We use cookies to provide essential features and services. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies .

×

Warehouse Stock Clearance Sale

Grab a bargain today!

With Big Walter Horton
By

Rating


Album: With Big Walter Horton
# Song Title   Time
1)    Hello Central More Info...
2)    You Don't Have To Go More Info...
3)    Sneakin' And Hidin' More Info...
4)    Till I Made My Tonsils Sore More Info...
5)    Fat Mama More Info...
6)    G. B. Blues More Info...
7)    Worried Life Blues More Info...
8)    I Cry, I Cry More Info...
9)    If It Ain't Me More Info...
10)    I Want To Warn You More Info...
11)    I Cry, I Cry (Alternate Take) More Info...
12)    Sneakin' And Hidin', Part 2 More Info...
 
Album: With Big Walter Horton
# Song Title   Time
1)    Hello Central More Info...
2)    You Don't Have To Go More Info...
3)    Sneakin' And Hidin' More Info...
4)    Till I Made My Tonsils Sore More Info...
5)    Fat Mama More Info...
6)    G. B. Blues More Info...
7)    Worried Life Blues More Info...
8)    I Cry, I Cry More Info...
9)    If It Ain't Me More Info...
10)    I Want To Warn You More Info...
11)    I Cry, I Cry (Alternate Take) More Info...
12)    Sneakin' And Hidin', Part 2 More Info...
 
Product Description
Product Details
Performer Notes
  • /Big Walter Horton.
  • Personnel: Johnny Shines (vocals, guitar); Big Walter Horton (vocals, harmonica); Luther Allison (guitar); Otis Spann (piano); Prince Candy, Lee Jackson (bass); Bill Brown, Fred Below (drums).
  • Reissue producers: Frank Scott, Bruce Bromberg.
  • Engineers: Bruce Bromberg, Frank Scott, Pete Welding (tracks 1, 3, 5, 8-9, 11-12); Pete Welding, Norman Dayron (tracks 2, 4, 6, 7, 10).
  • Recorded in Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California in 1966 and 1969.
  • JOHNNY SHINES WITH BIG WALTER HORTON includes the balance of the songs from the 1966 session that yielded Shines' album MASTERS OF THE MODERN BLUES (Testament 5002), along with seven songs from a 1969 session.
  • Personnel: Johnny Shines (vocals, guitar); Big Walter Horton (vocals, harmonica); Luther Allison (guitar); Otis Spann (piano); Fred Below, Bill Brown & His Brownies , Bill Brown (drums).
  • Audio Remixer: Mark Linett.
  • Recording information: Chicago, IL (06/1966-01/1969); Los Angeles, CA (06/1966-01/1969).
  • Photographer: Brad Barrett.
  • Calling an album one the best in this particular genre, Chicago blues, is a pretty big move. There are plenty of masters of this particular form, and the success of several different record companies recording the genre over the years has assured no shortage of material. Something just comes together splendidly on these sessions that elevates this album well above the level of even some of the great Chicago sides of artists such as Muddy Waters. It might not exude the timeless gold dust of such records, but at the same time has a raw energy and breathless courage that goes well beyond anything the Chess label got on tape in its studios. The sound is also richly thick and loaded with midrange overtones. This benefits not only bass sounds but the presence of the drummers as well. Outrageous drum breaks are one byproduct, and the listener might even sense the ensemble somehow about to topple before everything comes together at the slightest chicken scratch of Johnny Shines' electric guitar. Bringing that subject up: in the late '60s, this artist had yet to start developing his acoustic country blues phase and was playing the electric as if a concrete pick had been welded to his hand. One can only imagine an uptight recording engineer fussing with this sound, trying get something slicker and more professional. Thankfully, the recording teams in charge of this blues masterpiece don't indulge in the quiver, shiver, and shake mentality and just let the sounds go down, including this Shines guitar sound, which is almost more like a living creature scratching at the insides of the speaker box like a misdirected rodent. We are approaching guitar heaven, but it vaults over the gates with the appearance of Luther Allison, whose meaty, juicy tone is the perfect contrast for Shines. This album collects tracks from two different recording sessions a few years apart. Allison is present for only one of the sessions, but the harmonica genius Big Walter Horton is on both dates, flooding the bandstand with chordal cascades and even bringing a frightening edge to some cuts with distorted vocalese. This is not only a great blues record, it is a great party blues record. ~ Eugene Chadbourne
Professional Reviews
Jazziz (9/95, p.92) - "...high musicianship....among Johnny Shines' finest performances. Recommended."
Ask a Question About this Product More...
 
Look for similar items by category
Home » Music » Blues » Chicago Blues
This title is unavailable for purchase as none of our regular suppliers have stock available. If you are the publisher, author or distributor for this item, please visit this link.

Back to top