Reviews (1)

Atlantic Piano Blues Collection Has Its Highlights, But....
In his liner notes to this Atlantic Records piano blues anthology, "Living Blues" magazine editor Jim O'Neal writes that "The Atlantic team knew what they liked; they also knew what sold." It's instructive, then, that six songs from the original vinyl release -- two each by Little Brother Montgomery and Ray Charles, one each by Professor Longhair and Joe Turner -- remain off the CD reissue 11 years later. Musical archeology only sells so far.

This carelessness of sequencing (two songs each from Jimmy Yancey and Meade Lux Lewis would have made their cases) is part of why "Atlantic Blues Piano" is weakest among the label's four volume blues series despite some exceptional performances. You get some of blues' finest pianists and samples of native city styles (Chicago, Kansas City, New Orleans. But the artists are caught either pre-ascension (Charles on a 1953 audition tape of Lowell Fulsom's "Low Society," Amos Milburn quarterbacking Texas Johnny Brown's jumpin' "After Hours Blues" with a superb intro) or post-peak (Yancey, heard without "Mama," heard here two months before his death with a somber "Mournful Blues" and salute to fellow piano great Pinetop Perkins).

O'Neil acknowledges this in his liner notes. "Most of the pianists represented on this volume were already well-established recording artists by the time they went into the studio for Atlantic," he wrote."...their Atlantic sessions were in one way or another intended to recapture or restore past glory."

That said, enough excellent music remains on this collection to earn partial recommendation. The New Orleans piano style is well-represented by Longhair's signature song "Tiptina," while Longhair disciple Dr. John rocks on a too-funky "Junco Partner" from 1971's "Gumbo." Turner (with ace Kansas City pianist Pete Johnson) provides some classic early R&B with 1956's "Roll 'Em Pete" while Lewis (helped by a young John Scofield on guitar) gallops through "Fore Day Rider" and the ballad "My Chile."

"Atlantic Blues: Piano" is worthwhile for completists, but unfulfilling for casual listeners. Blues or R&B piano fans would do better reading the artist lineup, then finding a full album from that performer. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent collection of lesser-known Mississippi bluesfolk
If you feel like you've exhausted all the Delta and Mississippi blues from Patton to B.B., listen to this. This disc contains many of the only recordings by obscure, but no less talented, artists of early country acoustic blues. You may have heard Geechie Wiley's "Last Kind Word Blues" on the film *Crumb.* If you saw the film, the song has probably haunted you ever since. Worth buying for that track alone.

Indispensable
Compared to the giants of delta like Charley Patton and Robert Johnson, the artists on this album are relatively obscure, but it is due more than anything of the random aspect of the destiny. With have Garfield Akers recorded as many sides as Chambre of wire (which did not record many commercial discs of pre-war period, but which appreciated a modicum fame during the rebirth the blue ones of years ' 60), it would have the respect which it deserves (I think it is better a guitarist than the Room). The same ones can be known as of any of the artists on here (not to mention many artists for the past several thousand years, but to think of that inserts too much). The inclusion of 6 ways above here by women cannot seem substantial, but it rather quickly becomes clear that the women were of importance equal for the men in the respect to blue of Mississippi (and, heu, of you know, the life and the basic rights and very which), and they more amply had been recorded, they would be regarded just as powerful of a musical force. Why the hell didn't record the value of hours of the airs of Geechie Wiley when they had the chance? How could they take it for granted? It is tragic, if you find this kind of tragic thing. If Wiley had just recorded a LP' S-value of material, it would be considered more significant than the evil of John, as single as the jump James, perhaps even while significant like Charley Patton. Ouais, I said it. I do not exaggerate. Unfortunately, it left only one handle on sides (the most included here) for the posterity, if the posterity exists in its case. The guitar playing and singing here is brilliant through and through, and the noise of these 78s is excellent (except, unfortunately, blue head of work "without mother of Elvie Thomas of child," which has the heavy external noise). The notes of covering are excellent, certain better notes of covering for an album of Yazoo. If you stumbled in this page for any reason, and clearly you have, you must buy this CD that you will not regret it. But if you regret it, do not carry not felt sorry for to me about it.

A Great Collection of Lesser-Known Bluesmen (and Women)
I LOVE this CD! After you've been through all the Skip James, Son House, Charley Patton, and Robert Johnson, this is a great place to go. I was pleased to find the haunting Geeshie Wiley song "Last Kind Words" that was used in the documentary "Crumb". Also here is "Outside Woman Blues" covered by Eric Clapton in his Cream days. A great collection with great notes, Yazoo does it again!

