Jimmy Rogers

When viewed as a whole, this compilation gives an accurate overview of the way that the blues developed through the fifties. Take “Goin' Away Baby” for example: it is surely no coincidence that Muddy Waters himself played on this practical demonstration of how the Mississippi country blues sound was updated after the war to provide Chicago, and ultimately the world, with a tough new sound. Moving on to 1952 and “The Last Time”, the addition of Johnny Jones on piano combines with Jimmy's relaxed, confident vocal to give the song an assorted urban feel - this performance also clarifies why the accompanying musicians were occasionally billed on the records as "The Rocking Four".
The later recordings reveal that Jimmy had a fondness for uptempo material, culminating in success on the national R&B charts with the 1956 recording of “Walking By Myself"…

This Blind Pig CD reissues material from 1983-84. The legendary veteran Jimmy Rogers (taking most of the vocals and occasional guitar solos) is heard teamed up with the talented harmonica player Rod Piazza and his jumping group. The results are consistently exciting. Piazza's harmonica serves as a perfect foil to Rogers' voice, and the impressive backup band (which also features Honey Piazza on piano) clearly enjoys jamming on the basic blues changes. The many strong solos and the superior material make this an easily recommended set.

One of the most enriching contemporary items in Rogers's growing album catalog. Combining studio tracks with live performances, the set trods heavily on the past with loving renditions of "Rock This House," "Ludella," "Sloppy Drunk," and "Chicago Bound." Kim Wilson proves a worthy harp disciple of Little Walter, while bassist Bob Stroger and drummer Ted Harvey lay down supple grooves behind the blues great.