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

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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Electric Blues    3. Modern Electric Blues    4. Pop   

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Reviews (2)

Dont bother -- go for classic Count.
This album is a good Jazz swing album, don't get me wrong -- but it's not Real Basie.Frank Foster does a good job of directing this orchestra, and they really swing in some parts -- but other parts are so lacking thatcalling it Basie is almost an embarassment.The piano player, for example,seems to not even be able to improvise a single line without screwing up. There were a few piano solos where I actually felt bad for the guy.I wasembarassed for him because he sounded so bad.If you are looking forclassic Basie, then get another Count Basie album.This is basically adecent jazz swing album with "Basie" tacked onto it.

Great CD - Full of Energy
This is the Count Basie Orchestra lead by Frank Foster, one of the legends that took over when the Count Died. This CD was recorded at a little club in Mass. Includes great hits: Shiny Stockings, Corner Pocket, Right On, Right On! Great toons, great bunch of musicians including: Manny Boyd, Melton Mustafa, Frank Foster, Danny Turner, and others. Great swing, good fun, lots of energy. A definite recommendation. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Big Band    2. Jazz    3. Jazz Music    4. Pop    5. Swing   

Editorial Review

Seldom has a title for any album been so literal: Read more

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Reviews (8)

The original unauthorized version....
This is the original CD version of the first unauthorized release of this music. Rounder--with unbelievable audacity--has just reissued this disc with bonus tracks that sound to this writer like they were lifted from Rooster's recent 3-CD release "And This Is Maxwell Street," which was the first and only authorized release of this music--and much, much more. Blues "v�rit�"
High production values are great, but they have never made a great record.This is the real deal, noisy, recorded live, on the street, in what has to be, along with the gritty, hole-in-the-wall clubs that once dotted Chicago, one of the most natural venues for urban blues.A case of blues "v�rit�", I guess. The natural essence of the thing. The main ingredient is, for want of a better word, feel.Never mind that the playing is up there in terms of blues chops.What this is all about is believing that as long as you are playing and singing, or listening to someone else play and sing, the blues (which speaks of the frustration, hurt and yes, sometimes, despair of life, hard in and of itself, but made even harder by those who, in fact if not spirit, control you and your fate), you know you are still alive and that there is hope. Blues is sort of like exorcism: speak the name of what bedevils you, so that you may be set free. I have little to add as comments on the music on this record, which I would urge anyone to listen to, but what provides added insight is the interview to be found on it.I was intrigued by Robert Nighthawk's tone throughout this interview which, to my mind, is the tone of a man expressing both a desire to share across the divide of age and culture his experience of the blues and, maybe more tellingly, a certain reluctance at giving away too much, a certain modesty in not bearing without reservation his soul to what he may have perceived as an outsider, and a sort of world-weariness, if not outright scepticism, in the face of the interest afforded him.If the blues is a great spotlight on the human condition of a marginalized and abused people, Robert Nighthawk's music is as bright and cutting a light as any I have found. This music is as unadulterated as you can get: both in its form and its content. It is the truth, only as the real blues can be.

Right There
This is no studio album -- it was recorded on in about 1963 on Maxwell Street in Chicago, sort of a gathering place for blues musicians then, and you can hear the crowd that happened by, you can hear the screw-ups that always accompany a live performance, and you can hear some tough, gritty blues that puts you as close as you'll ever get to sitting there in the crowd and listening to these guys in their element. Nighthawk was a wandering man -- he travelled up adn down the Mississippi from teh Deep South to St. Louis and Chicago and back again over and over again. This album was recorded during a stop in Chicago, and it's a gem. If you were to buy this album and "Bricks in my pillow" from Delmark you would have in your hands two albums by Nighthawk that are among the best ever recorded. He hasn't been nearly as popular as some of his contemporaries, but that may have had as much to do with teh fact that he was quiet, pretty shy and itinerant as anything else. Listen to these albums and you'll have found a great artist. ... Read more

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

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

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Reviews (8)

Must have, but....
I have looked for this cd for years, and finally have it in my collection.All Your Love is one of my fav blues tunes.BUT... Otis does not have the most perfect timing....Check out his turn arounds...The recording also has feedback on his guitar - not the good kind of feedback... Yes, I really like Otis and have many of his recordings.His studio recordings are more polished.This is one to have in your collection, but only if you are a true Otis fan.Pick up some of his studio recordings to get started before you get this one.

OOOOOOOTTTTIIIS RRRUUUUSSSHHHH !!!!!!
This album is a must have for fans of blues guitar, or just great blues music. Otis Rush is a force to reckoned with on this album, his guitar is alive in his hands and sings, squeals and grunts at times. His singing is powerful, and always tasteful. Awesome Blues Power
Here is some of the most perfect blues guitar playing you will ever hear.There's even a smokin' version of Kenny Burrell's Chitlins Con Carne.You can hear the warmth & slight crackle of the tubes in Otis'amp.Tone to the bone.Majestic vibrato.Spine tingling singing.Otis' only living equal in this music (that I can think of right now) is Buddy Guy.I have several Otis Rush CD's.Highest recommendation to this one, Right Place, Wrong Time, and Cold Day in Hell (if it's still in print, I'm not sure).Blues Power. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Tommy Castro is the kind of guy who makes you think, "hard-workin' man." There's no frills or flash on Read more

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Reviews (13)

That's "Mr. Crossan" to you!Bad Sax Solo???Rather, Bad Reviewer!
This CD is excellent - just like every other CD put out by The Tommy Castro Band.You will be hopping and bopping - to soulful, fun blues.A "bad sax solo" out of Mr. Crossan? NEVER - and if you buy this CD - you won't hear one either.CMD in Mass.

must agree with mr nelson
This cd seems to not quite get it.Tommy is a fantastic blues guitar player.He has made great cd`s in exception to the rule and right as rain,but those were in the blues mode.I don`t want to hear a talent like this just trying to make you boogie,come on this guy is a great guitar player.Tommy please,stick to the blues.

ignore bruce nelson's review
you can't separate the power of blues and the spirit of soul...and trust me, every lick of tommy's guitar and every shriek or whisper of his raspy soulful voice, will knock you off your feet, and if your booty ain't shaking by the end of the first track, i suggest you have cpr administered immeaditely...buy this cd...you wont regret it one second...better yet see the band live..you will walk away a firm believer...that they are the real deal ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Blues-Rock    4. Contemporary Blues    5. Pop    6. Soul-Blues   

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Reviews (1)

electric blues
cds contains bernard doing covers from freddie king to luther allison,if you like wailing guitar licks this is for you ... Read more

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

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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. 90's    2. Album Rock    3. Blues    4. Blues Music    5. Blues-Rock    6. Electric Chicago Blues    7. Electric Texas Blues    8. Harmonica Blues    9. Jazz Collections    10. Louisiana Blues    11. Modern Electric Blues    12. Modern Electric Chicago Blues    13. Modern Electric Texas Blues    14. New Orleans Blues    15. Pop    16. R&B    17. Slide Guitar Blues    18. Swamp Blues    19. Texas Blues    20. V/a Compilations   

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Subjects:  1. "Old school electric blues played the way it was meant to - live - by some of the masters of the genre."    2. Blues    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

With his rakish sartorial splendor that murmured "Don't mess with me" and a stage swagger to match, it's tempting to dub Chicago blues legend Junior Wells the Godfather of Gangster--except that if Wells were alive, he might just drub, verbally or otherwise, anyone who dared. This live set was culled from club recordings made on what became Wells's final 1996-97 tour across America, Japan, and Europe; he fell ill just months after and passed away a little over a year later. Far from the twilight ramblings of a legend one might expect from such an affair, this collection spotlights a fiery Wells still throwing himself into his performances with deceptive abandon, nearly 50 years on. With his distinctive clipped vocal delivery recalling James Brown (in fact, it probably inspired JB) and his mouth harp sputtering phrases with the same terse economy, Junior cajoles his seasoned eight-piece band through a set that spans his own 'tude-heavy catalog ("Hoo Doo Man," "Messin' with the Kid") through Wells-ified interpretations of standards like "Got My Mojo Workin'," Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me," and a raving take on the contemporary blues "Take Off Your Shoes." While he seemed detached in some of his final studio efforts, this potent farewell not only underscores Wells's genius as a live performer, it takes its unlikely place among his best albums. Read more

