CD-Charts Position 51
Average Rating:

Hard Again

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

Release Date May 18, 2004
Not much new I can say about a classic, but I will say that it's very rare anymore to listen to a band and say to yourself, "Hey, these guys sound like they're having a real good time". In a world dominated by plastic sounding music(Plastic People! Oh, baby now you're such a draaaaaag! Sorry about that, I couldn't resist), it's so refreshing to listen to a group that doesn't sound like it's playing music simply because it's their job. Now while this was an attempt for Muddy to make a comeback, these guys sound like they love what they're doing so much that they couldn't care less if they sold one copy of the album, or even gave a hoot if they were being recorded at all! Muddy had a fantastic musical career long before this album, but in ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 52
Average Rating:

At Newport

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

Release Date February 27, 2001
This album is so good it should be mandatory listening before any young punk even thinks about playing guitar.

Great songs, great recording, even greater artist.

Buy it, play it and share it with folks who think rock and roll started with Elvis...

CD-Charts Position 53
Average Rating:

King of the Blues

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: B.B. King

Release Date October 20, 1992
THIS IS NOT ONLY THE BEST BLUES FROM ONE OF ITS BEST BLUESMAN, BUT IT IS ALSO A HISTORY OF B.B. FROM START TILL NOW. THE BOOK IT COMES WITH IS OUTSTANDING

CD-Charts Position 54
Average Rating:

Ice Pickin'

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

Release Date October 25, 1990
I'm 59 years old and somehow I missed Albert Collins and that I regret. I recently heard an Albert Collins song on KCUV, a Denver radio station and I couldn't believe my ears. I had to have some of his music. What a great blues guitarist and "Ice Pickin" is a superb CD. If you decide to get some Collins, get "Ice Pickin" for sure then get some more. You won't be disappointed.

CD-Charts Position 55
Average Rating:

Muddy "Mississippi" Waters Live

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

Release Date September 02, 2003
I am not leaving a long detailed review for this album. I just wanted say that this is an amazing set. Johnny and Bob compliment Muddy so well. I love this album. I played it nonstop for like six months. If you love Muddy Waters, or are just a lover of the blues, you will absolutely love this album. Plus the remastered quality of this recording make it a joy to listen too. I dare you to try and not move your head and stomp your feet when have this disc in.

CD-Charts Position 56
Average Rating:

Singin' in My Soul

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
starring: Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Homecoming Friends

Release Date April 29, 2008
I don't have this DVD or the CD by the same name (Singin' In My Soul), but I have seen the program they come from, and my favoite part is the reading by Suzanne Gaither Jennings entitled "Red Wing." This beautiful reading about how families are connected truly does remind us that "We all dance to the tunes we know." It is worth purchasing the DVD just for this reading alone, although Tanya Goodman Sykes rendition of "Redeemed" is lovely, too.

CD-Charts Position 57
Average Rating:

Blues Masters: The Very Best of T-Bone Walker

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: T-Bone Walker

Release Date June 20, 2000
Nice introduction to the work of T-Bone Walker! He was one of the best of the bluesmen. The liner notes from the CD provide nice background to Walker's work. Many heard him live when he was well past his prime, not knowing the full skills of his art.

Even two songs illustrate. . . .

"Bobby Sox Blues" was an early popular song of Walker's. The backing group supports his singing well. He displays a smooth singing voice. The song itself spoofed the teenagers' giddiness over Sinatra and Eckstine.

And then there is his iconic ""Stormy Monday. . . ." This is one of the great blues tunes. Walker's voice serves this song well. The backing instruments have a clean sound and back the singer very nicely. The liner notes say that "If T-Bone had done nothing ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 58
Average Rating:

Sweet Tea

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Buddy Guy

Release Date May 15, 2001
Having been a HUGE fan of Buddy, I for some reason past this album over. No real reason, it just got put to the back burner. Well, its now been about 7 years since it's release and I have finally gotten around to purchasing this one. ... HOLY CRAP!! It is super-fantastic!. I am ashamed it took me that long to pick this album up, and upset with myself at the same time. How could I allow an album of this calibur to set on the back burner for so long. I had heard it was a good album, but had no idea ... It is that good. If you are gonna buy it, well open up cause. Hot fudge is comming on in. Good Lord!

CD-Charts Position 59
Average Rating:

Fever for the Bayou

CD-Charts > Music > Chicago Blues
by: Tab Benoit

Release Date March 22, 2005
Tab once again continues to provide blues the way it should be. His down south style and him pouring his heart and soul into his music is what makes me a true fan of his. I've seen him on multiple occassions and he has never disappointed me in the least. One thing he does do is leave me in awe every time I see him. This album I never bought when it first came out and regret that now. I ordered it along with his newest album and am glad that I did. He is a real class act and loves his fans as much as he loves them.

CD-Charts Position 60
Average Rating:

Crucial Harmonica Blues

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

Release Date January 21, 2003
Various Artists
"Crucial Harmonica Blues"
Alligator Records ALCD 115

Big Walter Horton and Carey Bell continue the protégé and mentor tradition on "Have Mercy". Blues harp doesn't get any better than that. Under-rated Bell appropriately adorns the disc's cover. With one `whew', you will recognize the brown jug, country blues of Sonny Terry on "Sonny's Whoopin' The Doop". Junior Wells could combine funk, grease and sweat like no other. Experience it on "Broke and Hungry". James Cotton's "Superharp" remains one of the best harp-blowin' tunes ever, while fiery Carey Bell shows why he now reigns as best harpist/vocalist on "Lonesome Stranger".

Do these artists and songs qualify as Crucial Harmonica Blues? You're damn right they do.

-- Tim Holek
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