5 comments about Inspiration Information.

1. I love it when I stumble across albums like this on Amazon. Shuggie Otis is one of the few out there that can really pull off the one-man-band concept. The end product is 70'sish, soulful, laid-back, and upbeat. There's generous use of early drum machine tech, but unlike many people who have experimented with such devices he figured out how to incorporate it properly into his overall sound. I think where most people fail is they try to use it like a real drummer instead of treating it according to its own sonic characteristics. His guitar playing is just tasty and never too brash or overblown. In many ways this album is a masterpiece of understatement. Most musicians seem to try and kick your doors down to get their point across. Shuggie just lays it down and lets it soak in.



2. This album is a work of subtlety, nuance and is best summed up by the word 'sublime'. From the soaring riffs and joyful intensity of 'inspiration information' to the introverted yet ex-corporeal spaciness of 'freedom flight', this is a thing of pure genius--not a single note is misplaced.



3. ...to real music like this here. I loved this Shuggie Otis album and I'll be buying more of his stuff. Why in the world don't you hear about people like Shuggie, a very young [at the time] musical protegé who played all of his own instruments, mixed himself and sounded like El Debarge. I'm sure had he conformed to a more commercial sound he would've been world famous. Instead he chose to march to the beat of his own drum and the benefit is the listener's. Shuggie most recently, that I know of, played guitar on Mos Def's "The New Danger" album--another one I must get ASAP! BUY THIS ALBUM!!!



4. WOW! BRILLIANT! GENIUS!
   
   Those are the few words I could utter as I listened to this disc. I decided to buy this disc after a few contemporary artists that I enjoy mentioned Shuggie Otis as an inspiration to them. I had never heard of him so when I talked to a few people about whether to get this disc or his previous release - those who HAD heard of Shuggie told me to definitely get this one first. I was assured that I'd fall head over heels in love with his music and that has turned out to be true!
   
   I was mezmerized by this entire disc - Shuggie mixes funk, pop & r&b so successfully that it was almost impossible to pick out just one or two tracks as standing out above others - THEY'RE ALL MAGNIFICENT. The info contained in the liner notes made me sad to think that the public didn't "get" this music when it was originally released but maybe a new generation of fans can help get this genius the musical recognition he deserves.
   
   To the undecided - in agreement with the reviewer's notes, if you love Prince, Maxwell & D'Angelo, you will ADORE this disc if you give it a chance - it is MAGNIFICENT!!



5. 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.
   
   I first heard about the reissue on NPR and I scribbled his name on a napkin that I found in the car. Coincidentally, my wife heard the same report while she was driving and also took the name down. We decided that it was fate and we bought the CD.
   
   I don't have a favorite song on this recording. They are all brilliant. They are all magnificent. These songs may have been written and recorded in the 70s, but they have a "feel" to them that transcends the era. You can't do that with all music. You put on a KC and the Sunshine Band CD and you're in 1975-76. Put on a Police CD and you're in 1982. Put on Shuggie Otis and you're right where you need to be; fully and completely present in the new now moment.
   
   I love this CD and I hope that you give it a chance.
   
   Peace and Blessings.

5 comments about Sweet Tea.

1. Having been a HUGE fan of Buddy, I for some reason past this album over. No real reason, it just got put to the back burner. Well, its now been about 7 years since it's release and I have finally gotten around to purchasing this one. ... HOLY CRAP!! It is super-fantastic!. I am ashamed it took me that long to pick this album up, and upset with myself at the same time. How could I allow an album of this calibur to set on the back burner for so long. I had heard it was a good album, but had no idea ... It is that good. If you are gonna buy it, well open up cause. Hot fudge is comming on in. Good Lord!



2. "Sweet Tea" is Nasty,not at all Sweet..Buddy is the best Guitar player alive today.. Searing vocals, and Guitar licks that will make the Hair stand up on the back of Your neck.. This recording cooks.
   " She got the Devil in Her" smokes with emotion, Buddy pulls out all the stops. The Killer, though, is "Please don't leave Me" . A pleading, Blues-Soaked Moan.
   Buy this CD!! If You're a Blues fan, or a Buddy Guy fan like Me, You won't regret it.



