Chicago Blues: A Living History [Best of]

I live in Chicago, and the blues scene here (the best in the world) has taken a huge hit since the mid-'90s--so many of the crucial artists have passed away, from Albert King to Junior Wells to, most recently, Koko Taylor (countless less-widely-known stars have left us too early, too). That's what makes this all-star outing so amazing. Billy Boy Arnold has been writing classics like "I Wish You Would" and recording since the early '50s; Lurrie Bell is one of the most goosebump-inducing artists you will ever hear; Billy Branch has been one of THE harmonica men (and bandleaders) to go see for decades now; and John Primer took all he absorbed from his boss Muddy Waters (not to mention Magic Slim and Willie Dixon) and currently possesses one of the most soul-stirring blues voices in the world (killer guitar tone, too).

You can find other reviews at allmusic.com, etc., but this double-disc set takes you from the early '40s onward as you hear their deeply felt tributes to Sonny Boy, Tampa Red, Broonzy, Big Maceo, Muddy, Jimmy Reed, Cotton, Junior, Buddy...the performances are amazing and the set has tons of notes and pix in the big booklet. I don't see how this won't take home every blues award out there. I just hope this once-in-a-generation band stays together and plays some U.S. dates (they're going to Europe for the summer, I've read).

This is an amazing release by some of the greatest Blues artists alive. Fantastic production, detailed liner notes and most importantly incredible Chicago Blues performances captured in the studio. Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Lurrie Bell, and Billy Branch are all in fine form displaying why they are at the top of the Mountain of the Blues right now, but also the performances by the other musicians involved (Billy Flynn, Kenny Smith, Felton Crews, Matthew Skoller, Johnny Iguana) display why they are considered some of the best on their respective instruments, as well

This is the real deal Chicago Blues right here. Hopefully there will be a DVD release of some of their concerts

Sometimes when you think back to Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Elmore James, Jimmy Reed etc we do wonder who can carry the blues forward whilst still being firmly anchored in the old tried and tested traditions. The answer in Chicago at least is the bluesmen on this CD. They create a modern sound whilst shedding none of the authenticity of the blues forty or fifty years ago. In a word they sound great. This album should be a classic. Further, the blues is foremost a live music and having seen Billy Branch, John Primer, Carlos Johnson and Lurrie Bell I can tell you they are even better live. If you like blues and especially Chicago blues this CD is a must have and make sure you catch them live.