Excellent overlooked early blues
This wonderful collection contains many relatively obscure but quite good examples of pre-war delta blues. Particularly noteworthy, in my opinion, are both tracks by Blind Joe Reynolds and the uniquely paced "Bullfrog Blues" by William Harris. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blues 'n' Rhythm Story devotes two discs to four regions--the Midwest, Southwest, West Coast, and East Coast. Featured artists range from the acclaimed (Professor Longhair, Lightnin' Hopkins, Jay McShann, "Cleanhead" Vinson, Dinah Washington) to the wayward. Nevertheless, the overall quality is remarkably high. The 88-page booklet helps put the music in perspective. This isn't a modest investment for a collector, but it's certainly among the elite of the R&B collections yet assembled. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An absolute must for R&B fans!!
This INCREDIBLE 8-CD set covers all of the Mercury blues, R&B and jump music from post-WWII -- the music that laid the foundation for the rock 'n roll revolution of the late '50's. The set is divided by geographic styles; West Coast, Southwest, East Coast and Midwest. There are many artists featured who are all but unknown today, but were popular in the club sub-culture and with returning GI's. I love the small orchestral arrangements of fast, jumpin' blues, boogie, and R&B tunes. The lyrics in many songs are hilarious, and demonstrate the subconscious relief of ending the world wars. Anyone who is remotely interested in R&B and the foundations of rock HAS to get this set. It's expensive, but worth every single penny. I've been listening non-stop since the set arrived, and I walk around all day with the jumpin' and jivin' tunes in my head! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent mixture of great blues harmonica artists
A lot of times when one purchases a blues recording, the tunes are all in the same style and sound the same. This is a great CD that mixes it up a bit, with harmonica greats from Little Walter to Rod Piazza. It is a great way to sample a lot of different artists and then buy more CDs once you know who you like. I hope House of Blues puts out another collection similar to this. Very enjoyable. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must for any blues collection - or rock 'n roll roots
History of Texas Blues from the beginning. Everyone from Blind Lemon Jefferson to SRV and the Fab T'birds! Love that Lucy Mae Blues and Why Don't You Eat Where You Slept Last Night! Here's some authentic deep real blues. You won't regret buying this one. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A CD full of Blues
This CD has been my first true exposure to the blues outside of the Blues Brothers and BluesFest in Chicago. Although Judy Henske is my favorite artist on the CD, and she sings as described in all Burke novels, I have learned to enjoy Howling Wolf and Son Seals and all of the others. I have given this CD to a few family members who introduced me to Vachss. I am also glad that Andrew Vachss was able to collect a large time span of the blues from the 1930's (?) to now. Thank Vachss for bring Burke to life and showing us the hardcore blues

like riding with burke in his plymouth
this cd gives a good sampling of different blues artist, some i were familiar with and others new to me. wide range of styles was like trying different flavours of ice cream - all great. playing this in my car and i could pretend i was in one of vachss's novels and for the first time getting to hear burke's favorite judy henske. her voice can peel paint and i mean this in a good way.

PERFECT!
The first time I read a Burke novel, I just knew he had the range and the pain for the Blues. Every time I read one of Vachss' books I found myself hearing the songs. This is the perfect accompaniment to every one of Vachss' heart-wrenching, redeeming, and true books.

And for those of you trying to get your friends to listen to the Blues or read a Burke novel, just tell them to listen to this CD. You can't go wrong with Son Seals, Katie Webster, Marcia Ball, Judy Henske, or any of the other TRUE blues artists that Vachss gives play to here.

The perfect compilation Blues CD!

Excellent introduction to the Blues, and to Andrew Vachss
Investing in this CD gives you a quick introduction to the blues, and tosses in an introduction to the works of Andrew Vachss. Powerful stuff; not for wimps.

It's the best!
I bought this album because of Mr. Vachss and his Burke books. I was curious about what he likes and also wanted to contribute for the kids. Not only does he write great books, but he knows his BLUES. This collection is wonderful! I have ordered Judy Henske's new album. For diehard fans of this, try another hard to find guy named Mickey Newbury. His NIGHTS WHEN I AM SANE is a classic and available on Amazon , or it was previously. No promises. In the meantime, Mr. Vachss, please do this again!!!!!! We trust you to take care of us with your choices. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I'm Hooked on Chicago Blues
This disc and its companion (1957 to 1967) introduced me to some great music. I already owned cd's by a few of the Chess artists, but these discs opened my eyes to others. Etta James knocked me out on 1957 to 1967; How could I have overlooked her for all these years? I put her box set on my wish list! All of the Chess 50th Anniversary discs enjoy excellent sound quality, especially considering the age of the tapes used. I was especially impressed by the sound of the lates 40's and early 50's material. I have never heard anything from the 40's that equals the sonics of the 40's songs on this disc, and I have many old jazz discs from that era.

4½ stars - a great starting point for the curious
Opening with blues legend Muddy Waters' first hit, "I Can't Be Satisfied", "Chess Blues Classics: 1947 To 1956" collects 16 blues numbers from the late forties and early-to-mid fifties.

It doesn't offer anything of interest to the seasoned blues fan (who probably has all of this material already), but if you're a newcomer and would like to explore the world of classic Chicago blues, this CD is a really good place to do it.

The compilers have picked some great songs, particularly Sonny Boy Williamson II's superbly swaggering "Don't Start Me To Talkin'", Little Walter Jacobs version of "Blues With A Feeling", Muddy Waters' "I Just Want To Make Love To You", pianist Eddie Boyd's classic slow blues "Twenty-Four Hours", the thumping proto-rock of Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man", and the awesome Howlin' Wolf's eerie 1956 single "Smokestack Lightnin'".

This is prime rib; it's only a little slice of what Chess Records have to offer, but it gives you a very good idea of what you're in for if you decide to go down the blues road. In time you will probably want to go looking for albums by the individual artists, but until you do, "Chess Blues Classics" and its companion volume "Chess Blues Classics 1957-67" is as good a starting place as any, and better than most.
(If you're looking for your first blues purchase, you may also want to check out the excellent double-disc "Chess Blues Guitar".)

Essential recording for both Blues purists and casual fans
OK, how can a true blues fan not purchase this album? If you're clinging to the Delta sounds of Robert Johnson and Blind Lemon Jefferson, this compilation is worth hearing. When Muddy Waters moved to Chicago in 1943, he single-handedly gave birth to electric blues. This is the blues here that has directly or indirectly influenced ALL blues music today, as well as helping create the birth of Rock N' Roll. There is no shortage of great talent on this album. Sure, all the usual suspects are present on this album; Waters, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker and Willie Dixon, but the album also gives wonderful introductions to Little Walter, Jimmy Rogers, and Sonny Boy Williamson, among others. Here is the first hand experience of the earliest of electric blues - Chicago Blues.

Sadly, the stellar efforts of these bluesmen would come to prominence by way of versions performed by The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Clapton and Hendrix. Now, true Chicago Blues can be heard in all its aching glory. And lastly, would it really seem like old school blues if it wasn't in mono? I think not. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Boogie Woogie Showcase
I wanted to get a birthday present for one of my best friends. I sought a fine boogie woogie collection in the pattern of Black and Blue's "Boogie Woogie Masters". Juke Joint Jump does fill that bill. It has cuts by titans of the art: Memphis Slim plays "Panic Street", Art Tatum plays "Tatum Pole Boogie", Champion Jack Dupree plays "Dupree Shake Dance", Pete Johnson plays "Boogie Woogie" and others. Freddie Slack's "Down the Road a Piece" is an infectious tune that lingers. There are 18 cuts in all, none of them bad, and some of them very very good. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Worthy Tribute To A Great Bluesman
I think anyone with a passion for 'Dog ought to have this. Anyone comparing the CD to Hound Dog's own work has to first specify whether the comparison is to 'Dog on LP or 'Dog live. Live, nobody could do his songs the way Hound Dog Taylor did them. In part, this has something to do with the fact that few people could consume the amount of alcohol 'Dog did between sets and still hold onto the guitar. But in the studio, 'Dog's output was decidedly inconsistent. If we're comparing this to almost any of 'Dog's studio recordings, it holds up really well.

Highlights to me are Luther Allison's romp through "Give Me Back My Wig" and Elvin Bishop's amusing (and accurate) tales of playing in 'Dog's band. But there is not a real stiff cut here. All concerned show an genuine affection for 'Dog's underappreciated work. For someone like me who saw 'Dog live many times in the '70's, this is like a letter from a long lost friend. I still miss him.

no tribute here
looked forward to this album having been a fan of houndog's for years. Very dissapointed, no one creates the atmosphere thaty houndog created, he was one of a kind, maybe not the most talented but managed to produce a rawness that was second to none. he must be looking down and laughing at these so called artists and laughing. stick to the originals for the best.

