CD-Charts Position 61
Average Rating:

Ledbetter Heights

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Release Date September 19, 1995
After KWS put on a fantastic show at a fest, I had to buy his first 3 albums. Now I know why is rated one of the best guitarists. I rate him up there with Eric Clapton. This CD is a must buy.

CD-Charts Position 62
Average Rating:

The Complete Recordings

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Robert Johnson

Release Date October 08, 1996
3 1/2

There is no mistake when people speak of this man's influence on blues. Sadly his shadow has all but engulfed the frustrating confines around musical progressions he helped pioneer, and present them with a more natural and innovative grace then the next half plus century to follow. This essential collection for purists does contain enough variation on those hallowed scales to maintain a certain interest (even a handful of tracks that outshine their formulaic counterparts), although there is no denying those not well integrated into the genre will start hearing too much bleed-through track to track which may turn initial reverence for Johnson's vocal and instrumental prowess into sporadic annoyance.

CD-Charts Position 63
Average Rating:

Fathers and Sons

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

Release Date October 30, 2001
There are seminal moments in the arts when circumstances bring giants together in perfect alignment, and this album is one of them. The cast could never be better than the one contained herein, with the huge blues voice of Muddy Waters leading the way, half-brother Otis Spann pounding out some of his most brilliant piano ever, Paul Butterfield blowing his harp as if nations rise or fall by his effort, Mike Bloomfield (not long for this world after this 1969 recording) spinning out black blues guitar licks in a faithful but trailblazing fashion, plus a killer rhythm section of Stax/Volt's Donald "Duck" Dunn and Muddy's own Sam Lay on drums.

The songs are Muddy classics, from the thundering "40 Days And 40 Nights" to the braggadocio of "I'm ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 64
Average Rating:

Blue Velocity

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

Release Date July 31, 2007
Got this CD on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. This guy is a great bluesy player, singer and songwriter. I liked all the songs first time through and they are getting better with repeat listenings.

CD-Charts Position 65
Average Rating:

Long Time Coming

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Jonny Lang

Release Date October 14, 2003
I miss the old Johnny Lang music. I don't listen to this tape much.

CD-Charts Position 66
Average Rating:

Breakin' It Up & Breakin' It Down

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

Release Date June 05, 2007
Why was this stuff hidden away for so long--I love this CD--a great addition to my collection

CD-Charts Position 67
Average Rating:

Hooker 'n Heat

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: John Lee Hooker w, Canned Heat

Release Date November 05, 1991
Simply 'the best' for the voodoo of truely great Harmonica boogie improvisation. Alan Wilsons [pre-suicide] respect and harmonica 'call & response' to John Lees creative outpourings are like nothing else before or since. What a session. This record is a highly influencial album in my life and stands as a great example of 'electric Harmonica' tone and technique. I would give my 'coolies' for Al's amplifier and wonderful style. Meanwhile The whole band sounds very excited and committed to honoring their session with the legendary boogieman. What more to say? The tunes are often long improvised 'jams', spread with 'solo' loose tunes with John Lee Hooker, his words, guitar and ever tapping foot. This historical recording is not everybodys 'cup of tea' but if you want 'real' trance ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 68
Average Rating:

Capitol Collectors Series: Louis Prima

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Louis Prima

Release Date May 21, 1991
I've never heard a bad Louie Prima album. The quality is good the songs are great. Lots of good tunes@!

CD-Charts Position 69
Average Rating:

Homemade Songs

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Bobby Charles

Release Date May 20, 2008
The temptation here is to use all sorts of Swamp/Americana cliches extolling what a great CD this is ("a modern swamp classic,etc."). Instead, as one who would buy a CD of Bobby singing his tax-returns, I will say, go out and buy this album now!!! You'll dig it.

CD-Charts Position 70
Average Rating:

Avalon Blues: The Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings

CD-Charts > Music > Regional Blues
by: Mississippi John Hurt

Release Date February 01, 2008
Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm. Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground"). The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era. A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.

As to the recordings themselves, they are probably the sweetest sounding, most mellifluous early delta/country blues I have ever heard. John Hurt may not have had the well-known name of a Robert Johnson or Son House, but these recordings have had their influence in their own way. The song Stack O' Lee penned ... Read More: