Amazon.com

A magic night (May 11, 1995) on PBS's Austin City Limits translates superbly to disc for this heartfelt and soulful salute from a Hall of Fame crew led by B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, and Dr. John.Brother Jimmy's elegant "Texas Flood," Raitt's kick-ass "Pride and Joy," and the amiable collective jams on "Six Strings Down" and "SRV Shuffle" are all highlights. --Jeff Bateman ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Tribute Fit For A Guitar King
Before August 27, 1990 I had never really had to cope with death. Although this was not a family member or friend it was still someone I had grown up with, and on. Stevie Ray Vaughan has a special place in my life. His music stays with me until this day.

The amount of friends he had and how they came together was amazing. This was by far the best tribute album as far as talent. There are amazing players on here. It's worth the buy even if you aren't a fan of his, but the blues itself.

Artists include: Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Lee Vaughan, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, and Dr. John.

The last three tracks are great and they feature all the players on the album playing in unison. This is a delight for fans of the particular artists to hear such a unique live JAM session. All in all this is a fitting, emotional tribute to a man whose guitar magic still lives on inside my soul.

An All-Star Tribute To Stevie Ray Vaughan
Stevie Ray Vaughan without a doubt is one of the greatest blues guitarist, and song writers that ever lived. I have been a long time Stevie Ray Vaughan fan when the tribute CD came out I was anxious to here people like jimmie vaughan, bonnie rait, bb. king, eric clapton, robert cray, and dr.john. I bought this not too long ago since I have never got around to it. I have been so caught up with newer releases like the Stevie Ray Vaughan Box Set that I forget to buy some of that other stuff. Anyways I thought in all this CD was another great thing that happened to the blues power of steive ray vaughan.

The guitarist's on here are truely great all of them have a different style thats what I really liked about this CD no one copied stevie note for note or tried to be just like him because every guitarist is different from another. The first track on this CD is Bonnie Raitt: Pride And Joy. Her version was way different from Stevie's but it was good to here a new flavor with some slide guitar. The second track is Jimmie Vaughan: Texas Flood. I also loved his texas guitar slinging playing it sounded like he was picking with his hands it was really cool. One of my favorites though is the next song performed by B.B King titled Telephone Song here is the coolest blues jam. The next one is titled Long Way Home by Buddy Guy. My favorite song on this album was Eric Clapton's version of Ain't Gone 'N Give Up On Your Love. Then their was Robert Cray's Love Struck Baby, Dr. John Cold Shot, All of the guitarist for Six String Down, All of the guitarist for Tick Tock, and all of the guitairist for the SRV Shuffle. Dont get me wrong this is one of the best tribute CD's that was ever put together their is great blues guitar playing on here any true fan, or guitarist would want. Highly Recomended!!

sounding to much like Stevie
i think when you do a tribute album you should do the songs in your own way. some people did but for the most part the play it the way he did. eric claptons song sound just like texas flood. dr john what the best becuase he did the song on a paino so it was diffrent. if you like the bkues you will like this album.

Pointless cash in
It may have been a good idea to put on a tribute concert to SRV, and I hope the proceeds (and the proceeds from the sale of this CD, the VHS, the DVD etc. etc.) go to a worthy charity - although, since it isn't mentioned on the tin, I doubt they will - but in any case it doesn't reward the listening.

Each one of the featured artists is great in his or her own right, and if you want to catch some of that greatness, then buy the artist's own CD. Same goes for Stevie Ray Vaughan. But don't buy this.

Just give this record the swerve - if you already own everything else by the artists concerned, by a book or something, and improve yourself.

Great tribute to a great artist!
I recently repurchased this cd & listened to it from start to finish. Funny, but I don't remember it sounding this good when I first owned it. It still amazes me that all this talent could be assembled in one place - it speaks volumes about their love and admiration for Stevie. This is a great primer for someone interested in blues music, but unfamiliar with some of the artists on this disc. Each has a very distinctive style and sound. I'm not a huge fan of Jimmie Vaughan, but I have to admit "Six Strings Down" (about the tragic accident that killed Stevie) touched me more than any other song. All the artists sound in top form - none of them are just going through the motions. Truly a great tribute to a great artist! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

wanna jam?
This cd starts out with some acoustic numbers from Edwin McCain. They hold up to repeated listening because of Warren Haynes' tasteful and impressive acoustic lead and slide playing. The Derek Trucks Band is as an exciting band that is working today and their set is a joy. But it gets even more thrilling as virtually each extended jam features one great artist after another. The Cry of Love set adds hard rock and is alittle weak. Then Gov't Mule takes over. It's set is more like, but maybe even beter than, disc one (as opposed to the stellar disc two) to "With a Little Help from Our Friends" and holds up well to repeated listening. "But" you may wonder, "isn't this just another one of those blues based extended jam albums that I already have in abundance in my collection?" No! Herring, Haynes and Trucks deliver (together no less) on song after song on this cd, plus, and I must say surprisingly, the sound quality here is outstanding. One last thing, Haynes, McKay and the various and asundry good friend/guest vocalists can belt it out -- not an embarrassing note among them.

