Record Reviews

MUDDY WATERS ~ HARD AGAIN (EXPANDED EDITION) EPIC 515161 (Barcode: 5099751516125) ~ USA ~ Blues Recorded: 1976 Released: 2004 By the end of the 1970s Blues Emperor Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist, the man who modernized and reinvented the Blues decades earlier by composing numerous of the genre´s standards performed the world over, decided to revitalize his sound, his band and his career. The meeting between Waters and his admirer, Texan guitar virtuoso Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist, led to a successful cooperation, which lasted for several years. Winter joined the Waters band and became his producer, creating a series of incredible electric Blues albums, which rank among the best material ever recorded, of which this is the first. The cooperation proved extremely fruitful to both Waters and Winter, as both benefited from each other strength: Waters finally had a superb backup band, which was the best vehicle for his incredible compositions and Winter found the ideal setting to play the music he always loved with plenty of space to express his immense talent. Apart from Waters and Winter the band included also the great harmonica player James CottonFind albums by this artist, pianist Pinetop PerkinsFind albums by this artist, second guitarist Bob MargolinFind albums by this artist, bassist Charles CalmeseFind albums by this artist and drummer Willie SmithFind albums by this artist. This is a true classic Blues album by any standard, alive and kicking as if it was recorded yesterday, with everything any lover of the genre should enjoy: great tunes, superb vocals and incredible guitar work – in short a must!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

MUDDY WATERS / JOHNNY WINTER / JAMES COTTON ~ BREAKIN` IT UP, BREAKIN` IT DOWN EPIC 07283 (Barcode: 886970728324) ~ USA ~ Blues Recorded: 1977 Released: 2007 This wonderful, never before released live recording documents the tour, which was organized in support of the comeback Grammy Award winning Muddy Waters’ album Hard AgainFind albums with this title. It features the same musicians that participated in the recording of the album and puts the three blues Giants together on one stage. They all do what they know best: Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist plays guitar and sings with a great voice, Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist plays some wonderful solos and sings and James CottonFind albums by this artist plays his harmonica and sings. The vocals are divided more or less equally between the three of them, which of course is great as we get to hear them all, each at his best. The supporting band is also excellent and includes some of the best veteran musicians: Bob MargolinFind albums by this artist (guitar), Pinetop PerkinsFind albums by this artist (piano), Willie SmithFind albums by this artist (drums) and Charles CalmeseFind albums by this artist (bass). This is superb electric blues, as raw, authentic and enjoyable as it ever gets. I can’t think of a blues fan, which would like to miss this album in his collection. Warmly recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend