Reviews (3)

You Can Smell ThisFUNKAll The Way Down the Street!
and i mean that in a good way!.this set is BLAZIN!.music gumbo is what i like to call it..i got this set too...WOW!....i definitely recommend all Funkateers to pick this up.truly amazing.

No-Brainer Purchase
Finally somebody got it right- to release the best, spaced-out funky-ass rhythm & blues jams from this wildcat often called a "genius" by his peers. The red carpet was rolled out for this lush 2 CD 31 song set (6 previously unreleased!) digitally remastered with a 28 page booklet and a plethora of photos spanning the years 1976-1994. The music matters most but the packaging must be praised. The foldout digi-pack even contains pics of both the front and back of each of the albums covered here. Before becoming a pimpin' funkster Watson was a manic, Texas blues stringer known for his rapid-fire guitar fingers and the classic "Gangster Of Love" (way before Steve Miller copped the phrase). He reinveted himself in the 70s and this set focuses on this fruitful period. All the big hits and key album tracks are here: "Superman Lover" (R & B #19), "Aint That A Bitch", the unstoppable "A Real Mother For Ya" (#5 R & B #41 Pop), "Tarzan", "Funk Beyond The Call Of Duty", "It's About The Dollar Bill", the updated "Gangster Of Love" (#32 R & B), "Booty Ooty", "Lone Ranger", "Love Jones" (#28 R & B), his comeback hit "Bow Wow" & more. Most interesting perhaps are the "new" cuts. When asked by biographer David Ritz about stuff in the vault Watson was quoted as saying: "There's gold in them there hills!". He may be right. "Baby's In Love With The Radio" is a loose funk jam with Watson's laidback vocal delivery- recorded in 1976. On "ET" Johnny says his baby is just like that alien freak! I doubt he means in looks cuz she's a "supernatural" chick. "Feel The Spirit Of My Guitar" is Johnny's muatation of the Peter Frampton track. My favorite is "Don't Be What UC", which has a groove similar to George Clinton's "Atomic Dog" (and especially Snoop Dogg's "What's My Name?"). Here Johnny's tell y'all to stop trying to emulate folks and be yourself. There's also a track unreleased from the "Love Jones" sessions ("Before I Let You Go") and one recorded but unissued from 1994 ("Ain't Nodbody's Business"). But it's just icing on an already triple chocolate cake. The cover sticker says "You don't know *@#& until you've heard this funk!". Damn straight.

superBad FUnkateer
if SuperFly met Richard Pryor's Mudbone then He would have Morphed into Johnny "Guitar" Watson. Johnny Guitar watson mixed R&B,Funk,Blues,Pop into a Stew.this Brother knew Groove&Simplicity. He made it all work while maintaining His cool.He was also a One Man band.Played a Variety of Instruments.talk about a Cat changing musical lanes?? back in the 50's&60's Johnny Guitar Watson was a strong Blues Based Cat.but when the Funk of the late 60's&Early 70's ruled Johnny Guitar watson not only got on board,but also brought His own Brand. this collection captures all of His timeless Jams.He willCrack you up,but also make you think.He was a Pre-cursor to Hip-Hop as well.RIP to a Brother who did his talking with His Guitar. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Texas Blues    3. Funk    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Modern Electric Texas Blues    6. Pop    7. R&B    8. Soul    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This Boston-bred blueswoman's follow-up to Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (62)

Who says it won't burn
An awesome Cd.The disc opens with the Al Green influenced memphis soul number Alone, whichalone is worth the price of the disc.Followed by the late Paul Pena's Gonna Move featuring some tasty slide by husband Derek Trucks.(Must be nice to call on the best slide player in the world for your CD) Other highlights include a wicked version of Don't Think Twice It's All Right and a blistering I Fell In Love.Also included are a tip of the hat to Atlanta music legend Bruce Hampton and a smoky Blues on a Holiday.
No Problem
No Problem...that's what I like in a sale.The used CD I purchased was perfect condition and was on time.

Dam girl - you are good!
Ok, i love Susan's music. seen her in person, loved her. i'm an all out fan. her first CD was awesome, and this is good too. (ok, maybe i like the first one better, not sure why) she is blues and rock and jazz, and so very hot. buy it, you'll be glad. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Modern Electric Blues    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Like Stevie Wonder and Allen Toussaint before him--and Prince and D'Angelo afterward--Shuggie Otis was a musical visionary whose early 1970s recordings showed he could do it all, writing, arranging, performing, and producing some of the decade's most satisfying, innovative, and, unfortunately, overlooked music. This reissue of his 1974 Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (18)

Inspiration Information
WOW! BRILLIANT! GENIUS!
Wow...
This is a great compilation of songs. It is one of the few CDs that I permanently keep in my five disc CD changer. It is one of the few CDs that I can listen to 'ad nauseum' and not get tired of it.
A place between time and space...
Inspiration Information is a watershed album! Not only does this album defy classification, it is arguably one of the most deviceful musical efforts in modern auditory history. It is, without doubt, one of the most creative pieces of art that I own. Otis created an alcove all his own; definitely a byproduct of free reign in the studio, as the music is all over the place, yet right where it needs to be at exactly the right moment. Inspiration Information is a hallmark example of the types of auditory beauty that emerge from creative carte blanche.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Funk    4. Pop    5. Psychedelic    6. Psychedelic Soul    7. Soul    8. Soul/R & B    9. West Coast Blues   

Editorial Review

Houma homeboy Tab Benoit may have snuck up on some blues fans, but his status as the best and brightest of modern Louisiana bluesmen is now too obvious for any to ignore. His swamp-saturated sound and incisive Telecaster attack, also heard on the Read more

Reviews (11)

Gumbo blues
Tab gives one of his best album performances with raw edged blues, Louisiana-style.

In New Orleans the Blues will Never Die
Guitarist Tab Benoit's newest presents a lively aray of cajun flavored sounds -- from straight ahead blues to Zydeco.In the wake of the Katrina disaster it will contribute to our resolve that the spirit and sounds of New Orleans and the Bayou will be seen and heard again.Laissons les Bons Temps Roulez!

AWESOME!!!
This is Tab's best studio CD since Standing on the Bank. I Smell a Rat is the BOMB! Tab is mistaken for a "new" artist. He has been recording since 1992 and only plays smaller venues. This is part of the reason for his limited notariaty. The other part of the equation is his determination to play only blues and not go commercial (rock) with his music. I own every CD he has put out. Each one shows his progression as a guitarist and performer. I think Fever for the Bayou is a return to his earlier music with out all the extra instruments and vocals. If you ever have the chance to see Tab live, do it. The show will blow you away! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Contemporary Blues    3. Electric Blues    4. Electric Texas Blues    5. Louisiana Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Texas Blues    8. Pop    9. Swamp Blues    10. Texas Blues   

Reviews (4)

Best of Delbert
If you like Texas Twang this one is for you. Great music with rockin' sound. Delberts history with other musicians thru the years is unbelievable but after you hear his music you can believe. The guy the taught John Lennon to play harmonica.Country rock at its best

Whew!
mr.mcclinton's rendition of al green's "take me to the river" left me bug-eyed,drop-jawed andsoaking wet.i thank heavenitself for this man's presence on our planet.

smooth, rough, fantastic
I find his music captivating. His voice is special. He has the ability to surround himself with the best in the business. What a rock! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues-Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop    5. Popular Music    6. Progressive Country    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Roots Rock   

Reviews (20)

The woman with the voice
I saw Ruthie at the Great Waters Folk festival in Wolfboro NH.She was amazing!After her performance one night I went to buy some CDs.Ruthie's were flying off the table.Despite stacks of them, they were gone in minutes.While looking at others to buy I kept hearing people coming up to the table making the same request, "I want the woman with the voice."Even though there were many much more famous singers there that night, eveyone knew exactly who these customers were looking for."Sorry, we're sold out and waiting for Fed Ex to bring more.The woman behind the counter told me they sold 1000 of her cd's in one day!
Ruthie Foster shares her soul
I've seen her live, I've shared a cup of coffee with her, I've gained inspiration from her because she is lays it out all the time.Runaway Soul captures Foster's incredible soul and voice.We are lucky she is willing and able to share her gift.

Good Yet Different Listening Pleasure
This woman makes you want to sing along while tapping your toes as a witness to a simple yet grooving gospel, soul, blues tune....Both cds took me for a walk with Ruthie ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Blues    3. Country & Western    4. Folk    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop    7. Rip roaring Soul and blues vocals spilling over a folk goblet.   

Editorial Review

Nakota Nation quartet Indigenous refine and expand their already impressive sound on their second studio full-length album, Read more

Reviews (48)

Thank you again for another great cd.
You just can't go wrong with "Indigenous". They are different, original and they capture a mood. What I mean by that is, their music puts you in a certain mood. You know how some songs take you to another place in your mind(or your past)? Well this music has that affect in a very positive way. The vocals are very good, almost haunting at times, but in a good way. Great stuff!

Best Native American band to ever come out of North Dakota..
The best Native American band to ever come out of North Dakota! Produced by Doyle Bramhall. I hear many influences such as Hootie, ZZ Top, Allmans, and Santana but no really strong songs like those bands are known for. Decent album.

Mesmerizing
This music is mesmerizing. Beautiful, haunting!! Makes you feel how music is supposed to make you feel! I recommend it to anyone who listens to music WITH MEANING!Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Blues    2. Modern Electric Blues    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Texas Blues   

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (13)

I will never forget....
That day in 1969, I bought this album, put it on my hi-fi, and found out what blues guitar was all about. This is one of a handful of albums that I always have kept close at hand and updated. I saw Winter live in 1970 in Columbia, SC. He had then picked up Rick Derringer and was touring about the South with The Allman Brothers. I will never forget the sight of Winter thrashing about the stage his fingers a blur of white lightening: His pale skin and white hair were so exaggerated because he was otherwise totally dressed in black (plus, I had been "testing" an interesting button from a cactus!) What a show that was. Until this album was released, I thought I had heard what rock/blues guitar sounded like via the albums of Cream, Hendrix and the like...but for my money, if it's pure, nasty, sliding blues guitar you want, you won't do much better than this album. It's a classic sounding as good today as it did 37 years ago; it's truly one of a kind. This is definitely an album for anyone who loves the blues and wants their collection to be complete. This is a no brainer...

37 years later!
I bought this album in 1969 when I was in high school, and I was completly blown away.By the time I graduated from college I had pretty much worn it out.This year I "rediscovered" it on CD.It's still one of the best examples of blues guitar I have ever heard, and I've been listening to it at least once a week for the last 5 months.I'm still trying to figure out which version of "Dallas" I like better.(The next album I bought was BB King Live and Well, but that's another story).

A Great Album!
Johnny Winter is quite simply excellent on guitar and vocals, John Turner and Tommy Shannon Round out his trio solidly and guest appearances from Water Horton, Willie Dixon and John's brother Edgar make the music excellent. The songs "I'm Yours and I'm Hers" and "Dallas" are quite different and both great, excellent sound quality and liner notes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Modern Electric Blues    5. Modern Electric Texas Blues    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Slide Guitar Blues   

Features

• Live

Reviews (3)