Habitat for the Blues
The 1999 11th Annual Warren Haynes benefit concert for Habitat for Humanity offers something for everyone. Disc One opens with soul-filled acoustics by Edwin McCain and Warren Hayes. They are followed by a rolling blues jam hosted by Derek Trucks. Derek Trucks leads with "Rastaman Chant" -- a bow to Reggae that keeps you bouncing. Trucks then lays a solid foundation with the jazzy Chicken Strut for a five-song set that closes out the first disc. The set features guest after guest pushing each other to new heights. Jimmy Herring, Col. Bruce Hampton, Susan Tedeschi, and Larry McCray mix and match as song after song delivers first rate blues. Larry McCray sizzles on "Ain't That Loving You" and Col. Bruce Hampton will have you kneeling at the altar of the blues with his "Yield Not to Temptation". Tucks closes Disc One with Tedeschi's "Just Won't Burn" (Oh, but she does and so will you).

Tedeschi opens the second disc with a version of "Angle from Montgomery" that rivals Bonnie's rendition. Cry of Love returns after a five-year absence to rock the concert. On "Piece Pipe" they beat out a powerful song that resurrects the spirit of the 60s. Government Mule then does for Disc Two what Tucks did for Disc One - they host a rolling jam featuring Johnny Neal, Jimmy Herring, Col. Bruce Hampton, Mike Barnes, and Little Milton. Jimmy Neal rips out one great line after another on "Falling Down". Hampton, Neal and Mike Barnes have some fun with Willie Dixon's "Spoonful". The second disc closes with Little Milton reaching new heights on "When the Blues Come Knockin'" followed by Government Mule, Derek Trucks, Little Milton, Johnny Neal and Little Milton in an unforgettable version of "Merry Christmas Baby".

This is a solid two CD set for the serious Blues-Rock fan who appreciates live music and artists who love to jam.

Wanna Jam?
This cd starts out with some acoustic numbers from Mr. McCain. They hold up to repeated listening because of Mr. Haynes' tasteful and impressive acoustic lead and slide playing. The Derek Trucks Band is as an exciting band that is working today and their set is a joy. But it gets even more thrilling as virtually each extended jam features one great artist after another. The Cry of Love set adds some welcomed, tuneful hard rock and then Gov't Mule takes over. It's set is more like, but maybe even beter than, disc one (as opposed to the stellar disc two) to "With a Little Help from Our Friends" and holds up well to repeated listening. "But" you may wonder, "isn't this just another one of those blues based extended jam albums that I already have in abundance in my collection?" No! Herring, Haynes and Trucks are the "it" boys and they deliver (together no less) on song after song on this cd, plus, and I must say surprisingly, the sound quality here is outstanding. One last thing, Haynes, McKay and the various and asundry good friend/guest vocalists can belt it out -- not an embarrassing note among them.

Good Friends, some tunes, ....
and what you get is music contained on this 2 CD set. To try and cover everything on this would require a book, so I`ll just say that this entire set has numerous highlights, like all of the great talent that Warren Haynes seems to always assemble. The players on each song rotate so much you need a program, but unlike most All- star jams, this one has each player pushing the other one,creating some incredible improvisational jamming.

There is the Derek Trucks Band, with Derek`s incredible Duane Allmanesque slide on Rastaman Chant, Edwin McCain, Col.Bruce Hampton with Jimmy Herring, two fifths of the Aquarium Rescue Unit, there`s Cry of Love playing together for the first time in five years. You have Larry McCray, brillant blues guitarist, Susan Tedeschi with her warm Bonnie Raitt like voice. Then the Mule`s set with it`s burning version of Bad Little Doggie, and then there`s blues legend Little Milton, doing a smoking When the Blues Come Knocking, and most of the gang performing 15 minutes of Merry Christmas Baby.

This is a great CD of an incredible night. There were other great players there also, I`ll end it by saying if you like the Mule and great jamming, along with some musical surprises, this is it. Rest in Peace Allen Woody.

Gov't Mule has some great friends:)
Warren Haynes has been doing a benefit show in Ashville,NC for years, but this year the concert moved to a much larger venue. It was a very cold windy day, and there was still some snow to be found around the Auditorium. The 2 cd's capture all of the best moments of the night. There is a few songs from everyone that was there. The Derek Trucks set was just amazing. And the night just got better and better from then on. The Govt Mule set was the show stopper. I think that everyone was on that stage at one time or another. The highlight of the whole eavning had to be Little Milton singing "Merry Christmas Baby". Wow what a legend. So, if ya like the Mule and there friends that always show up. This is a must have.. ian lee ... Read more

Reviews (4)

I'm gonna knock myself out..Gradually by degree..
Yes reefer fans, this is THE CD to own. It is everything you never thought existed when it comes to reefer jazz and blues. It is a mind-blowing mix that peels back layers of time to uncover these gems of musical wonder.

You should buy it immediately. I'm not stupid, though this review may be flippant and unhelpful.

One of the finest Jazz/Blues compilations EVER
The amazing thing about this disc is how few of these artists most people, even Jazz affecianadoes, have ever heard of, let alone *heard*. This is a compilation about Reefer, and this disc shows what the Harlem Rennaisance was all about! This stuff is the coolest, and gives clear precedent for modern acts like "The Cherry Poppin' Daddies" and The Brian Seltzer Orchestra.