3. This CD is one of my top 10! It's so organic and raw, but it's rock, blues, psychadelic, you name it! Buddy sings so great, shreds, lets it all hang out. He talks the band through some of the changes, he's talkin' to the engineer and they just leave it in. I love it, it's like we were in the control room watchin' 'em lay it down. And the opener "Done Got Old," on acoustic guitar is too cool! Get it, get it, get it!



4. On Sweet Tea, Buddy Guy tries to channel some of the Mississippi delta country blues with great results. He covers a number of songs from fellow blues legend Junior Kimbrough.
   
   Songs like Done Got Old, I Got To Try You Girl, and Tramp show that Guy still possesses the licks, chops, and voice to deliver the blues in houserocking fashion. Guy still scorches on almost every cut.
   
   Sweet Tea proves that Buddy Guy is not resting on his living legend laurels, but still making thrilling, bone-chilling blues.



5. This is going to be a strange review. Being from Chicago and have had the pleasure and opportunity of meeting Buddy a few times, I was very excited for this release. I've really tried to get into this disc, but I just can't ... it's just not for me.
   
   Most people familiar Buddy's recent work, I'm talking about his string grammy dominating string of titles through the 90's know that this record is a departure from his normal material. Even Buddy himself mentioned at one point or another that he was concerned or uncomfortable with this material.
   
   Even if I don't like this record much, I still have to admire the change of pace. You could probably string Damn Right, Feels Like Rain, Slippin' In and to a certain extent, Heavy Love into one big record that have very similar sounds to them. This record flips everything upside down, takes a bit of a risk and I admire that.
   
   If you ever get a change to see Buddy live, go for it. His personality and energy is such a joy to watch. He truly loves what he does, and plays every show like it's his last. There will never be an entertainer as unique and exciting as Buddy Guy. So even if this disc is not for me, you might dig it! So Buddy, keep experimenting and your fans will always be along for the ride!

5 comments about Mystic Mile.

1. There are several great cuts on this album, and some incredible playing throughout. In particular, Worried Life Blues sports one of the most overwhelmingly awesome blues solos you'll ever hear. That one cut is worth the price of admission.



2. This is a MUST HAVE for blues guitar lovers. "Politician" is so hot, it jumps off of the CD. What a gifted musician Mr. Ford is, and backed by the hottest rhythm section you'll ever hope to hear from a blues band. No wonder Ford keeps getting Grammy nominations!



3. I've only recently come accross Robben Ford but I am already building up a collection. His singing voice is clean and his guitar work is excellent. The general feel of the album is both bluesey and rocky finishing on a very melow Mystic Mile. Excellent CD



4. The Mystic Mile exhibits Robben Ford's precision at playing smooth sophisticated blues. Ford sound is very elegant, modern and unique. This cd may be one of his best, demonstrating his song writing abilities as well as skill with the guitar. Most of the songs are written by Ford and they work cohesively to give the whole cd a somewhat "mystic" sound. The title cut, which wraps up the cd of 10 tracks,is perhaps the most mystical. It creates a vision of a mystic who is watching us, with a "strange sense of humor." Of the cover songs Politician written in '68, by Jack Bruce and Peter Brown is still true and relevant song today of political people trying to work both sides.

   If you like a more sophisticated blues with strong guitar work, this is a cd for you.




5. Robben Ford is one of the more underrated guitarists out there. "Mystic Mile" shows the band's versatility. Although I prefer "A Handful of Blues", I recomend this CD for the just the first track alone. "He Don't Play Nothin' But the Blues" is as good a rock song as there is, and Ford's playing and strong vocals ring through.

5 comments about Still Alive and Well.

1. Johnny has had many ups and downs throughout his recording career, but this album is, from start to finish, just fantastic. If you like JW and don't own this CD, just buy it now!



2. One of the most important things about Johnny Winter's rugged brand of the blues is that Johnny isn't afraid to go to places where the blues actually live in real ways. Places where people's lives aren't what they should be. Places where booze and drugs offer temporary relief from hopelessness, where bad relationships wreck dreams, and working too hard for too little pay wears people down and out. Without acknowledging the pain and suffering that gave birth to the blues, the music becomes an "art form" and a sanitized imitation of the real thing. Johnny Winter is definitely not about sanitized imitations.
   