Solid, well-intentioned fun
A Hound Dog Taylor tribute album filled primarily with other Alligator Records artists is a sound idea, because there would be no Alligator without Hound Dog. It's to the credit of each artist here that he manages to sound like himself and not like a Hound Dog imitation. And it's to our benefit that those artists include titans such as Luther Allison and Magic Slim. Sometimes they reach too far afield, as if they're trying to show how far Hound Dog's songs will stretch (Vernon Reid's acoustic number is tasty playing, but electricity was the very soul of Hound Dog's art). All-round, though, the performances range from very-good to excellent, most of Hound Dog's best songs are covered, and it's a great treat to hear George Thorogood sounding like his old indie-label self. (Special mention has to be made of the cover by Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials: one of the hottest, finest blues performances in years!) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent souvenir of the current Chicago blues scene.
If you've had a chance to visit Chicago and the blues clubs, you'll appreciate this cd as a souvenir of the experience. If you haven't, it could be an introduction to the current scene (and even includes a map)! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great mix of new and old blues recordings
The House of Blues label has done it again with another incredible collection of blues essentials. From classics must-haves by Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson, and John Lee Hooker to more recent recordings by Taj Mahal and Luther Allison, this collection is calling to you.

Also have to mention that the album art and liner notes are beautifully designed and well-written.

Only reason not to give it a full five stars is too many tracks pulled from other HOB discs, but if you don't have them all yet, you won't mind. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Teasin' Pleaser....
The Chess Blues Classics. Bellisimo, Baby. Great for an intro to the Chicago style post-Delta electric blues music--heck, this is great even if you're a longtime fan. This chronicles Chess Records move to their Michigan Ave. digs and the consolidating of some of their satellite small record companies into one big happy homestead. Bass man extraordinaire Willie Dixon becomes the Chess A & R man, and these Blues? They wail, Man, they wail! Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy, Howlin', Etta, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy!!!! When the Buddy Guy track comes on, you notice how much smoother the recording technology, hence, the Blues itself, becomes. A Little Milton cut has sessionmen Charles Stepney on piano and Maurice White on drums. Etta James house rocks a live audience in Nashville. Willie gives a tune to KoKo Taylor. And Hooker does the Last Call...will you love this? Do you have to ask?

Great music
Like its companion volume, "Chess Blues Classics 1947-1956", this CD offers some of the best tracks by some of the best blues musicians of Chicago's famed Chess label.
A couple of selections are debatable, and "Chess Blues Classics" is of no interest to the more experienced blues fan (no rarities). But if you're a newcomer and would like to explore classic electric blues, this is a very fine place to start doing so.

"Chess Blues Classics 1957-1967" includes two excellent cuts by harp legend Aleck 'Rice' Miller (Sonny Boy Williamson II), namely "Help Me" and the magnificent "Fattening Frogs For Snakes", as well as excellent tunes by John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, and legendary bluesmen Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and slide guitarist Elmore James. And Otis Rush's too rarely heard "So Many Roads, So Many Trains", with its smouldering slow guitar solo, is here as well.

Several of these tracks count among the greatest electric blues performances ever issued, including Howlin' Wolf's "Little Red Rooster" and John Lee Hooker's "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer".
4½ stars. A great place to start.

Excellent doorway into the blues
I bought this CD 4 years ago, not knowing a whole lot about the blues, and it is now one of my favorite albums. An excellent anthology of the classic blues. Anyone who considers themselves a music fan should listen to this CD. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great stuff
As soon as I heard this CD once I just have to go back to it again and again, in my home, in my car, and everywhere else I can take it with me. If you are a fan of classic blues with lots of fine guitar jamming this is the album for you.

Smooth Listening with a Kick
This album contains some of the finest blues hits on a single CD.A DJ was playing this album at one of my favorite clubs, and it truly set the mood for an enjoyable evening.If you love to hear guitars sing like I do,then this album is a must for your collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Environmentalism isn't exactly a common subject in the blues, where material tends to be more personal than political. Nor does every song on Fish-Tree-Water Blues deal with the subject at hand; one might pause to wonder what Ruth Brown's "Ice Water in Your Veins," cool as it is, is doing here. And, too, much of the material is available elsewhere, including the Joe Louis Walker and Branford Marsalis duet "The Road You Choose," or Tracy Nelson's "Mother Earth." Still, there's enough new material to make things interesting, such as Mavis Staples's hearty "I'll Fly Away," Alvin Youngblood Hart's instrumental "Rollin' River," a cool live "The Forecast (Calls for Rain)" from Robert Cray, and the bittersweet, if overly earnest, "Victims of Comfort" from Keb' Mo'. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (5)