The Best!!
Ruthie Foster is THE BEST pure singer I have ever heard.When she sings Walk On and/or Oh Susannah - chills...
Powerful, Transcendently Beautiful!
A couple of weeks ago on a stiflingly sultry afternoon at the Texas Book Festival I heard in the distance this incredible voice singing the old Curtis Mayfield song, "People Get Ready."I moved quickly toward it and caught the last two minutes of Ruthie Foster's one hour set at the Entertainment Tent.In those two minutes, the gritty spirituality of her bluesy gospel rendition of that classicgave me the chills, and, I confess, watery eyes.She shook me. I told my wife that she was the greatest singer I had ever heard, and I'm not sure that I would qualify that even now. I ordered two of her CD's as soon as I could get to the internet and Amazon.com.The studio produced "Runaway Soul" is truly great, and I highly recommend it, but "Stages" is as close to perfection as any human has a right to expect.I agree with the other reviewer.It's the best live CD I own, with the possible exception of "James Brown at the Apollo!"Her rendition of "Oh, Susana," is revelatory.Foster discovers beneath the hokey joy of the tradition tune a transcendently beautiful lament.It is a shockingly insightful performance.Haunting.I could go on and on about other great numbers on the CD, but won't.Just buy it and enjoy it.

Stages is Awesome
This is simply the best live album I have heard! Having seen Ruthie Foster live at the Canmore Folk Fest - Stages stays true to her performance and gives the listener insight in to the fabulous range and style of Ruthie Foster - highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1st live album from soul/blues/folk sensation Ruthie Foster. Mixing the sounds ofacoustic jazz, folk blues, power folk and coffeehouse intimacy, it's a bubbling album of passion and elegance.    2. Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

Features

• Live

Reviews (2)

Excellent....but not his best live recording
I was introduced to Delbert McClinton a number of years ago. Being a fan of Austin City Limits, I was watching his TV concert in 1989 and was blown away with his singing and his band's musicianship. A few years ago, I purchased his more recent live album and have given it a few listens, but it did not stick with me. So, when I saw this new live album, I wondered why it was issued. Well, it does add some new cuts from that time frame and Turn On Your Lovelight is just outstanding. So, if you would like to experience a great blues/rock singer in concert, consider this album. But if you don't have his live album recorded on Austin City Limits in 1989, buy that one first....it is an absolute 5 star adventure.

great concert!
This is Delbert in his environment - live, In Texas! There is not a bad song here. "LOVE LIGHT" in particular really kicks butt. Delbert is in fine voice and the band is super tight. Even though this concert is over 20 years old, it ranks as his best live recording. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

This 2 CD set represents the best introduction to Hooker's trademark sound: one- and two-chord vamps delivered with a hypnotic, perpetual boogie rhythm and accented by reverberating staccato runs and intense foot-stomping. With his deep, rich voice, Hooker electrified the blues of the Delta, bringing the stark, brooding sound to the city and influencing scores of rock musicians. Most of his highlights are here: from early Modern classics "Boogie Chillen," "Crawlin' King Snake," and "House Rent Boogie"; to Vee-Jay singles "Boom Boom" and "Dimples"; to 1966 Chess work with Chicagoans Lafayette Leake and Willie Dixon;to 1971 collaborations with rockers Canned Heat;to performances with modern blues stars Roy Rogers and Bonnie Raitt. Read more

Reviews (14)

492 John Lee Hooker CD listings on Amazon and counting...
A truly original Emperor of the Blues has left behind a legacy that few of us can fathom.Where does one begin?This collection of 31 classic hits, though some 12 years premature to be complete, is an excellent start, and will literally save you hundreds of dollars if you are an avid collector.I might add that you will need that money to own every recording he's made since 1990; they are superb!You will be disappointed if you go out and buy everything out there.You can run into some pretty iffy recordings and collections, and lots of rehashed material pieced together under different titles, especially when rummaging through all the Best ofs and compilations that have been produced over the years, so it is best to stick with John Lee's early and later classics, like Live at the Cafe Au Go-Go and Live at Soledad Prison, and for more recent excellence The Healer and The Best of Friends.My favorite John Lee Hooker treasure is the The Healer Original Master Recording Gold CD B000000IS9.Beautiful.

