SPANN OTIS / WALKING THE BLUES Perhaps best known for his long association with the legendary Muddy Waters, Otis Spann is largely recognized as one of the greatest blues pianists of all time, if not the greatest. Although Spann made a name for himself in Chicago by the mid 1940s, it wasn't until 1960 that he got the opportunity to record an album of his own. The sessions Spann did with Candid Records co-founder Nat Hentoff that year resulted in the legendary album Otis Spann Is The Blues. (Incidentally, this was also the first album ever recorded for the fledgling New York City based label.) The tracks on Walking The Blues were recorded during those same sessions in August of 1960 in New York City. Left on the cutting room floor, they would not be officially released until 1972, two years after Spann's untimely death. Robert Lockwood Jr., also from Muddy Water's group, accompanies Spann on guitar here as he does on the Is The Blues album. But Walking The Blues also features Spann's close friend, veteran singer and composer James Oden, better known to blues fans as St. Louis Jimmy. Stripped down to just the these musicians, this magnificently performed and produced set showcases Spann's voice as well as piano. Spann stretches out with his pulsing two-handed rhythmic attack, and brings the barrelhouse piano style of his youth in line with the modern Chicago style he embodied.
Softpack Wallet - Remastered by Bernie Grundman. Recorded November 15, 1960 at the Nola Penthouse Sound Studios in New York, Lightnin' In New York captures the legendary bluesman in classic form, including some rare solos on the piano. Produced by Candid Records label co-founder, famed music critic and social activist, Nat Hentoff, and recorded at a time when Hopkins was being "rediscovered" by white audiences, the bluesman was reluctant in accepting his new role as an "artist" before predominantly white audiences.
The Pontchartrain Shakers, one of the New Orleans area's favorite live blues bands, are Amedee Frederick and Jojjo Wight, both lifelong musicians, friends, and now partners in and out of the band. Both have played professionally in southeast Louisiana since their teens. Working, playing music, and living on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain, the two formed the band in 2018 and named it for all their 'shaking' back and forth from shore to shore.
A solo studio session recorded during a 1972 European tour by Blues/Jazz pianist Little Brother. In between songs he talks about his life, music and the tunes he plays on this release. Brother was a notable influence to the likes of Sunnyland Slim and Otis Spann. Tracks are: Elementary Blues, Crescent City Blues, No Special Rider, Muleface, Someday You'll Be Sorry, Someday You'll Be Sorry (reprise), Medley: (Mood Indigo, Solitude, Satin Doll, Squeeze Me), London Shout, Your Love Is So Incredible, Memories of You, Little Brother's Little Boogie.
Featuring: Sunnyland Slim, piano and vocals, 1976. Track Listing: Decoration Day, Be My Baby, Sunny's Jump, Early One Morning, the Devil Is a Busy Man, She Got a Thing Going On, Going Down Slow, I Get to Drinking, Canadian Walk, Depression Blues, One Room Country Shack, 48:45.
Beloved by jazz and blues fans everywhere, Eddie traveled the world and back for decades. This 1976 LP finds him with Ted Easton's five-piece Dutch band, breathing new fire into Kidney Stew; Alimony Blues; Juice Head Baby; Clean head Blues; Things Ain't What They Used to Be (two takes), and more!
Blues compilation features performances by John Jackson, Albert Macon & Robert Thomas, Robert Junior Lockwood, Snooky Pryor & Homesick James, Piano Red, Eddie Kirkland, Doctor Ross, Henry & Vernell Townsend, Henry Townsend, Hezekiah & the Houserockers, Son Thomas & others.
Atlanta concert from 1984 feat. young & old traditional blues artists inc. Lonnie Pitch ford, Precious Bryant, Thomas Burt, Jessie Mae Hemphill, Junior Kimbrough & the Soul Blues Boys, Sunnyland Slim, Frank Edwards, John Cephas & Phil Wiggins.