   On Still Alive And Well (1973), not only does Johnny play the blues in an authentically rugged way, but he plays high energy rock n' roll and hippie barstool country the same way. Among the rock songs here are great rousing and rocking versions of Rock Me Baby, Rock & Roll, and Can't You Feel It. Blistering guitar licks and screaming vocals abound. Cheap Tequila is a very strong ballad (and a rare treat, as Johnny doesn't do many ballads), and one of my favorites here. Winter does two Rolling Stones covers, Let It Bleed and Silver Train, and they're both just as good (even better in some places) as the originals. Too Much Seconal is down and dirty acoustic blues, with acoustic slide, mandolin, flute, and lyrics from life on the wrong side.
   
   Oh baby, I don't believe you're no good at all
   No, you keep drinkin' too much whiskey
   You're takin' too much seconal
   
   Of course, Winter's guitar work on Still Alive And Well is also outstanding, to say the least. Johnny is one of the very best guitarists in a generation of rock's greatest guitarists. Rock n' roller Rick Derringer (Rock & Roll, Hoochie Koo) produced this album, and really brought out the rock n' roll side of Johnny Winter. The album has all of the energy of a rock n' roll production. The bad boy of blues/rock is rugged, raunchy, and screaming loud on this one, and if you don't mind a little harsh reality with your blues/rock, then you really can't go wrong with Still Alive And Well. AND TURN IT UP LOUD!!



3. Man does Johnny Winter fire on all cylinders on this one, or what! This album is non-stop energy, front to back, and just an all around rockin' good time.
   
   Covers of B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby" and The Rolling Stones' "Let it Bleed" play well as bookends on an album that's chock full of great tunes, as Winter's playing breathes new life into these songs.
   
   This is a can't miss album for blues fans and rock fans. Top notch!



4. without a doubt, in my humble opinion, johnny's best work. not a runt in the litter. if you like texas based guitar riff blues oriented up tempo rock, this is for you.



5. johnny live is always good , very strong blues and hard rock , makes me want to time trip back to the 70s. johnny used to play at washington monument , he is a legend and one of the best in acoustic and hard rock blues

5 comments about Talk to Your Daughter.

1. This is one of the few guitar recordings that is stellar from front to back. Awesome guitar sound, tone, phrasing . A textbook of blues/jazz licks and phrases. Most important is that all the tunes are great and not just material created so the improvisor can blow . The production has been accused in one review as too slick . Well yes it is polished but lets focus on the content which to me is without a doubt Robbens best recording. This one will stand the test of time to a far greater degree than his subsequent material. Think of how important Blow by Blow is to Beck . Well that is polished or maybe even slick but it is THE Beck recording as Talk to your daughter is THE recording for Robben.



2. I bought this cd on the recommendation of a family friend shortly after it came out and have loved it ever since(thanks and RIP DC).I had read articles about Robben in Guitar Player magazine in the '70s and probably heard him without knowing it(man, this guy did alot of session work) but "Talk To Your Daughter" was the real introduction of how good this guy is(I have 6 of his releases so far).Favorite tracks? It's almost easier to say that the final two tracks (Getaway and Can't Let Her Go) for me are not quite as strong as the rest of the cd but are still good.But personal faves are Help the Poor,Born Under a Bad Sign and the title track(more jammin' fun).The only possible drawback might be the compressed,echoed '80s style production but this shouldn't be a deal-breaker.This is a fine cd and worth owning.



