Album Description

Inspiration Information, the brainchild of guitar prodigy Shuggie Otis, more than justifies the cult following garnered in the years since its (largely ignored) 1974 release. Son of R&B legend Johnny Otis, Shuggie was a late-'60s celebrity due to his Super Session duets with Al Kooper. Opting out of arena rock -- he reputedly refused an offer to join the Rolling Stones -- the 19-year-old Otis spent three years in the studio generating this one-man opus. His multitracked rhythms recall the laid-back funk of the Meters embroidered with psychedelic filigree, and his voice resembles Allan Toussaint's. But in every other regard, this is singular, sexy music, dislocated in time. Drum machines propel "Island Letter" and the beat-box-plus-organ stabs of "XL-30" predate England's Young Marble Giants by several years. Also featured are four bonus cuts from the artist's 1971 set Freedom Flight, including "Strawberry Letter 23," which was later a hit for the Brothers Johnson. Heard here in its original form (with a surprise prog-guitar coda), the song conveys the impression of "Good Vibrations" being played by a lone musician. Unbelievably wonderful. - Billboard ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A lost gem
Strawberry Letter 23 by the Brothers Johnson has always been one of my favorites. I considered it the perfect song. For years it never occurred to me that there was another earlier version of the song out there. So when someone told me that the original was composed and sung by some guy named Shuggie Otis, I shrugged it off. No way it could be as good as the Brothers Johnson, I thought. My mistake.

I happened to hear Shuggie's version and was intrigued. But fearing there would be just one good song among clunkers, I was reluctant to buy the whole CD. Others persuaded me to buy it and I'm glad I did.

With his futuristic, laid back bluesy yet funky vibe, Shuggie proves to be the missing link between Sly Stone and Prince. Although drum machines are way overdone today, in 1971 it was still relatively rare and Otis puts them to good use. Songs like Strawberry 23, Aht Uh Mi Hed and Sweet Thang could still be considered visionary today.

This CD is a gem. It's too bad the record didn't see fit to keep Shuggie after less than sterling sales. He should have received more recognition and appreciation.

if you don't get it, well, try--this is quality
A sure sign of a good album: it grows on you. A sign of a possibly even great album: you sort of don't even get it the first time, beacause it is in its own category, but for some reason you play it again, and you like it better . . . and it grows on you. Shuggie Otis is just musical. The guy has music in his bones. I'm not going to try to compare him to anyone . . . . He wrote "Strawberry Letter 23" if you know that. I don't know if it's true, but I do believe that the Stones offered him a job and I do believe that he turned them down; this album is better than Stones of the middle 70's, with the soul the Stones always revered and aspired toward. His music is laid back and pretty and funky, not mellow though; you want to ride along with the songs. It's like being stoned in a garden. I used to put on this music Sunday mornings when I was cooking a nice breakfast and in the mood for a good day. Now I just put it on when I'm in the mood for good music and a good mood. This is quality, but if you have to read the reviews, it's probably quality that'll take you in a slightly new direction. If you like good music no matter what the style, this is a strong pick. One thing's for sure, the music is not crap. Consider it a test of your eclecticism (an easy test for me in this particular case).

a lost classic...
WOW!!! l grew up listening to the Motown greats and somehow l missed this artist. A friend turned me on to it and it is one of my all time favorites. The music is bright and jazzy but soulful and rock too. This guy is a freakin' genius. Thanks to David Byrne for rediscovering and rereleasing this gem. Seriously don't miss it. His version of his song strawberry letter 23 is solid.

Great music!!!
A friend of mine gave this to me and I was totally blown away. I was just as impressed to learn about his history. I am just glad that Luaka Bop was able to release this amazing album. After hearing samples of his songs on Digable Planet's "For Corners"(Island Letter) and Dana Bryant's "Cat Daddy at the Shugah Shack"(Sweet Thang), it was nice to hear the original compositions and how time has not really affected them. The string and drum machine propelled "Aught ah mi hed" is amazing as is the original "Strawberry Letter 23". His tinkering with keyboards, drum machines, combined with his playing of traditional instruments is sublime and heartfelt. Beautifully made music!

You will love this!
It's worth every star and then some. I don't write many reviews, save for Cds I love- this is easily in the top 10! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Houston-born blues showman Guitar Shorty, who once taught his young brother-in-law Jimi Hendrix a few stage tricks, has been on the scene since 1957, blasting out rocking blues with over-the-top enthusiasm. His recording career, highlighted by a trio of fine Black Top releases in the '90s, has been unfortunately limited, but Watch Your Back might finally put him in the spotlight. Much of the material, except for muscular reworkings of Van Morrison's "I've Been Working" and the recently discofied Elvis hit "A Little Less Conversation," comes from his producer and pianist Jesse Harms, and it effectively showcases Shorty's aggressive approach: a big sound short on subtlety but permeated with passionate vocals and searing guitar work. He simply overpowers the songs with his energy, and you can either go with the flow or get swept aside by its immediacy. The music is uniformly loud and in your face, just as you would expect from such an extroverted entertainer, and, more often than not, its sheer intensity overcomes any musical shortcomings. --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Smokin' Blues!
Great stuff here. If you like your Blues on the rock side (without actually becoming rock) than you'll love this. A shame this guy is not huge.

