Wilson Magic Man

This West Coast-based guitarist shines brilliantly on his third album for Bullseye Blues. While some of his earlier locally produced efforts have been uneven affairs, here kudos must go forth to producer and keyboard sideman Ron Levy. Levy keeps Wilson's guitar tone at sting and bite level 10 and his vocals right up front and toasty, surrounding him with a solid rhythm section and spare horn stabs. Eight of the 12 songs here are from Smokey's prolific pen, including "You Don't Drink What I Drink," and the title track, "Too Drunk To Drive," "Don't Tangle With Me," and "Black Widow," winners all. A quartet of covers (Magic Sam's "Easy Baby," Elmore James' "Something Inside Of Me" and a pair of Howlin' Wolf tunes, "Louise" and "44 Blues," with the latter featuring a guest turn from James Harman) rounds out this excellent session. Those who can't get enough of nasty, stinging lead guitar lines would do well to investigate this album.

Essential Heart is the only compilation that covers the group's tenure at both Epic and Capitol. All the hits of the '70s are featured on the first disc and include "Crazy on You", "Magic Man", "Barracuda" and "Straight On." The second disc includes all of their comeback material recorded in the '80s such as "What About Love?", "These Dreams", and "Nothin' at All". [Epic/Capitol/Legacy's Limited Edition 3.0 appeared in 2008 and included a bonus CD – in addition to the original, two-CD set.]

Esoteric Recordings is pleased to announce the release of a new re-mastered 2 CD edition of the classic album “Something Magic” by PROCOL HARUM. First released in March 1977, the album introduced a new band line-up of GARY BROOKER (vocals, piano), B.J. WILSON (drums), CHRIS COPPING (bass), MICK GRABHAM (guitar) and PETE SOLLEY (organ, synthesiser) and was recorded in Miami with producers Ron and Howie Albert.