This 3 CD set includes some of the greatest, innovative and influential musicians of the 20th century, they are all here, Robert Johnson, Elmore James, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker et al - performing some of their best known songs.
This historic compilation of classic Chicago blues from six decades brought through contemporary recording terms is a loving, two-CD set of music that is not interpreted or reinvented as it is played faithfully to the core. A fairly set rhythm section featuring guitarist Billy Flynn, bassist Felton Crews, and drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, backs modern-day living legends like Billy Boy Arnold, Lurrie Bell, Billy Branch, and John Primer on tunes penned by both Sonny Boy Williamsons, Big Bill Broonzy, Big Maceo Merriweather, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, the Hooker Brothers, Buddy Guy, and others. Considerable help is given by harmonicist Matthew Skoller (brother of producer Larry Skoller,) keyboardist Johnny Iguana, vocalist Mike Avery (cousin of Magic Sam), and lead guitarist Carlos Johnson…
Thousands of blues tunes draw on the core foundation of grooves and rhythm patterns spawned during the electric blues renaissance of the 50s and 60s. Unlike other genres of music from that time, there’s nothing nostalgic about these grooves — these same grooves and rhythm patterns have been used by every generation of blues player since right up to modern times. “Authentic” is the best way to describe them and Jeff McErlain’s 30 Authentic Blues Grooves You MUST Know is the best way to learn them.
This historic compilation of classic Chicago blues from six decades brought through contemporary recording terms is a loving, two-CD set of music that is not interpreted or reinvented as it is played faithfully to the core. A fairly set rhythm section featuring guitarist Billy Flynn, bassist Felton Crews, and drummer Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, backs modern-day living legends like Billy Boy Arnold, Lurrie Bell, Billy Branch, and John Primer on tunes penned by both Sonny Boy Williamsons, Big Bill Broonzy, Big Maceo Merriweather, Elmore James, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, the Hooker Brothers, Buddy Guy, and others. Considerable help is given by harmonicist Matthew Skoller (brother of producer Larry Skoller,) keyboardist Johnny Iguana, vocalist Mike Avery (cousin of Magic Sam), and lead guitarist Carlos Johnson…
Its a great collection of masters no doubt, particularly Muddy Waters and Otis Sann and Willie Dixon, appearing true to form. The black and white recordings adds to the period effect and the sound is incredibly well restored. Listening and watching these masters deliver their masterpieces tells you a lot about how this amazing genre of music has stood the test of time.
First the good news, which is really good: the sound on this 340-song set is about as good as one ever fantasized it could be, and that means it runs circles around any prior reissues; from the earliest Aristocrat sides by the Five Blazers and Jump Jackson & His Orchestra right up through Muddy Waters' "Going Down to Main Street," it doesn't get any better than this set. The clarity pays a lot of bonuses, beginning with the impression that it gives of various artists' instrumental prowess. In sharp contrast to the past efforts in this direction by MCA, however, the producers of this set have not emasculated the sound in the course of cleaning it up, as was the case with the Chuck Berry box, in particular.