BTW--The Cotton Club Orchestra that Cab Calloway uses for the version of "Minnie The Moocher" is *not* the standard Calloway Band, and the song has a much more "lush" sound to it with the larger orchestra. Already one of my favorite songs, this version is THE best version I've ever heard him do, bar none.

Reefer songs from the golden age of jazz
For those that love swing jazz, here it is with a new kick. These are the songs that you do not hear on your normal jazz station. Some of the artists you might know (Cab being one) others might be new to you. Either way this CD is a treat for all that are at the least open minded, if not full on heads. Peace

Light Up!
This is an album with hilarious lyrics about that weed of wisdom.

Aside from that, it has some of the greatest jazz musicians of its first few decades. Dig Art Tatum and Barney Bigard on "Sweet Marijuana Brown". ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This CD is awesome!
I have had this C.D. for at least 6 years and it is still one of my favorites. I also happen to like the introductions that the other reviewer found annoying...it makes me feel like I am at the show. I bought my CD at the House of Blues in New Orleans and it brings back great memories of my trip. Several of my friends have heard the CD and wanted to buy it.

inane prattle has me crying the blues
While the music here is solid and the packaging first rate, the incredibly annoying voiceover to announce which artist is up next interupts the music's flow and is enough to make one hit the eject button. And that's after the first listen. Trying to get through it again and again is next to impossible. To add insult to injury, because the VO is tacked onto the back of the tracks, RIPing the disc and removing the offending noise isn't a workaround unless you want to start editing audio files.

Gimme music without interruption.

Most excellent.
This set provides the listener with a broad variety of blues sounds, and is perfect for the person who can't decide on just one artist. Two thumbs up, five stars, and all that stuff too. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is not the blues
Yes, these are great ladies but they are not singing the Blues. They are singing Jazz. As far as a Jazz album goes, I rate this 5 STARS.
As a Blues musician, I was truely disappointed that the producer of this CD listed it as a Blues album. There's not a Blues lick on this album.
If you're looking for great ladies to sing the Blues, don't look here. If you're looking for great ladies to sing slow sad Jazz, you found it.
There are those people that will disagree with me on this CD. I have read the previous reviews. I'll state again, as far as a Jazz CD, absolutely wonderful. I highly recommend. As far as a Blues CD, no way.
Seeing as I am not a big fan of Jazz, I have listed my copy of this CD on Amazon.com to sell as "Like new." Someone out there will enjoy this CD.

Getting Into It
For someone who has always liked the blues, but doesn't quite know why, this CD helps make it clear. It's because of the way it makes you FEEL. The sultry, beautiful release it gives you, with all the female greats (plus Louis!), makes cooking, gardening, even paying bills a treat. Your hips will sway. You will bellow out along with them. Go for it.

Mesmerizing
Morgana King's "I Know How It Feels To Be Lonely" alone is worth the price of this brilliant CD. This collection possesses an etheral quaility that presents Blues at its quintessential best. Sara Vaughn and Nina Simone also shine like bright and radiant stars.

these ladies are indeed great
my favs would have to be "cry a river" and "i know how it feels to be lonely". this cd is packed with the best voices and puts you in another place...there are an abunance of other songs that coul dhave been included or substituted, but because there was a vast selection, the ones presented made an overall statement. if you have never explored this genre then this is a good one to get your feet wet ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're going to throw a party, invite this CD first. Way back when jugs were added to juke and barrelhouse performances in 1910 or so and American dance music really got down for good, these dazzling new trance rhythms smashed Western culture's sound barrier at the previously unheard-of speed of 78 rpm. From Louisville to Memphis to Birmingham to Cincinnati, these popular party bands mixed fine musicianship with clever songwriting and an unblushing sense of burlesque. Whether it's the raw wailing of young Ashley Thompson with Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers' "Big Railroad Blues" or the jazz-inflected wizardry of Earl McDonald and Clifford Hayes on the Dixieland Jug Blowers' "Banjoreno" or the Memphis Jug Band's raucous ribaldry on "Cocaine Habit Blues" and "Ruckus Juice and Chittlins," this first of two inspired volumes of jug-band classics blows out the lights, stops time in its tracks, and rocks. --Alan Greenberg ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Negro Work Songs & Calls [Rounder]
This is possibly the worst transfer of data into digital format that I have ever heard. I have a 30 year old copy of this album on vinyl that I carefully recorded in MP3 format. The quality of this home recording maintains the fidelity of the original recording infinitely better than this CD. I bought the CD hoping for a better digital format, not worse. I am sending back this opened and played CD to Amazon.com today. Let's see how they respond to a return that is based soley on the fact that it is an incredibly inferior product. One final note. The music of the original recording will make any effort you take to find one of the older vinyls well worth your effort. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

USA's Huge Musical Contribution
Every time I hear a really great blues recording, like this one, I realize anew that this is where we achieved our finest moment in making a permanent, unassailable contribution to modern music. If you hear other, more modern, and most especially WHITE singers, doing these numbers, they are NOT the ones that did it first. Black Americans are the absolute center of this music and these women, every single one of them, is the real thing, the first modern musical artists. I really liked the idea too of breaking these albums up into special sectors with this one focusing solely on the authentic blues women. The male artists in this genre are very different from the women so it really makes sense to listen to them separately. Sometimes I feel as if the UKers might be leaving us in the dust musically but not when I listen to this album and the others like it, forming the core of America's musical contribution to the best of what we hear today. I think this would make an especially great gift to a friend in another country who thinks our major contribution was Elvis Presley. In fact, it might even make a great gift for Americans who remain oblivious to this national heritage and contribution!