Get Hooked
Thank you Rhino for doin' it one more time. This fabulous 2-CD compilation, nicely packaged and including a good booklet, profiles The Hook in all his glory. Perfect if you're new to John Lee and an excellent overview for those attempting to efficiently replace several worn-white Hooker LPs, The Ultimate Collection 1948-1990 provides everything except the board he's beating his foot on. Those who would weep and wail that this compilation is incomplete are losing sight of the basic truth about Hooker, he only did one thing. And it was incredibly simple. And he did it over and over and over. Most Hooker songs aren't even structured like songs, they seem to begin and end in vapor. But what happens in-between is nothing short of magical.
I'm teachin' the blues to this cat.
This is a solid collection of songs by John Lee Hooker, spanning most of his long career.It doesn't have every important track by him, but it's the best that's available. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. Blues Revival    5. Blues Traditional    6. Country Blues    7. Delta Blues    8. Detroit Blues    9. Electric Blues    10. Electric Delta Blues    11. Juke Joint Blues    12. Modern Electric Blues    13. Pop   

Editorial Review

The very things that made the Blues Project one of the most phenomenal bands of the '60s are the same things that made the band a short-lived one. Drawing on a crazy quilt of influences--including folk, pop, jazz, psychedelia, and, yes, blues--the band was known to perform scorching versions of Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf classics one minute, then turn around and do mellow contemporary tunes by the likes of Donovan and Patrick Sky the next. A band whose onstage energy was boundless, their studio work didn't always come across quite as well, and sharply divided attitudes about approach and repertoire (plus assorted personal problems) eventually sundered the band. Read more

Reviews (15)

A Band Before Its Time
The Blues Project was one of the most influential groups of their time, brief though it was. Upon seeing them in San Francisco, Grace Slick, then with the Great Society, was amazed at how professional and accomplished they were, in contrast to to the nascent psychedelic music scene then developing. They brought the various strains of blues, folk, jazz and r&B together, which was a powerful eclectic approach for the year 1966.
Where have you been?
Projections was an album my friend and I listened to constantly when it came out...my friend still has the LP (mine, though he claims it's his!) and I was glad to buy this, though the price I feel is a bit high; but Projections makes up most of the second disc in this set. Danny Kalb had the chops way back then...then he pulled a Syd Barrett and disappeared, another victim of depression.
Disappointed to say the least
First, I purchased this CD based on one of the Blue's Project's hit songs, "The Flute Thing", which I remember from the 60's.Watching this group, announced by Paul Simon on the DVD "Monterey Pop", I was transported back to 1967. After searching several Blues Project's CD compilations, I chose Anthology.I thought maybe the seller actually sent the wrong CD!The music was, well, really inferior, almost Monkee-like.I don't like to bash anything from the 60's, my era, but this album should be titled "The Worst of the Blues Project".If they can title an album by Jefferson Airplane as such, it can't be too bad for the Blues Project.All in all, this music sounds like it is being played by a high school garage band. The vocals are just not worth listening to, I feel bad about writing this, but be warned, if you are expecting really good blues, or even something that sounds like jazz (which is really what The Flute Thing is) then, buy some other CD... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Folk-Rock    5. Modern Electric Blues    6. Pop    7. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (22)

Great Intro. to The Blues
If you like Classic Rock and Roll and are looking to get into The Blues this is a great place to start.Chess Records, in following the success of Fathers and Sons, ships both Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters to play with a who's who of British Rock.On this album, Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Charlie Watts, and more accompany Howlin for a set of his classic tunes.While this may not be Howlin Wolf's best material it is still fun.The take out of Little Red Rooster is great where Eric and others try to talk Howlin into play along.Steve Winwood really shines on this album.Howlin while not at his peak is still a force of the blues. This is a great place to start and a great way to get someone into the blues.Won't spare the expense of the delux version.

LISTEN BABY, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LOVED BY A MAN THEY CALL THE WOLF?

A fun listen--but doesn't approach wolf at his best
This album was my introduction to the Wolf, and I loved it. It was after I had heard some of his other work and then came back to the London Sessions that I found myself disappointed. Howlin' Wolf possessed the most distinctive voice in blues--a genre full of distinct voices. The London Sessions feature a fairly ill, and rather old Howlin' Wolf, and he simply doesn't have the raw power that he possessed on earlier albums. The songs on this album are good as always, and the Rolling Stones' rhythm section, the Eric Clapton guitar work, give Wolf an updated rock feel. If you're looking for classic blues songs with a slightly smoother feel and production, this is definitely a great purchase. But if you want Wolf at his most powerful, check out something earlier, like "Moanin' in the Moonlight". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 70's    2. Adult Contemporary    3. Album Rock    4. Blues    5. Blues Music    6. Blues Traditional    7. Blues-Rock    8. Bop    9. British Blues    10. Chicago Blues    11. Electric Blues    12. Electric Chicago Blues    13. Electric Memphis Blues    14. Hard Rock    15. Pop    16. Pop/Rock   

Editorial Review

Part three of a series of records that benefits the Special Olympics, Read more

Reviews (33)

christmas music that has the feeling
This cd is very good and should be in anybody collection

If you're going to write new christmas stuff, you'd better be good at it or else stick to the classics
The artists who stuck to the classics always come out better on these albums. It is a dangerous thing to write a new one unless you can come up with something really significant. Sadly "Christmas Time" by Smashing Pumpkins is not. It's maudlin (meaning sickly sweet and whingey) and the words are worthless. "Christmas time is fun presents for everyone" Ohhh please. Perhaps Bob Geldof and Bono could teachsome wealthy rockstars that not everyone gets presents at Christmas and it ain't always fun for those whose families have difficulties or who are under persecution or war. Better to teach the real meaning of Christmas- that Christ was born to offer a new start to everyone. This makes every difficulty you are under fade and is a much better message than "presents for everyone".
Third time's a charm.
I found many songs I like on the other "Very Special Christmas" albums, but front to back this is easily my favorite. Maybe because it includes alot of "adult-alternative" artists, but probably just because the songs are sooo good. Just look at the tracklist. Sting, Natalie Merchant, and Sheryl Crow all do great covers, and I also love the songs done by Tracy Chapman and Enya. As far as originals go, I was really impressed by the tracks from Smashing Pumpkins and Blues Traveler, both are excellent, and both sound very seasonal. My reason for purchase however was for "Ave Maria". Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave) does an amazing job with it, and it's really quite moving. The rest is good at the least. As the holidays approach, I already can't wait to play this. I also suggest "The Edge Of Christmas" and "You Sleigh Me: Alternative Christmas Hits". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative    2. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Adult Contemporary    4. Album Rock    5. Alternative Folk    6. Alternative Pop/Rock    7. American Trad Rock    8. Blue-Eyed Soul    9. Blues-Rock    10. Celtic New Age    11. Christmas    12. Christmas / Chanukkah    13. Christmas Music    14. Club/Dance    15. College Rock    16. Contemporary Celtic    17. Contemporary Folk    18. Contemporary Instrumental    19. East Coast Rap    20. Ethnic Fusion   

Editorial Review

Trying to boil down a prolific 40-year career into 18 songs is an impossible task, but that doesn't stop Rhino from taking a shot. To its credit, this single-CD compilation reaches across many labels, highlighting Guy's explosive work for Chess and Vanguard in the 1960s, Atlantic in the 1970s, and diverse labels in the 1980s. On the other hand, his Chess and Vanguard work deserve significantly more attention than they're given here. In addition, Guy's rejuvenated 1990s work for Silvertone is completely ignored. The result is a rather cursory overview of Guy's career, despite the high quality of what is present. The benefit of this approach, however, is that it displays Guy's versatility: The Guy of feverish guitar pyrotechnics, wailing vocals, and rocker intensity lives alongside a smoother, more soulful and melodic Guy.Read more

Reviews (10)

Good Start for New Buddy Fans
Anyone familiar with blues Gitar' knows Buddy is the man.While I don't think that he's anymore talented than the other greatest living bluesman,Otis Rush, he seems to play like Otis with a whole lot more solos.What I wouldn't give to see one of their classic duels in the flesh.Buddy's chess recordings are of course top notch, but my favorite on this complition is the 7 minute extravaganza "Blues at My Baby's House", which in my opinion features some of Buddy's most soulful licks and vocals.If you can only afford one Buddy Guy record make it this or his 2-cd chess collection, that one really cooks.

