Johnny Young With The Chicago Blues Band

Big Walter Horton was one of the key architects of modern blues harmonica. Blues legend Willie Dixon referred to him as "the best harmonica player I ever heard." Along with Little Walter Jacobs and Sonny Boy Williamson II, he is considered to be one of the most influential harpists ever. He was capable of both intense power and fragile delicacy, often in the same song. He was endlessly melodically adventurous, and always unpredictable. His only Alligator Records album, - "Big Walter Horton With Carey Bell", came out in 1972. It paired him with his young protégé, who had played under Walter's tutelage since Bell's arrival in Chicago. Walter's long-time partner Eddie Taylor joined them on guitar. It was Alligator's second-ever release, and received widespread critical acclaim, especially for the fiery harp duets that pitted the two harmonica masters against one another.

In the '70s, harmonica man Billy Branch was one of the young upstarts helping to keep the Chicago blues sound alive; in the 21st century, he's matured into one of the Windy City's most venerable blues talents, and as a musician and educator, Branch has spread the word about the blues across the country and around the world. Branch has led the Sons of Blues, his backing band, since the mid-'70s, and despite numerous personnel changes, the SOBs have never wavered in their dedication to pure, unadulterated Chicago blues.

Big James Montgomery is a young man with a solid pedigree in the world of rhythm and blues. He played with Little Milton, Albert King and Buddy Guy before becoming trombonist and lead vocalist with the Chicago Playboys, the Windy City's premier R&B ensemble. Some years after the passing of former bandleader Johnny Christian, James and saxophonist Charles Kimball reformed and revitalized the band, turning it into a dynamic, soulful sextet that's turning heads and making new fans in Chicago and out on the road. RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW is a great introduction to the Playboys' unique blend of straight ahead blues and gospel-tinged, horn-driven soul.

Recorded in 1965 and 1966, these 15 tracks are divided between solo piano performances and pieces with a full band, with support from guitarist Johnny Young and members of the Muddy Waters Band. The variation in approach means that this isn't the most consistent Spann album, and the material and performances don't rank among his best either, although they're reasonably solid. Includes some of the rare tracks on which Spann played organ rather than piano.

Welcome to Mississippi Heat’s 13th album, just in time for the venerable Chicago blues band to celebrate its 30th Anniversary! Mississippi Heat stands as one of the longest running bands in Chicago, as well as a launching pad for many blues players who’ve gone on to successful solo careers. MH’s alumni reads like a Who’s Who of Chicago Blues past and present: Billy Flynn, Lurrie Bell, Carl Weathersby, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, Deitra Farr, Bob Stroger, Calvin “Fuzz” Jones, James Wheeler, Barrelhouse Chuck, Jon McDonald, Robert Covington, Bob Carter and more. Madeleine stands as a fitting tribute to a remarkably unique and enduring band now entering its third decade; listen and enjoy the blues as only Mississippi Heat can play them!

Born in 1965 in Chicago Bernard Allison was introduced into the roots of black music and playing electric guitar by his father, the living blues legend Luther Allison. At the age of 20 he played with the "Queen of Blues" Koko Taylor for two years and took part in countless sessions with musicians like Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jeff Healy.
He joined the tourband of Luther Allison in 1989 after a furious collaboration of "Father & Son" at the '89 Chicago Blues Festival. A recording of this formation is to be heard on the Luther Allison album "Let's Try It again". Bernard released his first solo album in 1990 with the significant title "The Next Generation"…

Although still thought of by some as one of the “young turks” on the Chicago blues scene, Johnny B. Moore has more experience than many “grizzled veterans”, with over a quarter century as a professional and countless recording sessions under his belt. This talented and versatile guitarist has previously lent his talents to Delmark releases by Willie Kent, Bonnie Lee and Karen Carroll; Troubled World is his second release for the label as a leader; his first was Live at Blue Chicago. With his Mississippi roots and solid commitment to Chicago's West Side blues sound, Johnny B. Moore has much in common with Johnny Littlejohn and Magic Sam - two of his mentors. Like those artists, Moore's blues is hard-edged, quirky, and beautiful. Troubled World captures him at his best.