Great Retrospective
This is a great CD set for the Blues afficionato as well as those just getting their feet wet. The songs cover the spectrum from classic to contemporary, and the recording sounds excellent. The closest thing I have to a complaint about it is that it might have been nice if the songs were organized more chronologically so that the musical and stylistic evolutions were more gradual and kinder to the listening ear. Still, this is by far my favorite collection, and my most listened to blues CD.

Dynamite music, great fun.
This is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable and fun CD sets I've heard in a long time. I am even ordering two more sets for a friend to give as gifts. It would be hard to pick favorites here, but Ruth Brown, Candye Kane, Alberta Hunter and Bessie Smith would be at the top. Anyone who likes vintage and contemporary blues would do well to buy this set. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Solid Acoustic Compilation!
This is a good mix of contemporary acoustic blues which features several well known musicians. The cd features many standouts such as, Alvin Youngblood Hart's "Pony Blues" from his award winning cd "Big Mama's Door", Keb' Mo's "Love Blues" from the cd "Keb' Mo'", R.l. Burnsides "Long Haired Doney" from "Acoustic Stories", Guy Davis' "Georgia Jelly Roll" from "Call Down The Thunder" and John Hammonds "Riding in the Moonlight" from his "Mileage" cd as well as an acoustic version by Tab Benoit of "Rainy Day Blues" featuring vocals by Willie Nelson. All in all, the cd is an excellent primer and is recommended for individuals that want to sample country blues. The only substandard tunes on the disc are Steve James "Stack Lee Blues" and Woody Mann's "Little Brother". With those two exceptions, the cd is a keeper.

Great introduction to various artists
This CD features some of the best contemporary blues artists around. Highlights (besides the incredible Keb'Mo) include the Sue Foley tune and the Tab Benoit/Willie Nelson duet. Fantastic! A wide variety of artists and song styles make this a must-have blues album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

But the 30th holds its own, presenting guitar greats like Lonnie Mack ("Stop"), Johnny Winter ("My Time After Awhile"), and Lonnie Brooks ("Two-Headed Man"), as well as harmonica heroes James Cotton ("When It Rains It Pours"), Junior Wells ("Keep Your Hands Out of My Pockets"), and William Clarke ("Broke and Hungry"). Several outstanding duets, including a fine and funky tune by Henry Butler and Corey Harris and a classic from a Robert Cray and Albert Collins collaboration, provide variety.

The second disc contains 13 live cuts, featuring some of the most exciting live blues acts ever, such as Albert Collins, backed by the Icebreakers; Luther Allison, who rips through his signature "Soul Fixin' Man"; and Son Seals, who gets help from Elvin Bishop. Dynastic zydeco great C.J. Chenier serves up "Jambalaya," and Delbert McClinton dishes out blue-eyed soul with "Maybe Someday Baby" to further flavor the live action. And to top it off, there's a bonus video track featuring Hound Dog Taylor to make the celebration complete.--Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent
Alligator does it again! Incredible compilation. If you are contemplating starting a blues collection get the Anniversary Collections by Alligator first. These CD sets introduce you to many talented artists without shelling out 100's of bucks.

As an extra there is a video of Hounddog Taylor that you can play on your computer. Very nice!

Smokin' Blues From the Alligator Vaults
The first thing I did when I got this CD was play the bonus CDROM video track of Hound Dog Tayor & The Houserockers' "Taylor's Rock" on my computer and cranked up the volume. My computer will never be the same! Taylor's slide playing is raw, powerful stuff on this nearly four-minute instrumental captured in black and white from the 1973 Ann Arbor Blues Festival. Taylor also tears the roof off the house with a raucus version of "It's Alright." It's no surprise that Taylor closes out the live disc. Taylor's eponymously titled debut on Alligator was the first of his career and the first for the then fledgling blues label.

The blues thrives in a live setting and even though I live in Nebraska, I've had the chance to see several of these artists perform at Lincoln's famed Zoo Bar, including Son Seals, Luther Allison and Coco Montoya.

Among the five previously unreleased tracks (all on the live disc) are a ten-minute version of Albert Collins' slow blues "Dyin' Flu" and a nearly eight-minute version of Little Charlie & The Nightcats' smoldering "I'll Take You Back."

While the live disc crackles with raw energy, the studio disc includes stellar performances as well, including Koko Taylor's white hot "Bring Me Some Water" and the Holmes Brothers' haunting "Homeless Child."

In addition to Chicago style blues, you also get the New Orleans-influenced blues of Marcia Ball and Henry Butler, the zydeco stylings of C.J. Chenier, Texas guitarists Johnny Winter and Albert Collins, and Alligator's first-ever overseas artist--British-born Australian Dave Hole.

If you're looking for a inexpensive introduction to Blues 101, you won't find a better textbook than this. And if you need additional incentive, 20 lucky customers will find a coupon good for the entire Alligator catalog on CD. [But this 2-CD set is a terrific consolation prize!] HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The five stars here,is just a few of the constelation !
Yes,this five stars are just a few,just a few of many others,infinity others from the constelation of this truly great Blues Record!
And i'm proud to be the first to review this album.I'm proud because i'm a really bluesfan...I'm proud because i'm really a Gator fan...proud to have in my own home a collection of almost 700 cds,95% blues cds...proud to take part in this special moment of Alligator Records.The history of the Gator Records is really fantastic,and specially in the person of this visionary man,Bruce Iglauer.Bruce worked with the great Bob Koester from Delmark Records,visited many universitary shows to choose some new talents to record.Then,he left Delmark to improve his own Record,where he could get new talents.The first album recorded,
was with great simplicity,at 1971,when he discovered Hound Dog Taylor,and it must be considered a legendary album.Many others
appeared with rare competency since that early days.And what we can say is that Alligator is a Record, constantly growing,surprising us with rare moments,masterpieces,new talents...Shemekia Copeland is,for me the confirmation of all this competency,to believe in new talents,promotes this talents giving all of the support and took them to the stelar!
So,i can say that i'm proud and happy to participate of this rich moment.And this album that comemorates this healthy 30th.Years,is absolutely a "Must Have",destinated to become a "Classic"blues album,not only by the quality of the bluesmen there,so still by this new concept to creates,inovates,supports all of the good news we have to the modern blues scenery!
And what we must desire is to be alive when the 40th.Anniversary Record album, will be recorder at 2006!
Until that,i'm happy with my collection of 130 Gator's albums....What you're waiting for?????Let's improve your own Gator's Collection...Sure you'll not be desappointed...
You'll really be happier than ever......JUST AS I AM! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Meet The Resurrection Of The Blues - Cheap!
Fat Possum - pace the first guest reviewer - isn't the band, it's the label, which houses perhaps the most important bluesmen to have emerged in the art in an extremely long time. Mostly from north Mississippi, all of whom have at least the attitude and the drive of that region's weave between hypnotic and heartpunch soul dance blues. If you've happened upon any of these artists's discs and been tempted but leery to try them, pick up this cheap sampler, listen closely, and be prepared to learn all over again that the blues didn't begin and end with a certain long tall Texan who couldn't make up his mind whether he wanted to be Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, Albert King, or all the above when he grew up. Nor does it belong exclusively (if at all) to a trio of hotshot young shredders using the blues as a launching pad for continuing wild, techincally brilliant, musically wanting guitar pyrotechnics. At long last there are some who remember what the blues is REALLY all about, and they mostly take the form of these aging gentlemen (some of whom hadn't recorded until they'd hit their 60s, at least) to show how it can be done. Make that, how it should be done - raw, rippling, deep, and exuberantly soulful. This is the best bargain in music in years.

Not your father's blues
I bought this CD from Amazon because it was shockingly inexpensive and I wanted to pad out an order. I wasn't expecting great things; I hoped merely that I hadn't wasted the meager amount of money I'd spend. Boy, was I happy when I finally played this. This is great!

The blues. A genre which can communicate untold pain, depthless heartache and a universe of suffering. Or it can encompass songs like "Crack Whore Blues", which is exactly what you would expect it to be from the title. The tracks on here are vibrant and alive. This is wonderfully thrilling, foot-tapping stuff that can be serious on the few occasions that it wants to be.

Since this is a sampler compilation containing disparate artists, it's difficult to sum up this album in a few paragraphs. We go all the way from rompy throwaway musical jokes right into genuinely soulful lyrics. But the one constant is quality. What many of the performers lack in technical ability, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. This is a release from a tiny record label with no terribly big names, which goes a long way towards explaining the emotion.

The liner notes are absolutely hideous -- green text written on a purple background. It makes my eyes water just thinking about it. There's also a funny gag on the back, which I shall not spoil here.

As a sampler, the idea is to throw as much onto the disc as possible and hope that the customer likes at least one or two selections enough to purchase a full album. They've convinced me; I have some shopping to do. Anyone with even a passing interest in the blues should pick up this one. You can do it without breaking the bank, and, unless you're familiar with the artists already, you'll be hearing the blues like you haven't quite heard them before.

Nicely off-mainline
I'm a fan of Mr. Burnside, so getting this was easy, and enjoying it easier even. This is not revolutionary music by any means, but it is refreshingly wild and iconoclastic. Get it, it is fun

Just plain crap
As a long time blues fan and blues musician I have heard lots of blues, but rarely have I heard a steaming pile of unlistenable rubbish like this collection.As if the back cover art of some old fool wearing a nazi hat, smoking a plastic cigar and wearing a dog collar wasn't warning enough- the front cover art of someone wearing a gas mask should have been. Perhaps he got a whiff of the contents of this cd. Even at [price] it is grossly over-priced.