3. I just did two other reviews on newer Robben Ford CD`s so please check those for that info. Just a short note to say that this being an earlier recording from 1988 in no way diminishes the quality of Robben`s playing and is a great blues CD. Less rock influence than on the newer CD`s, this CD is a nice blues album to listen to and there is not a bad tune on the CD. The title track "Talk to your Daughter" is great and touches home in the fact that I have a daughter who seems to have a boyfriend who wrote this song! Also, "Born Under a Bad Sign" and "Can`t Let Her Go" are great tunes. Highly recommend this early Robben Ford classic & a must for any serious blues CD collector! Cheers from Tokyo! Greg



4. I have intimate details in how this cd was made and let me tell you, when you listen to these tunes most of what you hear are "first takes"...the recording budget was extremely tiny and forced most of what you hear into the shining examples of how great musicians can overcome b.s. corporate hacks only concerned with the "bottomline". If you listen close you can even here Robben hit a couple of clams in his solos. It's beyond stupid for someone to say that the jackets members don't know how to play 12 bar blues, as well. The Yellowjackets can turn any blues form inside out and Russell Ferrante is one of the most proficient and versatile keyboard players in the world, period. When the recording budget is less than most people earn in a month, you end up with a hurried recording that focuses much more on the solos and less on production. But, as real musicians, what do we want to hear anyway? The solos! Good song writing, as well, but in the end I wait for the solos or cool musical cues. Despite the budget impediments, Robben is burning as is the whole band. This album and Mystic Mile are my two personal favorites and to me show off Robben's jazz-tinged, edgy blues playing to their fullest expression. If you've never heard Robben play blues it's nothing like SRV...it's much closer to Chicago in his rythm playing. His solo voice on guitar is pretty much his own. He sort of invented this kind of playing back in the 70's, well he and Larry Carlton. It's edgy but you can tell there's alot of polish under the grit. He can just as easily rip off Wes Montgomery or John Coltrane as Buddy Guy or the "Alberts". I understand some people not really digging his voice as it's very pure and doesn't have the stereo-typical gritty delivery that alot of blues or rock singers have, however there are plenty of vocalists that have the same kind of delivery and convey and interpret the tunes in their own cool way. Robert Cray for example...Robben sings just fine, he just doesn't sound like B.B. King. You won't be disappointed with this purchase. It's Robben at his most aggressive approach tone-wise and the spontaneity in the tracks can be felt, not just heard. Take it from a professional guitar player and bass player of 20 years you'll love this cd.



5. I love this CD. Perhaps the guy that wrote the editorial review is not a guitar player, but anyone who is will love this CD. Robben Ford plays with great sophistication and intensity. The guitar is mixed hot. The vocals are excellent.

5 comments about Blues 88's: Boogie Woogie Instrumentals.

1. I love Boogie Woogie and this CD has the bonus of NO vocals! Super GREAT!



2. If this album doesn't get your toes a-tappin' you need surgery. While not the "best" of this genre, this album is crammed with fun music and it is well recorded to boot! Hard to beat the beat! Intense piano. HIGHLY recommended as an introduction for those wanting to hear what boogie is about. Woogie woogie! Five stars!



3. I was hopeful based on other reviewers, and love this. All of the players are very, very good. Some numbers are solo, others have a band backing up the player. Musical selections are between so-so and FAN-TASTIC! If you listen in your car, USE YOUR CRUISE CONTROL, especially on #4. Katie Webster really rolls on this one, as does her band. I kept listening and my foot kept easing down on the "exhilarator". Next thing I know, I'm doing 20 mph over speed limit. If you like piano with great melody, fast playing (and accurate-no fumble fingers here), with a fast blues riff or a boogie-woogie beat, don't hesitate. Buy it!



4. Great sampler of current blues-boogie!
   
   This is going to be stuck in my CD player for a good long while. Lots of fun and these guys are GOOD! I just started taking boogie woogie piano after several years of classical so I can hear what they are doing and am just so impressed - I can't imagine playing this well. I like fast music and while some may say its showing off - I say 'if you got it flaunt it'!
   
   The difficult thing with boogie is the timing - getting the right hand and left hand coordinated when they are hitting different timings and rhythms. I should say its difficult for me but these guys get it right - sooo right!
   
   Clean recording and not a single track which I skip.



5. An easy listening CD, with "catchy" tunes from the first track. If you dance to music as part of an exercise routine, this is an excellent warm up CD!

4 comments about Down In Louisiana.