Shorty Rocks The Blues
"This is the record I always wanted to do...the songs and arrangements are what's been inside my head my whole life" says Guitar Shorty in the liner notes. THis is his Alligator debut and he sounds fired up on this one. The arrangements are heavy bottom-heavy blues rock with Shorty's shoutin' vocals and intense guitar chops are full of energy. The thumping "What She Don't Know" & "I've Been Working" are intoxicating in the same way Buddy Guy's SWEET TEA disc was. Muscular, macho and in the groove. This is most likely his best disc and should win him a new legion of blues/rock fans. ... Read more

Album Description

Subtitled - The History Of The Honkin' & Screamin'Saxophone. Not for the faint hearted, this compilation of106 tracks bursts at the seams with the sound of 50 hardblowing saxophonists who, between 1942-1952, formed thenucleus of what became known as the Honkers & Screamers.Artists include Illinois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb, Wild BillMoore, Paul Williams, Hal Singer, & many more. Includes68-page illustrated booklet with biographies of the players & full discography details. Four standard jewel cases housed in a slipbox. Proper. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One that lives up to its title
A lot of compilations have a title similar to this one, "the best of someone or other", yet still leave a lot to be desired.

That's not the case with this excellent Rhino collection, however. It may not be the definitive word on Aaron Thibeaux Walker (you'll need the two Capitol/Black & White and Imperial box sets for that), but it is the best single-disc retrospective available, and if you are looking for a really good sampler of T-Bone Walker's music, this is it.
Almost all of Walkers best-known songs are here, including his self-penned classics "They Call It Stormy Monday", "Mean Old World" and "I'm Still In Love With You", and "The Very Best Of T-Bone Walker" is an ideal starting place for the curious or the casual fan.

A Nice Restrspective of T-Bone's 1945-1960 Output
The electric guitar innovator gets the Rhino treatment with this 16-track collection of Imperial, Rumboogie, Capitol, Atlantic, Comet and Black & White sides. This is by no means the definitive collection of Walker's work, but it does serve as a nice retrospective of his 1945-1960 output.

If you were born after 1960, a little refresher is in order. T-Bone Walker influenced at least two generations of blues guitarists. Albert Collins, Freddy King, Eric Clapton, Jimmie Vaughan and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan are but a few. For those who think of "Stormy Monday" as an Allman Brothers song, think again. And Eric Clapton didn't create "Mean Old World."

This compilation serves as a nice primer. It includes the aforementioned classic "Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday's Just as Bad)" and "Mean Old World Blues." Also featured are "Papa Ain't Salty," "How Long Blues" and "The T-Bone Shuffle" and many more.

As usual Rhino offers the listener extensive, well reseached liner notes (this time by Billy Vera). The booklet comes complete with rare pictures and individual track information (personnel, songwriting credits, chart position, etc.). Kudos to Rhino for doing an excellent job, This compilation rates a strong B+. However, T-Bone merits more than 16 songs. A two CD set featuring some well-chosen rarities and underappreciated gems would have made this an A+ offering. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Best known for his work as a songwriter, producer, and talent scout, singer-bassist Willie Dixon essentially built Chicago's Cobra and Chess labels with his sweat. Although this double-disc set does include five performances by the man from Vicksburg, Mississippi, himself, it's really a testament to his songwriting prowess, packed with recordings that made his tunes classics of blues and early rock & roll. There's Howlin' Wolf tearing through "Spoonful," "Little Red Rooster," "Evil," and "Back Door Man." There's Muddy Waters belting "You Shook Me," "Hoochie Coochie Man," and "I'm Ready." There's Bo Diddley delivering "You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover" and Koko Taylor launching her career with "Wang Dang Doodle." The set features excellent liner notes, and its only disappointment is that its label-centricity excludes Dixon's work for Cobra with then-youngsters Otis Rush and Buddy Guy. --Ted Drozdowski ... Read more

Reviews (7)

New to the Blues start Here
Willie Dixon was the Driving force behind Chess records from putting pen to paper writing the music to teaching Howlin'Wolf the words to the music ...This boxed set is the sound of 1950's Blues

Exciting addition to the "Chess Box" series
Willie Dixon is the featured performer on only six of these thirty-six songs. But he is there on the rest as well, composing, producing, playing bass, and usually taking a back seat to stars like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and Bo Diddley.

All of these songs are written and composed or co-composed by Willie Dixon, including classic blues hits like Little Walter's "My Babe", Bo Diddley's "Pretty Thing", Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man", and Howlin' Wolf's magnificent "Hidden Charms" with its fiery guitar solo.

But there are many other superb songs here as well, including lesser-known tracks like the delightful jazzy number "Violent Love", performed by Dixon, guitarist Ollie Crawford, and pianist Leonard Caston, and Dixon's own performance of the catchy "29 Ways".
Eddie Boyd's "Third Degree" is here too, co-written by Dixon, and from Howlin' Wolf's incredible catalogue comes "Evil", along with "I Ain't Superstitious", and "Little Red Rooster".
Little Milton performs "I Can't Quit You Baby" (usually associated with Otis Rush), Willie Mabon contributes the excellent "Seventh Son", and Muddy Waters' "I Just Want To Make Love To You" ranks among the highlights as well, as do Little Walter's rendition of "Dead Presidents" and Jimmy Witherspoon's take on "When The Lights Go Out".
Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) usually composed his own songs, but he pops up as well, doing Willie Dixon's "Bring It On Home".

Willie Dixon's "Chess Box" is a great collection of 50s and 60s blues, proving if proof was needed that Dixon deserves his place alongside the greats of Chess Records, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters and Rice Miller.
Furthemore, the sound is impeccable, and this fine set includes a well-illustrated and annotated booklet.

4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

Chess Box Set Willie Dixon
Willie has a CD out that the title is " I am the Blues"
yes he is and this box set shows just why.it's all here From Willie and the Big three back in the late 30's to little Walter Koko Taylor to Howlin' Wolf

Willie Dixon - Author of the Urban Blues
Willie Dixon was a blues singer, bass player, song writer, promoter, producer, and much more. This box set has only a few songs sung by Willie, but that is probably appropriate, because one of his greatest gifts was to write the words that helped make others legends. Beyond the world of the blues, Willie was, and is, a muse for rock musicians. His songs such as "Spoonful," "Evil" and "I'm ready" are classics in both generes.

In this set all of the the performers are blues singers. Legemds such as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Witherspoon and Koko Taylor and many more. This is a wonderful set, I highly recommend it. Enjoy classics as "Seventh Son," "Mellow Down Easy," "Walkin' the Blues," "Little Red Rooster" and "Back Door Man." Listen and enjoy.

Dixon IS The Blues On The Essential 2CD "Chess Box"
Willie Dixon gave the blues (and, by proxy, rock and roll) much of its identity and personality. As a songwriter, he created some of music's most indelible images: the Back Door Man, Little Red Rooster, Hootchie Coochie Man, and Seventh Son. He not only gave British and Southern rock and roll much of its early repetoire, but his songs became their monikers ("Spoonful," "Pretty Thing"). He played bass on many seminal Chess Records sides (for Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Chuck Berry), and himself recorded several first-class singles.

Chess celebrates Dixon's legacy on the 2-disc "Chess Box," and hearing these original versions is a revelation after exposure for years to their classic rock covers. Hear Waters' "You Need Love," and "You Shook Me," Little Milton's "I Can't Quit You Baby," or Sonny Boy Williamson's "Bring It On Home." Led Zeppelin covered these over their first two LPs, but could only amplify the raw power of Dixon's original words and melodies.

Dixon's prowess also shows through his influential bass work and the sides he did solo and with his group, The Big Three. Highlights here include "Crazy For My Baby," the humorous "Walkin' The Blues," and the acoustic "Weak Brain, Narrow Mind."

So, applying Willie Dixon's place in music history to freshman logic class goes like this: Dixon once named an album, "I Am the Blues." He also said in the liner notes, "As long as American music survives, so will the blues." Therefore, as long as American music survives, so will the songs of Willie Dixon. "The Chess Box" proves that to be no boast.Essential. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

wonderfully relaxing music
This is an amazing collecton of really wonderful music. I bought it to entertain the customers in my coffee shop. After playing it a couple times, I realized that my customers were enjoying the music just as much as I was. What convinced me that I was on the right track was when several customers asked me what was playing and where they could purchase the cd for themselves.
Two tracks, especially, are favorites: David Arkenstone's Yosemite and David Lanz's Madre de la Tierra. On the other hand, there really aren't any tracks that aren't good. This was money well spent, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Leave it in the CD changer because you'll play it a lot
I don't know what it is about these Narada collections but they are really addictive. I have the Guitar (1) and the first Narada Decade sets and with this Wilderness set, they never leave the cd player.

The artists are all masters of the genre; I especially like Tingstad and Rumbel, Brewer and Arkenstone, but all of them blend well together and don't "clash" on the cd. The compositions chosen are sometimes the best and here's the funny thing; I found several artists I really like on these cd's and when I purchased their albums, I found I liked THIS cd better. Why? It's the best of the best. If you like New Age composers like John Tesh, you may like this even better.

Must Buy, even with diverse tastes
This is a marvelous sounding CD with a great variety of selectinns. I had the CD playing while on the CPU for five hours and then went bck.

David Arkenstone starts the CD with a dawn-breaking view of Yosemite. Following a beautiful rendition of Break of Day by Bernardo Rubaj, the next few tracks also are wonderful sounding, inspiring and relaxing. Fragile Majesty is played gently. One can almost sense the White Water as Doug Cameron moves through it. After daytime comes Early Moon and Firelight. Carol Nathan helps make the early moon, already appealing so much more desirable. David Lanz plays a fine Madre De Le Tierra at track 15. The final track, Lament for Hetch Hetchy performed by Alasdair Fraser ends a magnificient voyage. But, if you are like me the "continuous" play is most likely to be on.

I have not enjoyed many CDs as much as this. There is one more with classical movements that can come close: "The Conifer Sound Naturally." Alas, Amazon doesn't carry The Conifer Sound. Having this Narada CD in your collection or taking it on a long trip makes life even more meaningful. I feel this is the best collection heard on Narada and many other labels. A few copies may be found at steal prices on auction. But, don't quibble.

One last point: No song is less than 3.20 minutes. Sometimes CDs have lots of selections with times ranging from 1.01 to 10.24. The balance of songs and timing in this CD adds to preservation of (he symetry of)the Wilderness.

Timeless...
It's hard to believe that this album is ten years old (at this writing). It remains a favorite in my collection (I even bought it again when my first copy was stolen). Wonderfully evocative nature-painting music with a new-age twist (although it remains firmly grounded; not too etherial). Particular standouts include "Yosemite" and the moving "Requiem For Hetch Hetchy", which honors John Muir, one of my heroes (I once listened to that one while standing on the Hetch Hetchy Dam itself!). Fact is, there really isn't a weak track in the entire compilation. Definitely an example of the "Narada Sound". If you like this, try their Christmas album!

Fairly "lightweight" music, but enjoyable nonetheless. It will likely become one of your favorites too...

The captured beauty of forest, mountain and field alike
Imagine a world of colour, light, and energy. Now, add the levitating sound of strings and wood to a dreamscape that can only be created by artists like David Ackerstone or William Ellwood. Be drawn in by the soothing calm of 12-string in works like 'Woodland Mission' or 'Break Of Day'. Various artist paint a mosaic filled with mountain meadows and moss-carpeted forests. This is one of my favorite backcountry travelling CD's and adds the finishing touch to all of my wilderness experiences. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A founding father of electric blues in general and Texas blues in particular, guitarist T-Bone Walker influenced countless blues players and, by extension, countless rock & rollers as well. The Complete Imperial Recordings date from the early to mid-1950s, when the idea of electric blues was really taking hold, and the two-disc set is a wealth of classic songs exquisitely performed. While definitely blues, there's more difference between this and the acoustic blues that predated Walker than amplification can account for; there's jazz and swing mixed in as well, as on tracks like "I Walked Away" and "Strollin' with Bone," and something of that feel has remained in electric blues ever since. From B.B. King to Buddy Guy to Stevie Ray Vaughan and beyond, Walker's influence is felt in the blues up through the present day. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Fine collection of Walker's Imperial sides
Not quite as seminal as "The Complete Capitol/Black & White Recordings", this is nervetheless an excellent collection of T-Bone Walker's 52 sides recorded for Lew Chudd's Imperial Records.

Unlike the Capitol and Black & White-waxings, this double-disc set features almost no alternate takes, just the masters and a couple of 78 versions (the only exceptions being a few alternates that have been chosen over the original masters).
And there is plenty of great stuff here...no "Mean Old World" or "Stormy Monday", sure, but a lot of excellent songs like "Glamour Girl", "The Hustle Is On", "Tell Me What's The Reason", "I'm About To Lose My Mind", "Cold, Cold Feeling," and the classic instrumental "Strollin' With Bones".

This music is not meant to be listened to in one long sitting, obviously...even lead guitar innovator Walker's smoky, jazz-flavoured blues isn't quite varied enough for that, and if you're looking for a place to start, you should go for Rhino's "Blues Masters: The Very Best Of T-Bone Walker", or the excellent "T-Bone Blues" album from Atlantic.
But these 136 minutes of music is a very fine collection for the fan who wants more, and a great tribute to the most influential electric guitar player of all time, the idiom's first true lead guitarist, and still one of its best.

Aaron Thibaux "T-Bone" Walker, my greatest inspiration.
This great musician is my greatest sources of inspiration. He created a unique combination of jazz and blues on his big, acoustic Gibson Es5, a style which can be heard in the playing of many of the legendary guitarists since the mid`40s. Great musicians behind him, great vocals & great guitar. I dedicated my new CD(on amazon.com)to the memery of Aaron Thibaux "T-Bone" Walker. T-Bone; your music is alive and well!

truly excellent value
This 2-CD set was such a pleasant surprise. It's not rough, raw blues, which has its place, but more soft, gentle blues, with a marvelous jazz feel to it.

Most of the tracks are backed by a fine, but not in-your-face horn section.

The guitar playing is superb, bluesy but melodic, and the guitar tone is perfectly adjusted to the material.

Sound quality is excellent--I'm playing it through a valve amplifier and the sound is very satisfying.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but this music is almost a bridge between jazz and blues.

T-Bone, Well Done
This collection is a great, and economical way to experience one of the giants, not only of blues gutar, but guitar period. T-Bone was one of the pioneers of electric guitar along with Charlie Christian. His Imperial works are smooth and urbane, but still pack a solid wallop. The price is right!

As smooth as the blues can get!
This is a blues collection to put on your CD player, flip it to continuous play and let run over and over all day. Blues as smooth as the finest bourbon. T-Bone is a master and it is no surprise that BB King and a lot of others learned from him. A must! ... Read more

Album Description

The greatest living chromatic harmonica player, tears it up at BB King's in Memphis. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A superiaor rockin' blues band
Well this band Rod Piazza and the mighty flyers, have mroe in common with boogie beboppin' swing, then blues, but this genere is now being referred to as "Rockin' blues", and Piazza a talented harmoica player, who really makes his harp rock and wail, does rock good enough to attract a rockabilly crowd following. Honey Piazza(Rod's wife), is the real treasure of the band, adding boogie woogie rockin' piano riffs, that are out of thsi world. a great cd, a rockin blues band, and yes you can dance rockabilly style to this band!!!

Almost like being there
I have seen this group perform twice at an intimate club in Mishawaka, IN. They are awesome. Words cannot describe how they get the joint jumping. I am looking forward to seeing them again. I see they are due to return to Mishawaka and also play at Buddy Guy's in Chicago. I will definetly be there. This CD captures as well as is possible how great they sound. I have played it over and over and still get goosebumps when I hear Rod blowing that harp and Honey slamming out a boogie.
If you cannot see them live, get this CD. If you have seen them live you must have this CD.

