CD-Charts Position 121
Average Rating:

Spirituals & Gospel: Dedicated to Mahalia Jackson

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Mavis Staples

Release Date April 25, 2007
Lucky Peterson plays blues. Mavis Staples sings gospel. One might wonder if this Saturday night/Sunday morning combo could create a lasting tribute to gospel great Mahalia Jackson. But it works, mainly because the two stick to a formula Jackson favored: Vocals accompanied only by an organ or piano.

Staples was deeply influenced by Jackson's music and friendship. And it was her idea to record a tribute using the accompaniment Jackson prefered. But she had trouble finding an organ player with the reputation that would interest a record company. Peterson had this reputation. In the mid-1990s, he was a red-hot blues player for Verve Records, getting lots of radio play, and gigs at major festivals. He was famous for his guitar ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 122
Average Rating:

The Best of the Vee-Jay Years

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Jimmy Reed

Release Date September 25, 2007
Lucky Peterson plays blues. Mavis Staples sings gospel. One might wonder if this Saturday night/Sunday morning combo could create a lasting tribute to gospel great Mahalia Jackson. But it works, mainly because the two stick to a formula Jackson favored: Vocals accompanied only by an organ or piano.

Staples was deeply influenced by Jackson's music and friendship. And it was her idea to record a tribute using the accompaniment Jackson prefered. But she had trouble finding an organ player with the reputation that would interest a record company. Peterson had this reputation. In the mid-1990s, he was a red-hot blues player for Verve Records, getting lots of radio play, and gigs at major festivals. He was famous for his guitar ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 123
Average Rating:

Jimmy Reed at Carnegie Hall

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Jimmy Reed

Release Date November 13, 2007
Jimmy Reed recorded for the Vee-Jay label for most of his career. Vee-Jay has been out of business since the mid-1960's, and Jimmy Reed's catalogue has been in disrepair for years. This CD represents a great chance to hear Jimmy Reed at his wonderful best. Jimmy Reed was an established artist at the peak of his powers when this album was recorded. Another good choice would be "The Best Of Jimmy Reed" on the GNP label I believe.

"Carnegie Hall" is not a recording of a live performance. Jimmy Reed is playing previously recorded material in a recording studio. Jimmy Reed appeared at Carnegie Hall, and Vee-Jay wanted to capitalize on the prestigious name association. Amazon describes Jimmy Reed as selling more records than B. B. King in ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 124
Average Rating:

Stand Back! Here Comes Charley Musselwhite's Southside Band

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Charlie Musselwhite's Southside Band

Release Date September 19, 1991
If you like real South Side of Chicago blues, this is what you need to buy .

After just hearing of Charlie Musselwhite recently , I decided to listen to some clips of his CD's and , by far, this first recording with the South Side Band is his BEST ever . This was recorded in the mid-60's when he and his band members were very young - this band is so tight that you will marvel at how seasoned they sound .

The talent on this CD is easily worth twice the price .
Charlie Musselwhite is an outstanding blues harmonica player . True soul and passion emanates from his harp. Harvey Mandel on guitar , of Canned Heat at Woodstock fame ,is one of the best ever - his style is very unique and reminiscent of Hendrix, using a lot ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 125
Average Rating:

Deluxe Edition

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Koko Taylor

Release Date January 22, 2002
I picked up this CD on a whim since I have most of her music on vinyl and I have to say for a CD its very very good. They really captured her energy, power and detail with this pressing. If your new to Koko pick up this CD, I am sure it won't be your last.

CD-Charts Position 126
Average Rating:

Texas Sugar/Strat Magik

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Chris Duarte

Release Date October 11, 1994
I got turned on to Duarte from a Warren Haynes charity christmas concert disc. I took a chance on him and he plays some nice Texas blues he has some of the SRV feel. Can he play yes, is he good yes, but does the disc make it into the rotation, not too often.

CD-Charts Position 127
Average Rating:

Woodstock Album

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Muddy Waters

Release Date October 24, 1995
After 27 years recording for Chess Records, this April 1975 album was Muddy's last for the label - and I think it's a bit of a forgotten gem.

PAUL BUTTERFIELD provides fabulous bluesy Harmonica throughout, PINETOP PERKINS plays piano (guest vocals also on Kansas City & Caldonia) with both GARTH HUDSON and LEVON HELM of THE BAND throwing in Keyboards/Accordion and Drums/Bass respectively. While it's a straight-up blues album for the most part, Hudson's Accordion playing gives some of the tracks a slightly swing/Cajun feel - and is a genuine surprise and treat for it too. Special mention should also go to Paul Butterfield's harmonica playing, which is fantastic throughout - clearly enthused by the mere proximity of the great man! In fact in each guest ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 128
Average Rating:

Essential Magic Slim

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Magic Slim

Release Date September 25, 2007
Want some Rockin' Blues? Well, get this. Put on track 1; "Before You Accuse Me" and rock on for the next hour or so.

This ain't fancy blues, all tricked up with "special guests" or "name" producers. It's just good, down-home, rockin' blues. Two guitars, bass and drums; with Magic's gritty vocals; pretty simple recipe but a great dish.

Read "Shaq's" review; he say it all. Honest blues don't lie.

CD-Charts Position 129
Average Rating:

Chicago/The Blues/Today!

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Various Artists

Release Date August 24, 1999
I bought the three separate Vanguard vinyl LP's years ago. Wore 'em out. They got me started on the harp and I have played ever since....or at least, tried to play. I memorized and absorbed all of this inspiring stuff, I played it so much. It has had a major influence on my entire life. What a brilliant idea by Sam Charters in the first place, and then to actually pull it off, with all these blues giants, is a simply amazing feat. Prior to that the only blues I had listened to was the Stones and Paul Butterfield, and from there I went back to the originals, like Little Walter and Muddy and Wolf and Sonny Boy.
Those last four legends are NOT on these recordings--Walter and Sonny Boy had passed by then--but just about everyone who meant anything in Chicago blues is. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 130
Average Rating:

Deluxe Edition

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Albert Collins

Release Date October 28, 1997
If your main passion and joy is electric blues, then the most important reviews for you to follow are Shaq's, "The King Of The World Blues Reviewer". I've checked other reviewers on some blues CD's, and their history also lists reviews of psychology books, movies, etc. Shaq reviews nothing but da blues! With that being said, let's get down to business. Albert Collins, is one of my six all-time favorite electric blues guitarists! One of the problems in building a collection of Albert's work, is a lot of the CD's are recorded under older, limited technology, and the volume and clarity isn't too good. This Deluxe CD, is loud and clear! The subject matter on this CD ranges from the "fun & humorous", opening song "I Ain't Drunk" ("I'm Just Drinking!"), which I always play as my last ... Read More: