This collection has all the classics and some chestnuts like World of Trouble and Red Sails in the Sunset. Joe could even make that song swing. All these tracks came from two great albums he cut for Atlantic Records in New York in the late 50’s. He is paired with some of the great jazz and blues cats like Joe’s longtime running mate pianist Pete Johnson. This came via the re-issue label Collectables. Who doesn’t have an album in their library that came from this label? 

This is a MUST for any blues harmonica player. The album has a straight up west coast feel. William Clarke was so powerful when he sang and blew that harp.  This is simply a great recording from a west coast legend. 

This kicks my head in EVERYTIME I listen to it. From the opening cut, Compared To What into Cold Duck Time there is a palpable intensity that is undeniable.  This groove on this record is just so heavy. This album, which was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival (thus the title) and represents the apex of the 60’s soul-jazz movement, remains one of the most popular jazz albums of all time. Les and Eddie captured lightning in a bottle on that June 21^st, 1969, evening.   

This recording has influenced me and most of the West Coast blues players I know. The band is smokin’ from the start right on down to the last cut. Fats is at the top of his game. This is the stuff of which legends are made. Al Blake is singing some low down blues and playin’ his harp with meaning and conviction. The rhythm section of bassist Larry Taylor and drummer Richard Innes is the template for any blues band. Simply the best in the business...Fred Kaplan is layin’ down some sweet ass piano. This is the one that is always in rotation at my BBQs at the crib. 

This Johnny Otis recording captures a sunny day of blues greats like Pee Wee Crayton, Joe Turner, Esther Phillips, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson and the MIGHTY Flea on trombone blowing some sweet blues on Preacher Man Blues. I can’t get enough of this recording.  Every time I spin it, I hear something new. I can't get enough of this one.

These brothers were a huge influence on me. Growing up in Compton and North Long Beach, California, this band’s music was our soundtrack. Of course, being local cats made it even better man. I love so many of their records, it’s a shame to have to just name one. This 1971 album embraced the funk. Check out the seven minute version of Slipping Into Darkness. Just the mere mention of the tune will stamp that bass line in your head forever. 

This 1969 release represents Albert King at his finest. He is backed by the Stax house band. They are drummer Al Jackson Jr., bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn, guitarist Steve Cropper and keyboard player Booker T. Jones. By the time of this 1969 release the band better known as Booker T & the MG’s and King were hitting it on all cylinders.  Classic cuts include Drowning on Dry Land, Wrapped Up In Love Again, a King original, and Howlin’ Wolfs’ Killing Floor. Little Milton’s Lonely Man and the Elmore James classic The Sky is Crying are given the King/ Stax treatment and make this an essential recording for any blues library. 

This movie really made an impression on me when I first saw it years after its original release. I went out and bought the record the next day.  Jimmy Cliff, The Slickers, Desmond Dekker, The Maytals and others are all in top form. Outside of the title track, recorded by Jimmy Cliff for the film, the rest of the tracks are all Jamaican music which was recorded between 1967 and 1972.  This is one of those cases where the soundtrack is definitely more memorable and important than the film itself. 

This was the original released on Chess in 1972 and then repackaged with the same track listing and sequence by some long defunct budget label. This is two vinyl platters (two long playing records). It has all the classic Wolf cuts and some lesser known tunes. I picked this up at a second hand store in the 1980s for the big sum of 75 cents. 

My good friend and band mate in the Mighty Mojo Prophets, Mike Malone turned me on to this recording. Brother Ray kills it. Milt Jackson is pure groove. This all instrumental album is where some of the greatest musicians in the world make music that is steeped in both the jazz and blues traditions. Actually, they blur the lines between the two genres better than any recordings that come to mind. Two separate Atlantic releases from 57’ and 58’ now in one package. 

A wonderful collection of 60’s sides rounded up by Arhoolie Records on the great one. Most of these are solo recordings while others have a rhythm section. It’s Lightnin’ so... nuff said.