Awesome Awesome Awesome
I used to play this CD all the time until it was stolen from my car (along with many other CD's). I have been looking for it ever since and am very happy to have found it. Play this anytime you need to be energized!

The best live blues album
I got the cd from a friend of mine. The first time I heard it I was in love. What a sound, what a style!! This man makes a crowd go wild!!!, even on cd!!

Amazing Live! performance.
I saw him at Biscuit & Blues, San Francisco... and his harp playing is really amazing, diatonic and chromatic. He even used a cordless mic and played around the hall! His wife boogie style piano solos were incredible. I purchased this CD there (and a modified harp mic) and it returns me back to those moments everytime I listen to it, five stars!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Must Have Series From Alligator
Alligator Records hit it right on the head when they named this series, "Crucial". As in this is a crucial series that every Blues fan should add to their CD collection. I bought this CD because I'm new to the Blues and wanted to find a few new artists to add to my collection. This CD introduced me to several artists that I have now added to my collection buy purchasing several other CDs. This CD starts out with an up tempo and rousing romp with Charlie Musselwhite's "Make My Getaway" and then moves on to a Harmonica Duet by Big Walter Horton and Carey Bell. The Gems just seem to roll out one after another from there. Among the notables on the CD are Legends like Billy Boy Arnold, Sonny Terry, Junior Wells, Delbert McClinton and James Cotton. I not only recommend this CD from the Crucial Blues series but all of them, especially for new comers to blues material.

Budget-friendly collection of good blues harp
The tracks with Cephas and Wiggins, the harmonica champ Sonny Terry, and Billy Boy Arnold (best known for his work with Bo Diddley) are the standouts here. Among the many good collections of Harmonica music (particularly of the blues variety), this is highly recommended budget-friendly stuff that is for the casual fan of good music as well as the practicing harmonicist.

This is a must-have for harmonica blues fans
Each cut on this CD is a treasure. The styles range from Chicago blues, to Boogie-Woogie, Funk and Delta-Mississpi styles. The harmonica masters in each cut show off essential blues harmonica techniques and style.

This CD, which is quite reasonably priced, is a must for a harmonica buff but also a treat for any blues fan. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The classic 1960's Arhoolie sessions!
Although these are not as powerful as her Peacock recordings of teh 50's, one should not overlook her Arhoolie sides fro mthe mid 60's(to late 60's). Ball b' Chail is a classic, as well as the Gospel tinged Wade In The Water and Sweet Little Angel(covered fro meveryone from BB King to Etta James). This is a powerfu lset of rockin' blues, and a couple of slower ones too ,but for the most part this is great jump blues and the msuic swings, stomps, and jumps, as well as rocks! Even the slower stuff rocks! Big Mama dodn't recrd too much that wasn't worth listening to ,and aside from her Peacock recordingd. these are her msot essential sides, and are a major highlight of a long lustrious career as a blues diva! Also Mama Thornton has influenced everyone from rock singer Janis Joplin to new blues diva Candye Kane. Thornton was a powerful singer, and this cd should not be overlooked, and should be essential to blues fans. Even myself, strictly a fan of rockabilly music, love all of Thornton's work from the 50's and 60s'.

Exellent rockin' blues and rollicking r&b and jump blues
This cd features Mig mama Thornton hollerin' her way thru a versitile set of jump blues, slow drags, and rockin' blues. Although if you want to make a 1st purchase of Mama thornton start with Hound Dog-The Peackock Recording, as a 2nd purchase you can't go wrong with these somewhat later sessions. Lot's of fun, rough and roudy blues.

there ain't enough stars in the universe .
There just ain't enough stars in the universe when it comes to
rating Big Moma Thorton.

Excellent Blues
"Big Mama" is truly a legend. I've listened to this CD many many many times and each times I'm surprised by how much I enjoy it. There are several slower tunes, but if you've got the rhythm in your soul I don't think you'll be disappointed (in particular "Wade in the Water"). I myself enjoy hearing different versions of different songs so i found BB King's Sweet Little Angel (I don't know if it was his originally but that's where I knew it from) and the Janis Joplin standard Ball and Chain to be wonderful.

On that note - Ball and Chain is - as thornton does it - a different and nonetheless amazing song. ... Read more

Album Description

Import exclusive budget-price compilation for the boogiepiano master. The greatest days of this early R&B hitmakerincluding the legendary 'Chicken Shack Boogie'. Featuringthe best quality mastering, high quality packaging,slipcase & a 16-page full color booklet (includingdiscography, biographical notes & photos). Over two hoursof music. 2002. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A good value.
Amos Milburn is a boogie woogie legend. He also deserves credit as being a real founding father of rock n' roll. This double cd set is a good buy. The reason I gave this one a 4 instead of a 5 rating is because there are a few tedious straight blues numbers, only suitable for a real collector of period material. "Birmingham Bounce" is a hard rocker and make this cd worth getting alone, but you'll also find the ones that made him famous like "Down The Road a Piece" (covered by chuck Berry) and "Chicken Shack Boogie". This set's "better than chicken fried in bacon grease". ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Things That Could Have Been!
Shuggie Otis or Johnny Otis Jr. is somewhat of an anomaly. Shuggie's dad, Johnny Otis senior played guitar and sang with the best of them for many, many years. In 1968 Johnny introduced his 13 year old son to the world on Johnny's comeback CD, "Cold Shot" and the kid was hot. So hot in fact that he was courted by the Rolling Stones and hailed by fans and media alike as a new guitar hero. But it seems Shuggie had other plans and, after releasing a couple of CD's and playing with Frank Zappa on a couple of tracks on Frank's "Hot Rats" CD, Shuggie just quit playing. He retired from the music world at the ripe old age of 22. This compilation pulls from the blues songs he actually recorded and shows us what might have been. The guitar playing is fantastic although the recordings seem a little weak causing you to turn up the volume just to get a decent tone. The material is a little dated but it's a valuable addition to any collection.