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Reviews (3)

Oh, Junior!To be live in concert again...
Hot!This man could make the hips shake on the statues in the park, and this live album proves it!Junior never lost power, never mellowed with age. He just cut his groove deeper, played his funk sharper, and sang his heart out in every show.Feel it here, and again on Live At Buddy Guy's Legends B000003D5R, and if that doesn't satisfy you get more Junior live again on Last Time Around B00000DF9M for truly uplifting down & dirty Chicago blues!

A decent farewell
When he was at his best, Amos "Junior" Wells was an electrifying live performer. This album finds him in his sixties, shortly before his death, and his speaking voice in particular has become hoarse and a little frail, but his harp playing still sizzles, remaining melodic and invigorating all the way through.
Classic Junior
This show is what used to come regularly out of Chicago on tour, but, sadly, since all the greats are gone, just doesn't anymore.This is Junior Wells at his best, with a cold shot tight band, and all his best stuff.Great Little Red Rooster, Waiting for The Night Train, and Hoo Doo Man.Do not miss this CD if you are a Chicago Blues fan.It is a must. ... Read more

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

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Reviews (2)

A fine collection of recordings
In short: I am on Amazon right now, shopping for this CD because my first one is worn out.Good stuff.
A must-have for Stonesphiles...
A very nice collection of songs from late 50's to early 60's at the NFF...most of these are on the 3-cd set that was recently released. However a handful are not on that set - including a powerful 9:30 rendition of Rev.Robert Wilkins classic Prodigal Son, which of course was covered by the Stones on Beggar's Banquet.Here you find the inspiration for the Stones version, which included only a handful of the many verses that Wilkins' had...also, you hear how Charlie and Keith appropriated the guitar and percussion (Wilkins' foot, here) parts for the Stones' version. A must-hear experience! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 60's    2. 70's    3. Acoustic Blues    4. Blues    5. Blues Music    6. Blues Revival    7. Blues Traditional Collections    8. Country Blues    9. Delta Blues    10. Folk Revival    11. Folk-Blues    12. Piedmont Blues    13. Pop    14. Prewar Blues    15. Prewar Country Blues    16. West Coast Blues   

Editorial Review

After accurately documenting Buddy Guy's talent on the great Read more

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Reviews (2)

I feel bad about this one
Don't get me wrong okay? Good music is here. 40 minutes of show. First off there are many kinds of buddy guy music. The great Delta Bluesman Son House once was asked to comment on a Buddy Guy show he watched live the night him and buddy jammed together alone. House called it '' Monkey Junk''. Well that show was probably similar to this. I like it, others may not. It is not straight blues and there is probably only two or three real blues here straight up if you have a narrow scope.[ I got my eyes on you, is really just Let Me Love you baby.] And if you do, okay it is all up to taste. This isn't the Buddy guy Guitar show either. This is buddy Guy the showman. He does play some mean solos here [few] and it is really more about having a show- a performance. The loud horns the funk rythms. The showy vocals. This isn't really a blues record. The three stars comes from the fact that he really didn't give a great guitar performance which I think is what his fans want. This is not a bad record to stress, but a different record. It is like James Brown [ only not as good ] when it hits those funky jams like I'm not the Best. Fever is great but barely any or, now that I think about it maybe no solo Guitar playing at all on that one. This album just isn't essential to me anyway. It is good and I know how versatile Buddy is so this isn't about pigeon holing him. I just wouldn't buy it twice. It doesn't seem that Brilliant. I'm a fan of Buddy in many ways, but not really this one. I like Rock Buddy, Electric Blues Buddy, Extremely electric blues buddy, and acoustic buddy. But Funk soul show-little guitar not high on lyrics buddy is not my favorite side of his incredible talents. Besides, right now Amazon[.com] doesn't even give it a discount price, It's not really a deal if you ask me.

the REAL Real Deal!
This is what it sounded like to hear Buddy play live in the late 80s and early 90s (when,he peaked, IMO). The first half of this CD is the best, peaking with "Fever" and "Knock on Wood", a song he used to play as he walked through the audience, up balcomies, and even one in NJ outside in the rain to fans who didn't have tickets! Buy this disk BEFORE "Live, The Real Deal". "Live, The Real Deal" is NOT the real deal, as Buddy NEVER sounds that way (or has the SNL Band back him up). "Live - This Is Buddy Guy" is the REAL Real Deal! ... 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   

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Reviews (1)

Forget the pundits - this is a fine album!
No matter what Grove Press says, this is a fine example of a great liveblues performance! ... Read more

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

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Reviews (2)

Classic superharp!
Bought this 2nd hand on the fly, 3 years back. Stunning tight band driven by beautiful manic drummer and held togeher by rock steady gtr of Micky Baker . One of the best integrated small blues groups I have heard. Magnificent foil to James' "in your face" harp - his breaks and timing are staggering! Continual "high energy" road show worthy of a government health warning. Only downsides - slightly less than desirable balance for James' vocals and an over extended Flip Flop and Caledonia, the former having gob smacking first impact which wanes on repeated listening. But this is nit-picking! - listen to James playing the audience - lose yourself in the atmosphere of the night! BUY!- If anyone knows of a "higher energy" JC recording (live!) please let me know!

Cotton & Co. really hit the groove here!
I'm usually not a big fan of live recordings, but these mid-70's recordings really catch the spirit of James Cotton "live & on the move", while still in his prime! Sure, there may be sentimental reasons for my liking this disc {often caught Cotton during this period at the club where these recordings were made} but putting all sentimentality aside, I've gained a whole new level of appreciation for these cuts. Listening to these tracks with fresh aged ears {the first time in 20 some years} I can't help but be impressed by Cotton and company's tightness as a unit. A tough act to follow, there weren't many shows rolling down the proverbial blues pike that packed as much punch as a James Cotton performance in it's heyday, and these cuts certainly can attest to that. Cotton's band, consisting of seasoned vets such as Matt "guitar" Murphy, know how to lay and hold down earthy funkified grooves, build energetic boogie's, shuffle and swing without ever losing so much as a beat. If I had to criticize one thing, it would be Cotton's choice of material. James Cotton had written some fine numbers while a recording artist for both the Sun and Vanguard labels, it's too bad that he doesn't showcase a few of them here. Instead, Cotton is content rekindling old chestnuts such as "Got My Mojo Working" and "Help Me". What would a review of a James Cotton disc be without mentioning his harmonica playing? James Cotton shows why he's earned the nickname "Mr. Superharp", especially on tunes such as, "One More Mile", "All Walks Of Life" and "Boogie Thang", where the deep tonal qualities and grittiness of his harp work can be heard to full effect. A nice slice of what a James Cotton live show sounded like back in the 70's, complimented by one of the tightest and hardest working bands in the blues biz, Recommended! ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Newcomers to journeyman rockabilly and honky-tonk crossbreed Sleepy LaBeef should check out Peter Guralnick's loving essay in Read more

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Reviews (3)

A GREAT live CD
Nothin' but the Truth ROCKS.If you never had the chance to see Sleepy live then this is the next best thing.This CD rocks from start to finish and Sleepy is truly a human jukebox.

excellent
i'm loathe to give 5 stars to anything, but this one comes close (5 stars would be seeing sleepy in person, dancing your butt off 5 feet from him).imho almost all music (rocakbilly, classical, blues, zydeco...) is best heard live.this is a live cd that captures as much of sleepy's hard driving guitar and booming baritone as possible on cd.i highly recommend both the cd and seeing sleepy live (as close as possible).

