all star cast, a sell-out, but I prefer to look at it as Buddy showing his versatility. From the Stevie Ray Vaughan-sque She's A Superstar, and Feels Like Rain (the smoldering and sensuous cover of the John Hiatt classic), to the red hot finale of Country Man, this to me is a much more consistant album than Damn Right. This CD proves that blues doesn't have to be confined to 12 bar covers of Elmore James and Robert Johnson. And since blues was conceived from slaves easing the pain of their confinement, isn't that what it's all about?

Pretty good, but not truly memorable
More of a mainstream rock record than Guy's first Silvertone album ("Damn Right I've Got The Blues"), and much more so than his third, "Feels Like Rain" is not where you go to listen to Buddy Guy the legendary blues guitarist.
90% Chance of Rain
First off I love this CD and listen to it all the time.The only reason I gave this CD 4 stars is that this album is very Heavily produced and at times get a little to slickish for my liking. Listen to "Sufferin' Mind" to see what I mean.But still the production doesn't alter the fact that this is a good album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Chicago Blues    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Electric Blues    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    8. Pop   

Reviews (3)

The focus here is strictly on the blues
Charlie Musselwhite