Blues Guitar Prodigy
Shuggie Otis is at the top of the "Whatever Happened To" file of talented musicians who burned brightly and then seemingly disappeared from public view. His last official album was cut in 1975 when he was still only 22 years old! This disc covers Kooper Sessions: Al Kooper Introduces Shuggie Otis (tracks 1 and 12), Here Comes Shuggie Otis (tracks 2, 3, 4 and 11), Freedom Flight (tracks 5, 8 and 10), and The Johnny Otis Show (tracks 6 and 7). "Cold Shot" is a previously unreleased track from 1970. Otis's vocals were not his strong suit--he does a decent enough job on "Me and My Woman," however, and Sugarcane Harris does vocals on "I Can Stand To See You Die"--but the rest of the album places the focus squarely on his guitar playing. With influences ranging from B.B. King to T-Bone Walker to Freddie King to Son House and Elmore James, Otis combines these elements to create a style all his own. Keep in mind that every track on this album was recorded before Otis turned 18! The only reason I did not give this five stars is that there is nothing from 1975's Inspiration Information, which contains his original version of "Strawberry Letter 23" before it became a huge hit for the Brothers Johnson a couple years later. RECOMMENDED

WOW
you talk a a talented guitar player this guy can play you want real teenage talent forget about backstreet boys and n sync this kid was only like 15 when i first heard and he was tremendous as a album collectur I have over three hundred album and this is one my favorites

Shuggie is the Real Deal
Shuggie Otis, perhaps best known as the son of legendary bandleader, Johnny Otis plays some mean guitar on this CD. Shuggie is also the composer of "Strawberry Letter #23," which was a Top 5 Pop and #1 R&B hit for the Brothers Johnson in 1977. In this varied twelve track set, Shuggie shows his mastery of traditional blues guitar. He has clearly been influenced by the best including B.B. King, Elmore James, Son House and Robert Johnson. The extensive liner notes on the CD give you a nice track by track breakdown as well as background information on Shuggie himself. It's hard to pick a favorite track because they are all first rate. "Shuggie's Old Time Slide Boogie" which closes the set, has been processed with crackling pops to sound like an old 78 rpm recording from the late 1920's. It's so good, that it leaves you hungry for more. The mostly instrumental set features vocals by Sugarcane Harris on "I Can Stand to See You Die." If you like that down home blues, you'll love this CD. That said, let me also mention that the earliest of these tracks were recorded when Shuggie was only fifteen years old. Simply amazing.

wunderbar
I wish they'd release some of the old vinyl on CD. Shuggie is soooooo good. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Blues 101!!!
All right, students, now pay attention! Put down that racing form and pay attention right now! This here Chess Blues box set contains exactly 101 tracks. How appropriate! That makes this collection a sort of unofficial college course entitled Blues 101, and Professors Wolf, Waters, James, and Jacobs (Little Walter), etc., etc., will be your blues instructors. You will learn the Fundamentals of Blues Harp, with Little Walter ("Juke") and Sonny Boy Williamson II ("Don't Start Me to Talkin'") as your master teachers. Over here, we have a course entitled Mellow Blues, with Willie Dixon ("Walkin' the Blues") and Jimmy Witherspoon ("Ain't Nobody's Business") showing you how it's done. Then, we have instruction in Blues and the Female Voice, with Koko Taylor ("What Kind of Man Is That," "Wang Dang Doodle") and Etta James ("Somethings Got A Hold Of Me," "I'd Rather Go Blind") as your teachers. Finally, what great university would be complete without Master Classes and the best professors in the business Muddy Waters ("Got My Mojo Workin'," "I Can't Be Satisfied," "My Eyes (Keep Me in Trouble"), Howlin Wolf ("Killin' Floor," "Evil," "Going Down Slow"), and John Lee Hooker ("Walkin' the Boogie," "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer") holding court for your edification. No, there is no blues university, but if there was one, the above masters would surely be the instructors and Chess Blues would certainly be the required text. As I said, it's packed with an amazing 101 songs, many of the best blues tracks ever recorded. There are a few clunkers, but very few. You will spend many enjoyable hours listening to this collection. (Trust me, it takes a few hours to listen to 101 songs once!) Get it today, and enroll in the best blues education money can buy!

A terriffic addition to your blues collection
This handsome boxset, complete with a large booklet, is a superb addition to your blues collection, even if you already have the best of the major Chess artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Sonny Boy Williamson II.