1. I first became aware of Sonny Landreth in 2005 when he played the annual winter blues series at our local theater. Prior to that I had heard the name, and knew he occasionally played with Jimmy Buffett, but other than that was not familiar with his work. When it was announced that he was coming to town a friend of mine insisted that I go check him out. I did and they guy blew me away. Landreth is probably best known for his prowess on slide guitar, but he really can play just about any style. He hails from New Orleans and to this day there is still a lot of Cajun blues influence to his music. "Down In Louisiana" is a very early Landreth release back when he was paired up with vocalist / harmonica man Mel Melton in the mid 80's. The music is very much Cajun zydeco blues and quite a bit different from what Landreth would do later. This is all fun danceable Zydeco music with Landreth's incredible guitar and Melton's searing harmonica leading the charge. True Zydeco normally has an accordion as it's lead instrument. There is no accordion to be found here, but Melton makes up for it by subbing harmonica dynamics where the accordion might normally be. There is nothing cerebral or to heavy about all of this. The songs are all upbeat pleasurable numbers like "Ay Ai Ai", "Sugar Cane", "The Parish Line" and "If I Ever Got Lucky". The best song on the album "Congo Square" has become a Landreth fan favorite over the years, and is still a main feature in his live show. Fans of later day Landreth may not get this early release, but it is a fine representation of the man's roots and is about as much fun as anything I own on CD.



2. Still a favorite, this Sonny Landreth CD is a keeper. "Congo Square" is hypnotic and makes you want to dance! So glad to see it's still going strong. I'm taking a copy along with me to share with friends in Europe. The band I'm in loves playing "Everybody's Breakin'..." and it's a big hit whenever we play it! Sonny is a guitar master and brings his roots to his songs to share with a wider audience. If you haven't been bitten by the Zydeco bug yet, Landreth is a great into the music (along with Buckwheat Zydeco). Get up and dance!! This music was made to party!!!



3. This mans technique defies description and he must've exercised alot of patience in order to acquire it. There hasn't been a slide player like him EVER! He holds down chords whilst still playing a slided note and quite frankly what he plays with a slide most players can't when fretting normally. Although I have total respect for other slide players past and present (e.g. Hound Dog Taylor, D. Allman, Lowell George, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Rogers etc...) Mr. Landreth seems to have taken the whole thing 10 steps further.Cajun Zydeco features highly in Sonny's repertoire. He started in Clifton Cheniers band as a teenager and never looked back.
   This recording was done in the early 1980s when Landreth was in his mid 20s.
   There isn't one bad track on this c.d. You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm on every track. "Congo Square", which is Sonny's anthem, is a standout track and listen to his sweeping slide on the slow accordion blues "If I Ever Get Lucky".
   "Ay, Ay, Ay" really is alot of fun and is full of zydeco energy."Sugarcane" is very much in the same veign.
   This man should be a huge star in the category as Mark Knopfler but i think his modesty and humility prevents him from being so.



4. It is good to see this album available again. This is Landreth's most clearly Cajun recording, and the most similar to what he used to play with zydeco king, Clifton Chenier. There is no accordian here, the blues influence is not quite as strong as in real zydeco music, and there isn't much here with a Cajun waltz feel to it, but as long as you aren't looking for a pure sound, that shouldn't bother you. This album is just some fun, upbeat music with some killer slide guitar playing and some fine harmonica playing from Mel Melton. This is not an album of guitar solos like South of I-10, and this is not a melange of styles like Levee Town, so if you are looking for either of those things, don't expect to find them here. All you will find here is some good, fun music. If this is the kind of thing you are looking for, also check out Clifton Chenier, particularly any of the Red Hot Louisiana Band recordings from after Landreth joined the band in 1979. For those looking to broaden their horizons on this type of music, consider listening to Leftover Salmon's "Ask the Fish" album to hear the sounds of polyethnic cajun slamgrass. Also, Anders Osborne's "Ash Wednsday Blues" is a fine mix of rock and New Orleans sounds. Finally, for another New Orleans twist on blues, try John Mooney's "Against the Wall" (which also has some damn fine slide guitar playing).

5 comments about East-West.

1. This recording contains what has to be the one of the greatest blues/rock songs of all time. The song is East West which contains some of the greatest music I've ever heard. It is a preview of what the bands later in the 60's will produce and remains one of the finest example of the extended guitar solo pieces.
   
   At this time the Butterfield Blues Band had two of the best guitarist around, Elvin Bishop and (my favorite) Mike Bloomfield. They each take an extended solo, Elvin Bishop first. Elvin throws out a blazing fast mountain of notes. It is what happens next that makes this an unique experience. It is Mike Bloomfield's turn next, not with another show stopper solo, instead he pares back the music to the absolute minimum. His clear ringing notes lifts one from out under the mountain into the clear blue sky. From this he slowly builds, never to excess, an exquisite solo that sends us flying above the mountains. There is nothing else like it that I've ever heard. I cannot do it justice, this music must be heard. It is unique moment that everyone deserves to experience.
   
   For this reason along, the song East West, makes this recording a must. But there is also all of the rest of the songs, including Butterfield's catchy solo on Work Song.



2. I sampled all tracks and was surprised that I knew all of them since I had never owned it or even heard it in 30 years. Bought it and love it.



3. I too had this on vinyl and wore it out 5 times and one listen to "I've got a mind to give up living" will send you out of your head. Maybe this is one of the cd's or of of the bands youeither love or hate because I don't love evry cd they have made. But with this versions line-up, the Butterfield Blues Band ain't s***. Sorry to all u die hards.
   
   There are many more memorable sond here than on any other PBBB albums, but go ahead and listen and u be the judge.



4. I'm a huge fan of Chicago blues and a big fan of Paul Butterfield and Mike Bloomfield, but this album doesn't do it for me. The title cut East West is great and is nearly half the album hence the three stars. This album sounds a bit dated and I its due to the slightly heavy phycodelic rock influence found on this album. PBBB was on of those groups (like the ned of the Peter Green Fleetwood Mac era) that was trying to push the boundries of the blues art form. What you have 30 years later is an album that just doesn't sounds that good. that doesn't do it for me. I don't think this album as aged well. The blues are timeless and should hold up to the test of time. Great artist like Magic Sam and Lowell Fulson still sound great today. This album doesn't. Buyer Beware I guess.



5. The Jazz-Rock fusion movement of the late 70's (Weather Report, Spyro Gyra, Tony Williams) was born on this album. If I could only keep one record in my collection, this would probably be the main contender for that position. This album is a musical safari including a remarkable variety of musical idioms in a Blues context that goes way beyond Blues. Obviously, the East-West track is the pinnacle of this exploration. Listen closely and you will hear East Indian, Calypso, New Orleans Jazz, Bluegrass, and 4 or 5 other distinct musical styles each in a separate movement with very striking transitions. When I first got this album as a sophmore in college in 1966, I used to put on the East-West title track in the late afternoon and drift off into a wonderful, dreamy nap carried off in a magical concoction of World music as I think no one had ever heard before.
   
   This is just a glorious masterpiece, a high-point in American popular music. It feels as good today to listen to it as it did in 1966.
   
   Oh, aspiring blues guitarists would be wise to try to copy Mike Bloomfield's delicate, complex and powerful solo on "I've Got A Mind to Give up Living." I wore out my vinyl copy trying.

5 comments about Jimi Hendrix: Live At Berkeley.

1. Yes folks you read it corectly! JIMI at the quaint, acoustically perfect, Berkeley Community Theatre smack dab in the middle of Berkeley High school's campus- what a treat to see him at his wonderful little theatre- had him all to ourselves for 2 shows!!!!



2. The music is excellent. No question about it. However, the imbecile responsible for cutting the LP version of the album should be subjected to a class action lawsuit because it's the WORST record I have ever come across. The grooves are not centered and thus not circular, forcing the tone arm to slide back and forth, and therefore the needle against one wall of the groove and then the other. DO NO BUY THIS LP. It was poorly manufactured. Buy the CD instead.



3. No doubt Jimi Hendrix is the best guitar player to ever come, this CD is an excellent re-master of the Berkeley concert in 1968 great that someone recorded it
   The music is timeless and this CD captures the master in action, any Rock fan will appreciate this CD, you will be glad to have this one to to your collection.



4. Since the days of this memorable recital that stirred up so many positive comments, many of us had firmly believed, we never would have the chance to listen it.
   
