Peter Green Splinter Group Blues Don t Change

Peter Green was discovered by John Mayall and was lead guitarist in the late 60 s Bluesbreakers before leaving to form Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac with Mick Fleetwood and John McVie. After well documented health problems, Green reappeared in the mid 90's, much changed but with his talent and love of the blues still intact, as an integral part of Peter Green Splinter Group.
Originally released in 2001 and only available at concerts or via the band's official website, this was their seventh album. The opening track, "I Believe My Time Ain't Long", is a variation on the Robert Johnson song "Dust My Broom". Green had first recorded the track with Fleetwood Mac in 1967 (variously credited to Elmore James or Jeremy Spencer), and it had been released as the band's first single.

Some Peter Green fans might be put off by this 64-song/four-CD collection, owing to the fact that they are likely to already own a significant chunk of what's here (especially the Fleetwood Mac material). (And in fairness, there apparently isn't a lot of – or any – unreleased material to draw on from Green's classic period with the band). But this reviewer had to spring for this four-and-a-half hour showcase of his work, and for one major reason – vitality. Green's virtuosity is a given, and his taste and his insights into blues and what can be done with it – while still leaving it as blues – are well known to anyone who's heard his work.