There are bound to be some tracks, especially by Waters and the Wolf, that overlap with what most blues lovers already own, but the "Chess Blues" compilers have done a very fine job assembling dozens of rarer tracks by artists like Robert Nighthawk, Sunnyland Slim, Otis Rush, Memphis Minnie McCoy, Lowell Fulson, Willie Mabon, Elmore James, Jimmy Oden and many others. And these high quality tracks, which make up the vast majority of the 101 cuts, make "Chess Blues" a very welcome supplement to the many available compilations featuring Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson II and Little Walter Jacobs.

This is it!
The Delta gave birth to the Delta Blues and Chicago gave birth to the Chicago Blues but it would not have happened without Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and, of course, the Chess Brothers. This is their legacy - no true blues fan would be without this set as part of their collection -enough said!

Box set arrives like nucular bum
Wow, this box set arrives in my discs with the force of a nuclear bomb...I bought it for [amt.] at a local record store; get the box set any way you can. You'll survive cataclysmic disaster for sure. The artists are badasses and geniuses all.

Worth 10 Stars!
Where would the music of today be without the music on this set? Every song is a classic. Phil and Leonard Chess had an ear for talent and it shows on this set. Not only do you get classics by Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf, there is also Etta James, Ko Ko Taylor, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sunnyland Slim, Robert Nighthawk, Willie Dixon (the MAN behind many of the Waters/Wolf classics) and many, many more. The booklet is fantastic and the sound quality is very good. Simply a set you can't do without. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

OVERLOOKED ESTHER PHILLIPS MASTERPIECE!!!
Fresh from the commercial and artistic triumph of HER own major hit "Release Me" which is the definitive version of this classic, Esther Phillips was signed to her first major recording contract as an adult with Atlantic Records and more than rose to the occasion with this classic recording of Lennon/McCartney's "And I Love Him" which was also a hit for Esther! Esther is in peak form throughout this set of standards which are given fresh and original interpretations that rival the originals in greatness and the longing soulfully conveyed in "'Tis Autumn" is a winning example of this. Dreamy and romantic is the beautifully sung "Shangri-La" and hauntingly gorgeous is Esther's vocal on "Moonglow" which is the stunning theme song from the motion picture "Picnic" staring the incredibly beautiful Kim Novak. Too bad this vocal wasn't recorded in time to be in the Original Score as it truly becomes an unforgettable classic all over again by Esther. "Out Of The Blue" is another example of excellence in both phrasing and dramatic content at its peak in a song and "People" takes on a new life all of its own while "Makin' Whoopee" sounds superb here! Old chestnuts such as "The Girl From Ipanema" and "I Wish You Love" are given fresh and haunting interpretations which hold up to the original versions beautifully and Edith Piaf's "If You Love Me, Really Love Me" is dramatic, full of pathos and quite a stunner!!!! Esther turns "Too Soon To Know" inside out and matches Dinah's version in classic fashion in "Make Believe Dreams" and one can understand why veteran arranger-composer Ray Ellis kept calling for coffee-breaks just so he could play back the finished tracks for KICKS!!! This incredible singer really had it all and we are the lucky ones as this is just the finale of the 1st great LP on this incredible two-fer!!!! Next is the 1966 classic "Esther" which kicks off in high style with the Cole Porter classic "It's All Right With Me" that has never sounded quite as cooking as it does here!!! Oliver Nelson does the arrangement on this classic version and shares arranging honors with Ray Ellis on this overlooked masterpiece! "The Shadow Of Your Smile" has never sounded quite as haunting as it does here and "Crazy He Calls Me" is definitely the definitive version of this Carl Sigman classic who also composed "What Now My Love". Soulful is Esther on "He Touched Me" and classic and stirring in the standard "A Taste Of Honey". Jazzy and funky with "Let There Be Love" and haunting in the gorgeous "You Can't Go Home Again" which is definitely classic Esther at her finest!!! "Just Say Goodbye" is another example of what a great jazz singer Esther was and how sad it is that she was so overlooked and "I Could Have Told You So" shows Esther again matching the great Dinah and doing it in her own brilliant way. Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is given a real workout here that is stunning and a definitive reading of Mick Jagger's "As Tears Go By" show how versatile this great DIVA was and what a crime it was that she was so underappreciated!!! Hot and jazzy is the finale and "The Party's Over" is a real cooker!!! Thanks to Collectables that this masterpiece is available for all who care about great singing to enjoy for all time!! This is really an example of what Great Singing is all about-and it is All About Esther who is truly a once in a lifetime brilliant talent! BRAVO ESTHER AND THANK YOU... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Listen UPPPPP
THis album made me go get a saxophone. It's great. I saw Joe live a month ago in Vancouver BC and he still rocks out. Consumate professional too. Shakes everybody's hand and plays like the devil!!!!

Sax with Style
Met Joe Houston at New Years Eve Party. The party was dull until he came on. He plays the best sax I have heard in years. His enthusiasm and excitement took over the place. As must get item while they last. Soon he won't be around to make life bright and exciting. ... Read more

Album Description

UK two-fer combines Johnny Otis' 1968 album Cold Shot withSnatch & The Poontangs'.Both were originally released onthe Kent label in the late 60s & feature Shuggie Otis'blistering guitar. Includes 2 previously unreleased tracks'It's Good To Be Free' & 'The Dirty Dozens'. Ace Records.2002. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

And it's about time!
Back around 1987, I was working as a guitar tech for The Replacements. Billy (the stage mgr) had a beat up cassette copy of the Snatch & The Poontangs album. It was a huge hit on the bus. I don't think a day went by w/out one of us popping it into the deck for a listen.