as good as live roots music gets
This is the best live Sleepy you are going to get next to seeing him in person. If you're a fan of roots music, or alternative country ( what ever that means ) you need this album. You also need any other Sleepy LaBeefrecords you can get your hands on. You can't put a label on his brand ofmusic. If you like a gumbo of blues, rockabilly, hillbilly, alt.country,etc., then this human jukebox is a must for you. I started out as a pureblues fan 25 years ago and Sleepy Labeef is one of the artists that openedmy eyes to all styles ofAmerican roots music. To me this is essentialmusic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rockabilly    6. Traditional Country   

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Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Rock/Pop   

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Reviews (1)

LONG JOHN BALDRY CAN MAKE YOU A STAR!
A friend of mine loaned me this cd the other day. I said John Baldry? I thought he was dead. He said no, and don't ask me any more questions, just give this cd a listen. He sounded pretty excited over it, and he's usually not a very excitable boy. So I put it on. I have to admit I didn't know much about Long John Baldry. But as I began to read the liner notes to this album, I came to realize what an interesting cat this guy is. I didn't know Baldry was the father of the British rock invasion. He started the first white electric blues band in 1961 called "Blues Incorporated". He hired a couple hungry teenage musicians off the street to join him. Their names were Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts. After Jagger and Watts went on to start that little band we all know about, Baldry formed another band in 1965 called "Steampacket". He brought on board a couple more talented teenagers by the names of Rod Stewart and Jack Bruce. After those two left the band to go on to bigger things, Baldry began his search to start his third band called Bluesology. One day in 1967 Baldry walked into a little bar and noticed this 19 year old teenage piano player that was bringing down the house. Baldry knew he had to hire him, so he gave the kid a break and brought him on board. The kid's name was Reginald Dwight. He stayed with Baldry another year and moved on to a solo career, and changed his name to Elton John. And the rest is history. Or is it? You may wonder what all of this has to do with this new live album. Well, Baldry has hired yet another kid that I think is gonna be a star someday. He is Matt Taylor, who is the outstanding guitar player here. The band here is a trio of Baldry on vocals and acoustic guitar. Butch Coulter on harmonica. And Matt Taylor on electric and acoustic guitars and vocals. No bass or drums. You may think ugh, how good could this be? Don't be fooled by this stripped down little band.This is a killer trio with a big sound. The charismatic Baldry is the one who runs this show, but it's Matt Taylor who makes this whole thing work. This kid is just an outstanding guitar player. When Baldry let's him loose this kid dazzles with his elecrifying yet always in control guitar solos. He's really something special. And I've heard a lot of good guitar players. Not to be overlooked is Butch Coulter, who has been around Baldry for over 20 years. His harp rendetion of Moondance in Tajikistan, better known as Van Morrison's Moondance, is a dazzling display of jazz harmonica. Great stuff. Some favorites of mine on here are MORNING DEW, which is a great song in itself, and Baldry's gruffy vocals here are perfect for this song. Another classic song here is Tom Wait's BLUE VALENTINE. Baldry let's Matt Taylor sing here. And guess what, the kid can really sing! He's got the whole package. But the real topper here is the old Faces song FLYING, that closes the album. A beautiful song that's got some of the best guitar work by Taylor I've ever heard. Now I can see why my friend was excited about this. It's a very impressive album, and I've now become a new Long John Baldry fan. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bar Band    2. Blues    3. Blues Music    4. British Blues    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

This brooding lesson in the "Three D's" of the blues--despair, death, and desire--is a window into the melancholy soul of Hooker's art. Each of the two discs are separate sets from a '70s solo concert at New York City's Hunter College. And by the time Hooker asks "How deep and how low can you git?" near the performance's end, we already know. It's not merely the profound darkness of these tales--in which Hooker becomes a killer, a TB victim, an abandoned lover--but the pain with which he suffuses his pinched, red-clay voice. Then there's his guitar, constantly working idiosyncratic variations on his patented boogie; sliding and snapping out replies to the tense lyrics of "Jesse James" or his improvised lonesome wail "Tired of Being Your Doggie." Throughout, Hooker exercises his command of tension and drama. Read more

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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. Leader    12. Pop    13. Songwriter   

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Reviews (1)

Unforgettable show captured on double cd
Blue By nature is a joy to see live, and this double live cd captures an unforgettable show. A real find. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Pop