ONE OF THE BEST COMPILATIONS RELEASED!
Earthjustice, which put together the Fish Tree Water Blues CD, is a nonprofit group whose goal is to provide free legal assistance to organizations fighting for environmental causes. The proceeds from this CD will go to Earthjustice to help fund their projects. If you like protecting clean water, preserving rain forests, protecting endangered species or just like good blues music, this might be a disc that interests you. The disc features 14 songs from a diverse field of musicians. For the most part, and with only a couple of notable exceptions, the compilation sticks to the discs earthy theme. Five of the songs have never been released or qualify for that first new recording in many years category. For example, J.J. Cale's "Stone River", Alvin Youngblood Hart's banjo heavy "Rollin' River", Robert Cray's live "The Forecast (Calls For Pain)", Mavis Staple's "I'll Fly Away", and the Charlie Musselwhite with Bob Weir's Ratdog performing "Take Me To The River", all great stuff. This is a really good compilation from start to finish and definetly a worthwhile acquisition.

The Real Deal
In a market glutted with pointless compilations, this CD stands out as a must-have. Original tunes from some fabulous blues artists designed to remind us of how vital, and threatened, our natural resources are. The numbers by J.J. Cale and Robert Cray alone are worth the price of admission, a portion of which goes to one of the country's most impressive environmental organizations, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund. Trust me on this one.

excellent blues for working to or relaxing with
A great listening album. Not too heavy for working to and just light enough to relax with.

Fabulous -- And I only heard it on the net
I truly love the blues and usual I only like live in a smoky bar. This is one captures it -- down, dirty, and bluesy. I didn't know Brandford could really swing, until I heard this recording and this is just one of many highlights. Everything is worth many listens. Definitely in my collection.

If you like the blues...then this is for you!
Excellent mix of new and traditional blues artists. Makes me want to hit the smokey bar scene from my youth. Great listening, really brings back the memories. Definitely worth a listen and/or addition to your collection. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Historical blues moments.The beginning!!!!
If you don't know the signification of the word "roots"in the music,specially the blues music,this is exactly what it means.And to understand what "roots"means,you must hear this fantastic work of that genius,the Lomax brothers,John and Alan. This is a part a small part,of the history of blues music and the rooted recordings of some men that participated and contributed like no others to promotes and turns the blues musics in a great sucessfull all over the world,until our days!!! The discovery and participation of Mc Kinley Morganfield(Muddy Waters) Son House and others,many of them unrecognized bluesmen,but nonetheless important,is really a historical moment to the blues music.This is not only an American heritage alone.This is a heritage to the mankind.HISTORICAL!!!!!!

deep country blues
This is the real stuff, and yet more reason to thank whatever higher powers there be that John and Alan Lomax were out there with their bulky recording machines documenting the rich strains of Southern folk music while it could still be found. Here it's the Mississippi blues in its purest form. Not the least of the wonders here is Alan Lomax's discovery of giants McKinley Morganfield (aka Muddy Waters) and Son House, who both turn in stunning performances. There's also David "Honeyboy" Edwards, who has outlived them all, with an eerie and powerful "Wind Howlin' Blues." Lomax also found William Brown and recorded him twice before Brown vanished into obscurity. His "Ragged and Dirty" (covered by Dylan on his World Gone Wrong) makes you grateful that it got preserved but sad that we know so little about Brown's other songs and performances, destined to be lost forever. Every cut is a miracle of cultural preservation but, just as important and maybe more so, of magnificent, enduring American music. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Hard to FInd Slow Blues in One Place
Finding a slow-jam blues compilation is tough.

There's tons of upbeat blues tunes, but not a lot of the stuff people generally associate with the blues: the drawling, lazy, kicked-back, heartbreak stuff.It's even harder if you're the type of person who is attracted to this apsect of the blues alone, but discover that most blues records are filled with jumping numbers and maybe 1 or 2 ballads.It's tough, and tryig to put together a compilation on your own can be expensive.

So here's the "Depression Blues" set, each CD (3 in the series) ready to knock you back on the couch and make you sip that Kool-Aid thinking about an old love gone bad.It's great stuff, pulled from popular and not-so popular sources.You need not have to beat the racks for a blues slow jam again.

This particular CD of the set, sold boxed and separately as well, is a little more upbeat in notion than the rest of the set.You can get your jook joint slow dance on, and find something to cry about.Great stuff, and great for beginners to blues. ... Read more