The real stuff
I got this completly on impulse. The title and cover art was too much to pass up. If you like your blues raw and real, buy this CD. There are a couple of uninspired tracks but the good ones carry it overall. R.L. Burnside is as real as it gets! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A budget-priced box set, Broke, Black & Blue delivers multiple surprises within its 100 songs of prewar blues. Arranged chronologically by Joop Visser, the set admirably covers the first 22 years of recorded blues, 1924 to 1946, from vaudeville and Delta to boogie-woogie and jump blues. It's a swell gift for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of blues. But old-timers will be pleased, too, as special attention has been paid to culling rare and idiosyncratic tracks by the well-known and the obscure. The first three discs present single tracks by artists as diverse as the Memphis Jug Band, De Ford Bailey, Tommy Johnson, Son House, Skip James, Peetie Wheatstraw, Lonnie Johnson, and Bukka White, alongside unknowns such as Isaiah "The Mississippi Moaner" Nelson, Barbecue Bob and Laughing Charley, Ed Andrews, Chicken Wilson, and Bumble Bee Slim. On the fourth disc, this convention is jettisoned to luxuriate in a series of very rare sides of lovely, oddly subdued boogie-woogie and jump blues by Jimmie Gordon, Johnny Temple, and Lee Brown. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What A Treasure
This Box set is a treasure.Great collection of early recorded blues.Fantastic! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Cut 8. 'O' Berta' not the one I thought it was
I heard a great arraingement of "Berta" during the movie "The Piano" which stared Charles Dutton. I thought that arraingement or at least some approximation was on this CD but it turns out that track 8 'O' Berta' is a disapointing version of that great tune. Otherwise if you like to hear these types of songs you might like this cd.

Great
This collection has real feeling and that's what music is supposed to be about. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Absolute masterpiece
This was playing when I went into a store. Being a blues nut I had to check it out and when I saw what it was I took it home.

Repeated playings have not dimmed it. This album is a true masterpiece. Different from Peter Green but that is what they set out to achieve. Whether it is "better" you can't really say but it is one of the best blues compilations I have ever heard (along with Chess Blues and the Alligator Records Anniversary packs.

Buy it and you'll be amazed.

Best of The Tribute CD's!
I don't usually buy tribute CD's but have made an occassional exception or two. Until I obtained this CD, the best tribute CD in my collection was "You're Gonna Miss Me When I am Dead and Gone" the tribute to Muddy Waters by the Muddy Waters Band.

This CD has now moved ahead of the pack and given the diversity of musicians on this CD, that was no easy feat. Unlike the Muddy tribute which features one band doing all of the songs, this CD features as many as 40 different musicians playing their own version of some of these great songs without simply attempting to copy Green's style. I think its safe to say, that having 40 plus musicians participating on one tribute CD could be a receipe for disaster. However, in this case it worked.

There are 29 songs on this double CD and it is not easy to pick one over the others. However, in my opinion, Clas Yngstrom's interpretation of "The Supernatural" is nothing short of fantastic. Also, as a big Rory Gallagher fan, I was particularly pleased with his two songs "Leaving Town Blues" and "Showbiz Blues" which are not going to be found anywhere else.

All in all, there is more than enough on this CD to please even the most jaded fan. If this CD doesn't do it for you, check your pulse, you may well be dead!!

A Powerful Compilation
Too many "tribute" albums turn out to be disappointments because "name" musicians are often hastily assembled and pressed to crank out material with which they have little or no experience and expertise. On Rattlesnake Guitar, there is a wide array of musicians from across the musical spectrum, but these play the songs as if they'd been together for years. Different musicians offer their own interpetations of Green's music rather than trying to replicate it. And some tremendous interpretations there are here! Though I generally like the whole album, I think the standout is "Love That Burns", a wailing, bluesy rendition of a great song that will have you hitting the repeat button again and again. Other outstanding covers are Black Magic Woman, I Loved Another Woman, Oh Well, A Fool No More, and If You'll Be My Baby. Ian Anderson does a great job with a poignant rendition of Man of the World. I had heard all these songs before and it took me a few listens to warm to some of these versions, but if you like Peter Green as much as these guys apparently do, you will find this a powerful compilation of some of his best and one that is well worth owning.

What a disappointment. Not worth the money.
I have almost all of these songs in the original and I was really disappointed in the renditions by these musicians. Maybe it's just that Green was so good. Don't buy this if you have the original versions. Neither Man of the World or Green Manalishi is much like the original.