Best Single Buddy Guy Compilation.
For someone on a budget who is interested in the music of this legendary artist, look no further than this single disc album. The sound and track selection here are excellent. Anyone interested in electric Chicago Blues needs to have at least one Buddy Guyalbum in their collection; and you can't go wrong here. There is some song overlap here with the "Chess 50th Collection" single disc compilation, but "Very Best Of" features 18 tracks over the 15 presented in the "Chess 50th Collection" cd.Plus, this disc has the great remastered sound the folks at Rhino are known for. For those of you have a few extra dollars around, I strongly suggest 2 disc set, "The Complete Chess Studio Sessions" which boasts 47 tracks!
The all around best intro cd to Buddy Guy!
There are too many great blues artists out there to spend a fortune on every artists complte recordings would cost tens of thousands of dollars, so getting comprehensive samplers of the artists earliest recordings in the best way to go.This cd have mostly the 50's & 60's sessions, his early stuff, and a bit towards the end of the cd his later works, but just a small sampling, the majority of the cd is his best work for Chess and other jump blues labels.This cd is exellent and is the difinitive sampler(though one should not overlook his duo albums with junior Wells), this cd will do a fine job of summing up Guy in his early prime and middle years.Guy has an incredibly piercing voice, similsr in texture and feeling as BB King, though less of a baritone, and his guitar solos, are creative, and even jazz and improvisation occur every so often.This cd is full of energetic performances, from shuffling jump blues to slow blues drags, it's all great stuff.Essential for any blues collection, to be complete. ... 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

A founding father of electric blues in general and Texas blues in particular, guitarist T-Bone Walker influenced countless blues players and, by extension, countless rock & rollers as well. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (18)

FATHER OF ELECTRIC BLUES
T-Bone not only invented the electric blues but he still remains it's most towering stylist and symbol of pure cool. T-Bone's smokey after hours blues is still one of the most vital parts of the genre. Smooth is the key word here. T-Bone's singing and playing never lacked the smooth quality that was T-Bone Walker. He could sing songs of misery and hurt with incredibly deep soul but still manage to keep it cool. This set is a fantastic value! Each track stands on it's own merit. I don't have a favorite here because all are top notch.
I have nothing but pure admiration for "Bone..."
The late "T-Bone" Walker, a pioneering mastre of the electric blues guitar and a close friend/ certainly unremitting influence on my Uncle "Pee Wee" Crayton another "axe-handler" during the immediate postwar era. However, avoiding comparisons, Uncle "Pee Wee" Crayton brought enough "heat" and daring innovation to his playing to avoid being labeled as a mere "T-Bone" copy-"kat."
you will be jumpin' and swinging in no time
T-Bone sweet T-Bone - he is the founder of modern blues - and I think he does not get enough credit for his influence on jazz guitar. Kenny Burrell, in fact, has mentioned that T-Bone was one of his early influences. He certainly has a sweet tone, and he has a nice voice too. Pair this with a hot horn section, and this cd is a steal at 10 bucks. T-Bone is a classic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues Traditional    4. Electric Blues    5. Electric Texas Blues    6. Jump Blues    7. Pop    8. Texas Blues    9. West Coast Blues   

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GREAT ROCK AND ROLL
JOHNNY WINTER HAS HAD SEVERAL PHASES TO HIS CAREER.THIS ALBUM DATES BACK TO THE EARLY 70'S, WHEN HE WAS PLAYING STRAIGHT AHEAD ROCK AND ROLL, WHICH HE HASN'T DONE NOW IN OVER THIRTY YEARS.WHILE HIS LATER AUTHENTIC BLUES MUSIC IS GREAT, THIS ALBUM JUST GOES TO ANOTHER LEVEL, WITH ITS HARD DRIVING RHYTHM, AND SCREAMING GUITARS (WITH RICK DERRINGER).IF YOU LIKE ROCK AND ROLL YOU WILL LOVE THIS ALBUM.