I dubbed a copy shortly before the tour ended, and brought it home w/me -- where it became an instant favorite with my friends. Somewhere along the line, I lost the tape. I searched high and low, but was never able to find another copy.

About a week ago, I was washing some dishes and "Two Time Slim" popped into my head. As soon as I finished, I did a web search and was pleased beyond words to see that it's been re-released on CD.

It's every bit as good as I remember it... =o)

Buy It To Hear Shuggie!
There are a lot of reasons to recommend this CD. First, it's a double CD featuring Johnny Otis' 1968 comeback release "Cold Shot" combined with Johnny Otis' 1969 "Snatch and the Poontangs". Second, it contains two previously unreleased tracks, "It's Good To Be Free" and "The Dirty Dozens". Third, the music is excellent and shows that there is a lighter and humorous side to the blues and last but not least, it features some funky rhythms and wicked lead licks by Johnny's then 13-year-old son Johnny Shuggie Otis Jr. Not much material is available from Shuggie who retired at the ripe age of 22 and it's a real shame. Today, Shuggie is in his early 40's and is starting to resurface, lets hope he comes back and lives up to his potential. X-rated? Well, maybe in 1968. However, if this were released today, it may warrant an R rating solely for some of the language used in the later half of the CD.

At Long Last!!!
Finally the legendary Snatch & the Poontangs album sees re-release. As I owned this only on a cheap copied cassette I was elated to see that it was available... and with the bonus of the Johnny Otis Show album 'Cold Shot'. This is an essential purchase, and just in time for the Christmas season!!
Perhaps most known for a dirty mouth and quick wit the title 'For Adults Only' is fitting, but the music has been sorely overlooked. At only 15 years old Shuggy played searing guitar to rival Buddy Guy or Ike Turner. Laying lines over the gritty R&B played by his dad's veteran band this album can't be beat.
A huge influence on everyone from Nick Cave to Bantam Rooster. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

She must have thought I was a real gone jerk
The CD features a great selection of "jump blues" songs from the late '40s to the mid '50s. Jump blues can be considered to be sort of a combination of swing music and the blues. Or you could just call it early r&b with horns. However you want to look at it, it was definitely a precursor to rock and roll. Many of the songs here would go on to be recorded by rock and rollers. (Elvis covered four of the songs here.) But putting the rock and roll connection aside, this music can stand on it's own merits. This is just plain fun, wild music. But don't take my word for it, listen to it and decide for yourself. Highly recommended.

Early R&B and R&R at its best!
This is a excellent example of the roots of R&B and R&R. The blues have never sounded so good! "Hand Clappin'"(#1) still uses the sounds of the big band era, and "Hoy, Hoy"(#6) brings blues and rockabilly to a new level. It is no surprise that Little Richard picked up his sound from Rudy Green's "Juicy Fruit"(#8). Wynona Carr's "'Til the Well Runs Dry"(#16)is an excellent example of the early R&B music sounds of Etta James in the late 50's. There were so many artists performing this type of music in the late 40's, but mainstream music critics never gave them their due. Many of the great rock n roll artists started their careers in blues music, including James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, and the Doors, unfortunately many stirred their talents toward mainsteam pop. Remember the names of these artists and those local jump blues bands in your community that honor their music.

Superb collection of the roots of the neo "swing" movement
This excellentCD presents a superb 15-year cross-section of an underappreciated branch of the blues. "Jump" blues seems to answer the never-posed question, where does swing end and the blues begin? For that matter, add rockabilly and electric blues, go way back to the late forties, and you have performances infinitely more powerful than Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis. These artists suddenly seem embarrassingly derivative--especially when you hear the original Big Mama Thornton version of Hound Dog. You'll wish you'd never heard of Elvis. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Turbocharged, hard drivin, lip smaking, foot stompin BLUES!!
I am a "born again" blues listener. This colletion of three CD's could probably be called the rollercoaster of Texas-based blues. Ms Thornton is the connection to past female blues greats, such as Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. This is the performer that inspired Janis Joplin. The first CD, (a live performance recorded in a jail) includes "Ball and Chain", which she dedicates to Janis. The second CD entitled "Sassy Mama" includes "Rolling Stone", "Mr Cool and "Sassy Mama", the title track rocks as if it were a live recording. The final CD is a previously unreleased collection that, to me is the best of the three. All are good!

The collection includes a booklet written by Ed Ward, the rock historian for National Public Radio's "Fresh Air". In this booklet one will discover that Ms Thornton was a far more flamboyant personality than Janis, preferring Gin and Milk to Janis' Southern Comfort. Another fact that will surprise you will be her connection to Elvis Presley's fame. Every track rocks, she lifts you by the collar and screams you into the blues. This collection is a must for anyone that enjoys hard drivin female blues vocalists

A Powerhouse
This three disc set is one that I keep finding myself returning to time and time again. It's raw power and energy, like being assualted with rythm. Each track refuses to be ignored. Big Mama Thornton rips into song with a power reminiscent of Koko Taylor and Janice Joplin. Every time I've listened to this I find it incredible that Big Mama Thornton hasn't received more recognition than just "Hound Dog". If you like music as an experiance (versus just background noise) do not miss this! ... Read more