   This recital found Hendrix in top form, in absolute domain of the musical form, surrounded of an outburst of volcanic energy, intense musicality and visceral expression.
   
   "Machine gun" for instance, is a real tour de force piece, filled of forceful violence and unmatched virtuousness. "Purple haze" and "Star spangled banner" breathe not only the well outburst of energy but supported by a major level of profundity, which clearly may be noticed through the expansiveness of the sound, the creative twists where the lyricism is well torn apart to convey us to unvisited territories.
   
   The restoration process is another highlight. A full rounded sound without distortions, bubbles or distortions.
   
   If you are a hard fan of this supreme exponent of the guitar, you really should not miss this anthological album, that must be regarded as one of the top five resurrected rock albums ever.
   
   Another emblematic achievement of the prince of guitar, whose sound has not been able to be unsurpassed until now although all the technological advances since then.
   
   A collector item.



5. Yeah, it's ruff in spots, but so was creation...
   every performance an adventure...
   every adventure a journey...
   every journey well taken...
   much respect for jimi every time!!!

5 comments about Blues Masters: The Very Best of Lightnin' Hopkins.

1. Just wanted to say that Item was every thing I expected of it and your attention and response to order was outstanding. will most probably be ordering from you again.



2. The songs on this CD were recorded between 1946 and 1961. They cover a wide range of his songs. The instrumentation is spare, with--normally--only Hopkins or playing or only a couple other backing players (sometimes we don't even know who the other musicians were). This is unelectrified blues, hearkening back to an earlier era in the history of the blues.
   
   A handful of examples of his work on this CD:
   
   "Baby please don't go." The cut features simple and spare guitar work by Hopkins. The liner notes comment that (page 12): "They say he only knew three chords on the guitar. I say that made him greater. . . .I saw how he turned technical limitations to aesthetic advantage." He repeats the title line several times to set a tone and atmosphere and implores her not to go to New Orleans. Hopkins plays alone, with no backing instruments.
   
   "Mighty Crazy", too, features no backing musicians. He surely displays a "lived in" voice. He begins the song, as with "Baby please don't go" with a repeat of the title four times.
   
   Finally, "Mojo Hand," one of his better known works. This cut features a nice rhythm section backing him (musicians' names not known). This has some of the best recording quality on the CD. He shows animated singing and spare but effective guitar work.
   
   The liner notes summarize Hopkins' place in the blues world (pages 11-12): "Lightnin' Sam Hopkins was one of the towering geniuses of American music. At a time when big-city blues was electrifying the world, Lightnin' brought us back to the basics. He infused his country sensibility and singular personality into every song he sang." This represents a nice introduction to the work of one of the finest blues players.



3. The blues do not get any bluer than this. This was my first foray into Texas/folk blues, and it will most certainly not be my last, as the music on this CD are some of the most representative blues music I have ever heard. One of my favorite songs is a song sung by both Hopkins and Sonny Terry, Conversation Blues. If you do not like this song, the blues are simply not for you! But every song on here is exceptional, something I had not expected as I picked this up more out of curiosity than anything else. Now, it is one of my favorites to listen to, right up there with Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Muddy Waters. The album covers Hopkins career for a 20 year period, from 1941 to 1961, and is ideal for anyone who is starting out their Hopkins' collection(as I was).
   
   Sam "Lightning" Hopkins learned the blues, at least in part, from Blind Lemon Jefferson, and for a time even became his guide. Let the music on this CD be your guide to Texas/folk blues. Surely there can be no better guide for an introduction into this genre.
   
   A definite 5 star pick, especially for all that Rhino has managed to pack on here for the inexpensive price. A must have.
   
   One thing to note however: If you believe from the outset that you will come to love Hopkins' music, Rhino's release of "Mojo Hand" is recommended; it is a 2-CD set of Hopkins career. Either way, you will not go wrong.



4. Bought this CD as a gift and he really loves it. He grew up listening to Lightnin' Hopkins, so it really brought back some good memories for him.



5. A classic from a little known, at least by me, talent. Lightnin Hopkins is easily one of the best blues artists I ever heard. This is down home, back in the day, drafty shack wif dee leaky roof Blues.