Ultimate '70s biker band... and highest intesity pure "blues/rock" ever recorded.
I think the "blowtorch guitar" another reviewer mentioned is right on. Can you picture any other band that most clearly matches the intensity of a Hell's Angels beer bash? No. Johnny Winter, the epitome of the "white boy with the blues plays a mean guitar". No one else comes close to his intensity AND talent with a guitar and a heartfelt love of the blues. This is high intensity blues rock and roll. Way before SRV made Texas style blues rock and roll commercial, Johnny Winter was making it REAL! No pretension, no bs, pure guitar playin', rowdy partyin', lock up your daughters, and hide your wives, or else... unabashed wailing, screaming, moaning blues guitar bravado par excellence! I must say, the other CD to get as a compliment to this (and which I think is better all-around, showing Johnny's rock, electric blues, and country blues sides) is "Still Alive and Well". For a latter day slab o' Johnny, I'd get "3rd Degree". There is a solo on that record that will peel the paint off a '57 Chevy at fifty paces!

astonishing energy
I can't say much more than previous reviewers in terms of recommending this recording, except to suggest that one listen carefully to catch the unique spirit of it. My favorite moment occurs about 2:20 into "Johnny B. Goode" when Rick Derringer, playing a harmony lead guitar part, hits a switch, steps on his guitar cord, or whatever, causing the instrument to cut out. He apparently does not immediately realize this because you can still hear his guitar faintly in the background. When he detects the problem and corrects, there is a wonderful howl of feedback as he rejoins the musical m�l�e. While Winter screams his way into the third verse, the bassist is playing what sounds like a half-step off key during the first line. The drummer plays an awe-inspiring, 'round-the-world, roll to lead into the second line and pull it all back together as the bassist chromatically pounds his way back into sync with the other instruments. All this while the song is progressing at an absolutely frenzied pace. I submit that no one ever made a recording, live or otherwise, infused with more energy and spontaneity than this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Blues-Rock    4. Boogie Rock    5. Hard Rock    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Modern Electric Texas Blues    8. Pop    9. Popular Music    10. Rock    11. Rock/Pop    12. Slide Guitar Blues   

Editorial Review

Mississippi hill country patriarch R.L. Burnside's two previous albums dabbled in remixes and trip-hop experimentation geared to the college-rock market. This is a restorative: pure slide 'n' drone blues caught live in January 2001 at Portland, Oregon's Crystal Ballroom. The 73-year-old is joined by his usual jukehouse band, his drummer and grandson Cedric Burnside and guitarist Kenny Brown, who blow sparks behind Burnside's rich honey-and-molasses voice and chunky six-string affirmations. Every time Burnside hits a note, it's a reminder of both how vital an interpreter of the hypnotic style developed by Fred McDowell he remains and how true electric country blues still sounds in its unvarnished state. Read more

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WOW
This cat is good.Mesmerizing beat and tempo, he has the blues in his voice and his soul. A "must buy" for the down home blues lover. This is what it's all about.

Blues meets punk
Too often blues albums are simply reheated renditions of Clapton, SRV, or Muddy Waters licks. However, thanks to many young acts, blues is being placed directly on the modern indie stage and finally being heard by new audiences. This group of mavericks just so happens to include a 78 year old John Lee Hooker fan from the hill country of Mississippi named R.L Burnside.
"Don't be so diiirty!" This is it -- Right here
Fat Possum is putting out the best blues albums in the industry right now, and R.L. Burnside is one of the reasons why, along with Elmo Williams, Model T, and Paul Jones.
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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Electric Delta Blues    4. Juke Joint Blues    5. Modern Delta Blues    6. Modern Electric Blues    7. Pop