Junior Wells - Southside Blues Jam This was Wells’ second recording for Delmark classic Hoodoo Man Blues and features some of the finest Chicago blues players of the time including the last studio recording of the genius of the blues piano, Otis Spann. Junior is accompanied by Buddy Guy and Louis Myers on guitar as well as Spann, bassist Earnest Johnson, and Fred Below on drums. Recorded on December 30, 1969 and January 8, 1970, the session has a loose, improvisational feel with stellar mellow support from Spann and Guy. This expanded digi-pack, deluxe edition contains previously unissued performances (Tracks 9-15) and a 16 page booklet with many never before seen photos. 

Five Royales - Soul & Swagger (5CDs) Personally, The Five Royales are one of my favorite artists of all time. Their blend of Gospel soul singing, fresh inventive songs and blistering guitar from Lowman Pauling are everything I look for in an artist. This package entitled, Soul and Swagger: The Complete Five Royales 1951-1967 is housed in a beautiful 8 1/2" X 8 1/2" 124 page hardcover book package. (Spotify...Dowload...Stream that!) This complete collection by these founding fathers of American soul music contains 141 tracks on 5 compact discs. Headed by influential guitarist/songwriter Pauling, the collection includes the original recordings of Think (covered by James Brown), Dedicated To The One I Love (covered by The Shirelles) along with a treasure trove of blistering R&B scorchers and some fine ballads as well.



Pee Wee Crayton Texas Blues Jumpin’ in Los Angeles WOW...What a sound! These vintage outtakes were taken directly from acetate and are presented on this long awaited third volume of Modern Recordings from this great Texas born guitar player. This beauty represents West Coast blues guitar at its finest. All 30 tracks taken from 1949-1951 are unissued versions, distinctly different from the issued takes. Some illuminating studio chat is included and all sides are taken from fresh 2014 dubs of the original acetates. This release was compiled and annotated by the great blues archivist and producer, Chicago's Dick Shurman.

Falcons - Definitive Recordings  (4CDs) This four CD set brings together all known recordings by the original Falcons, along with alternate takes, guest appearances, cover versions and songs musically supervised or written by members of the group. Solo recordings by group members are also included from 1956 to 1963. At the time when all these vocal giants were recording together with line ups that included Eddie Floyd, Sir Mack Rice, Wilson Pickett and Joe Stubbs, an argument can be made that they really were the first soul super group.

George Barnes - Quiet! Gibson At Work 1938-57 (2CDs) George Barnes was one of the early pioneers of the electric guitar and this two CD sets cover many of his most electrifying contributions. In his prime years, between the late 1930s and early 1960s, George was a talented and ubiquitous session player tackling blues, country, jazz, r&b, pop, rockabilly and rock& roll with ease. His contributions always add to the excitement of the performance and his recordings under his own name (Disc 2) show his wide ranging talents.

George Barnes - Restless Guitar 1952-62 (2CDs) This is the second volume of the amazing recorded legacy of George Barnes as a sideman. This set covers some amazing rock ‘n roll sides as well as hot rod pop sounds. The tone he gets on the Dean Hightower sides is incredible.

Wild Jimmy Spruill - SCRATCHIN' The Wild Jimmy Spruill Story (2CDs) showcases one of the most distinctive guitar stylists of the 50s and early 60s, yet he was only a session man until his explosive solo powered the number one pop hit Wilbert Harrison’s Kansas City and resulted in a modest career as a leader. From Fanny Mae by Buster Brown to the Happy Organ by Dave Baby Cortez, his solos are so striking and singular that the sessions might as well have been Spruill’s own. His take no prisoners approach is as exciting as any postwar plank plunkers and the recordings he did under his own name are some of the most visceral post war guitar records recorded. 

Paul Butterfield’s Better Days Band - Live At Winterland 1973 The Better Days Band, like Butterfield's earlier bands, was made up of extremely talented and musical players.....Better Days included New Orleans native Ronnie Barron as well as Geof Muldaur and Canadian guitarist Amos Garrett. Their recorded legacy was sparse with only two releases and this live set that was originally only available in Japan. Simply put, this is a wonderful performance by a seasoned band at the height of their prowess. Strong assured singing, sympathetic and sweet playing and great original songs make this a real favorite.

Big Walter Horton - Live At The Knickerbocker This live set from the 1970's is one of the finest examples of Horton's later recordings and feature a young and energetic band of players that have been part of the backbone of the New England blues scene for a few decades now. They include Ronnie Earl, Little Anthony Gerachi, Sugar Ray Norcia and the amazing Ola Dixon on drums. Walter's loose and creative playing over the tough grooves the band lays down is inspiring and really entertaining. I love this record!

Doug Sahm - The Genuine Texas Groover (2CDs) Originally released as part of the Rhino Handmade limited edition sets, this two CD collection covers his two classic Atlantic albums which were Doug Sahm and Band as well as Texas Tornado along with a whole bunch of unissued or alternates takes. This package is now available at half of the original cost. This heavyweight lineup includes Flaco Jimenez, Dr. John, Bob Dylan, Levon Helm and many more. These recordings have stood the test of time well and are some of our favorite recordings by Doug... and that is saying a lot.