Classic blues revived!
For any guitarfreak, -or anybody who's a bit familiar with Peter Allen Greenbaum, this album is probably the closest thing to a definitive "must have". Personally, I happen to come across this CD, vià Amazon.com, got interrested and placed my order. It arrived just a few days ago, and it was everything I expected it to be, in wiew of all the prominent musicians participating in this project. I think maybe it's the most versatile blues album I've heard in a long, long time, with blues played in a multitude of ways; not just the standard "chucka-cucka", so to speak. Even for you bass-buffs out there, this CD is well worth considering, as it's got a couple of tracks with a very heavy groove! At least, it suited my Klipsch KG 4,5's perfectly! For anybody who's into guitar based blues rock; buy this CD! I doubt it very much, if you'll be anything but happy, with this music! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This trove of 23 recordings matches its superb companion cut for cut. Each selection illustrates the jug genre's richness and diversity of style as well as racial and regional character, with bands' origins ranging from New York and Ohio through Kentucky and Tennessee on down to Alabama. Included are such flapper-age funk classics as Cannon's Jug Stompers' "Bring It with You When You Come"; the Memphis Jug Band's "Stealin' Stealin,'" "You May Leave but This Will Bring You Back," and "The Old Folks Started It" (with stirring vocals by Minnie Wallace); and Noah Lewis' Jug Band's "Selling the Jelly." Lurking in the collection's multicolored depths are discoveries such as "Brown Jug Blues" by Ezra Buzzington's Rustic Revelers and "What Makes My Baby Cry" by the Five Harmaniacs, a white vaudeville act from Brooklyn. Also notable is Mississippi Sarah blowing jug behind Daddy Stovepipe on "Greenville Strut," guaranteed to move the human butt. --Alan Greenberg ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent sampler of jug band music
I'm not exactly sure what drew me to this wonderful album, but am I glad I found it! Harvey Pekar had mentioned his interest in old jug band recordings from the 1920s and 30s a few times, and so when I saw this compilation, I immediately picked it up. I suppose the bizarre cover photo was also an attraction. If you're familiar with the music of R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Seranaders or if you own the soundtracks to any of Terry Zweigoff's movies, you have some idea what to expect. This is as joyful and soulful as music gets. I wish this kind of music were in style today!

My favorite tracks are "Stealin', Stealin," "Old Folks Started It," and "He's In the Jailhouse Now." Rest assured, though, there's no filler here. You'll be nodding your head and tapping your foot to this CD in no time.

Call me Jughead
This album is ridiculously cool and great. Generically, the songs are all over the map: equal parts jazz and hillbilly music. Jug bands were the missing link between urban pop and rural folk forms. Who knew? You're missing out if you don't have this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Another good sampler
This is a really good CD...it's just a little hard to figure out who its audience is supposed to be. It certainly isn't the definitive word on slide guitar blues, or on any of the artists represented. And the seasoned blues fan probably owns most of what's here already.
But as a sampler it does work very well, featuring a lesser-known (but very good) rendition of "Dust My Broom" by Elmore James, and well-chosen cuts by Muddy Waters, J.B. Hutto, and Robert Nighthawk (a superb medley of two of his best songs, "Anna Lee" and "Sweet Black Angel").

The compilers at Rhino have included the Allman Brothers' version of Blind Willie McTell's "Statesboro Blues", "Shake Your Moneymaker" by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, and Canned Heat's take on "Rollin' And Tumblin'"...I would probably have gone with McTell's own "Mama T'Ain't Long Fo' Day", which is one of the most beautiful acoustic slide guitar blues tunes you'll ever hear, but that's just me.
But where is Robert Johnson? And where the heck is Son House's "Pearline"?
Okay, I'll stop complaining now. This CD does have a lot going for it, including some lesser-known tracks which should appeal to the experienced blues fan, like "Homesick's Shuffle", "I Am The Black Ace", "If You Ever Seen A One-Eyed Woman Cry", and a rare opportunity to hear Chuck Berry wielding the slide on the odd instrumental "Deep Feeling".

Awesome!
This is must buy for any fan slide guitar. From beginning to end, from Elmore James to Johnny Winter, it's non-stop blues. You'll find yourself hitting the repeat button on the CD player, so you can hear the great blues slide guitar again. ... Read more

Album Description

UK compilation, 'Getting Funky - The Birth Of New OrleansR&B'. Featuring the pioneers of this funky down home music. Four CDs, 107 tracks & a 56 page booklet make this afabulous set. Artists include, Champion Jack Dupree,Professor Longhair, Archibald, Dave Bartholomew, PaulGayten, Smiley Lewis, Roy Brown, Fats Domino & a host ofothers. Slipcase. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's harmonica heaven as a quartet of hard-blowing harpists with experience stretching from the classic Muddy Waters band to contemporary rocking-blues units strut their stuff in a friendly competition. The legendary James Cotton is the main attraction, and he lives up to his reputation, ripping through his individual showcase "The Hucklebuck" and dueling successfully on the group cuts. Fellow veteran Charlie Musselwhite, who displays another side of his talent by playing guitar on the acoustic "If I Should Have Bad Luck," is also in fine form. The younger members of the quartet, Chicago stalwart Billy Branch and former Roomful of Blues frontman Sugar Ray Norcia, hold their own, especially when they pair up on their originals "Mean Little Mama" and "Put My Baby Out." But there's more than just harmonicas as former Fabulous Thunderbirds guitarist Kid Bangham and stylish boogie-woogie pianist David Maxwell spice up things between harp solos. With material including everything from the vintage rock of "Route 66" to the Tommy Dorsey big-band hit "T.D.'s Boogie Woogie," the disc offers a rare and well-rounded overview of the harmonica heroes, concluding with more than 11 minutes of the four musicians going head-to-head on "Harp to Harp." --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Blues harp class
This CD explores blues harmonica playing, almost in the form of a harp master class, and delivers in wonderful production, band and frontmen. Essentially, Sugar Ray Norcia is the main man here, playing on 7 of the 11 tunes, and he proves to be the best player AND singer. I have never heard him play as well on record before and he outplays the other players throughout. James Cotton also plays better than in a long time, which is nice to hear. Charlie's 3rd position playing, including his signature odd tuning work can also be heard and as far as I can pick up 1st, 2nd and 3rd position playing is covered on the CD. The playing by Billy Branch is good, but I have heard him better, especially on Johnny Winter's PointBlank releases where he is simply oozing. What makes this CD so enjoyable is the backup band, led by guitarist Kid Bangham, formerly of Sugar Ray's Bluetones and Fabulous Thunderbirds, providing excellent backup. This not just a harp record, it delivers nice guitar, piano, bass and drums. I can wholeheartedly recommend this CD to all blues lovers, but you have to love or enjoy harmonica.

Best of the Harp Players
I picked this CD up as an promotion, and was pleasantly surprised when I first listened to it! Charlie Musselwhite,Billy Branch and James Cotton out perform themselves, along with the other performers. Track No. 3 is outstanding in it's own right. I recently met Billy Branch at a local performance and stated to him that it was an outstanding CD..he stated to me at the time, that he did not even have a copy yet. You will listen to this CD over and over again and get new meaning everytime. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not the best ever...but still darn good
Although the title is totally hyperbole, this is an excellent collection of blues tunes of various eras and styles.

I am a relative newcomer to the blues, so a compilation like this is right up my alley. It lets me get a taste of different aspects of the blues, and to discover artists that I would not have otherwise been exposed to.

Represented here are some of the early delta bluesmen (Lightnin' Hopkins "Abilene", mislabeled as "Shotgun Blues"), the early electric blues (Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy"), the '60's revival (B. B. King's "3 O'Clock Blues"), the great female blues singers (Koko Taylor's smokin' "Wang Dang Doodle"), the British blues bands (John Mayall's "Spinning Coin"), contemporary American blues rock (Johnny Winter's "Illustrated Man"), and lesser known contemporary artists (Colin James' infectious cover of "No More Doggin'").

Throw in selections by Albert Collins, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, J. J. Cale, and others, and you have a blues compilation CD that may not be "The Greatest in the World", but one that both novices and long time blues fans can enjoy. Highly recommended to anybody with ann interest in the blues.

Classic In Every Way! You will FEEL the Blues!
Calling your album the "best ever" takes balls, but this CD stands the test. From classics like Muddy Waters' 'Mannish Boy' or Little Walter's 'My Babe' to hot female singers like Etta James and the dynamic Koko Taylor to oldies radio station's staples like 'Reeling and Rockin'' by Chuck Berry and classic rock blues like Gary Moore's 'Still Got The Blues', this CD covers a lot of ground.

If you want an introduction to the blues and can only buy one CD, this should be it! If you already love the blues, you'll love hearing these songs again and remember them like your first kiss. Either way, this CD will put sadness in your heart or heat in your loins, sometimes in the same song!

The best ever?
Not even close to the best ever. The actual title should read: "The Best Blues Album For Which We Were Able To Get Rights To The Songs Quickly" or something like that. The fact is this double disc set is just a grab bag of songs with absolutely no thought put into it whatsoever. With a few exceptions, disc one is practically a throw away. Larry McCray, Kinsey Report, Gary Moore, and Terry Evans et. al. are all ok modern blues artists but hardly deserve to be on a blues album titled "The Best Ever" -especially one limited to only two discs.

This is a Virgin release, so poor understanding of the genre is to be expected. However, to boldly exclaim that this is the best ever compilation is a rather ostentatious position -even for the Virgin people. The best ever blues compilation would certainly be a difficult undertaking. However, this set completly ignores the likes of giants like Big Maceo, Tommy Johnson, Sonny Boy Williamson I & II, Robert Johnson, Tampa Red, Lowell Fulson, Big Bill Broonzy, Lonnie Johnson, Roosevelt Sykes, Robert Nighthawk, Jimmy Witherspoon, Floyd Dixon, and so many many more important and entertaining historical blues artists. The most shocking eversight is the absence of T-Bone Walker!

Really, I think this is a waste of your money. Even on its own level the flow is odd especially on disc one. Disc two has a better grouping and flow of great blues artists and songs, but still not worth the price. There has yet to be a true "best of" compilation to be released, so for now I suggest you may want to explore the best attempt to date. It is a four disc box set released on MCA in 1996 called "Mean Old World."

Buy it!
I really enjoyed these CDs. it gives a good mix of old school and new school blues so to speak. From todays best to the acoustic sounds of yesteryear, this CD entertained me for a very long time with some great blues. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a must have for blues lovers!!
this is the only cd of blues songs you need to buy. if you've never listened to the blues before and you are interested than this is a must!!! and if your a buddy guy fan, he captures "red house" even better than jimi hendrix did!! ... Read more