Blues 492 Items

In the late 1950s, Earl Hooker emerged as Chicago's premier guitarist, using his expressive playing to summon the blues more eloquently at times than many vocalists. From 1960 to 1963, he led the way for Chicago blues on independent labels such as Chief, Age, Mel-Lon Records. This compilation carefully selects works from that period, including the blues guitar instrumental masterpiece "Blue Guitar," which later became a classic covered by artists like Otis Rush. The album also features the rocking blues instrumental "Universal Rock," where the harmonica of Junior Wells, a frequent collaborator, joins in. Additionally, showcasing the prowess of A.C. Reed, who was not only a master accompanist but also a vocal talent, the collection includes "This Little Voice." This is undeniably the sound of a guitar singing the blues.

The charm of the blues undoubtedly lies in the roaring vocals filled with emotion! And to convince anyone of that, there's the absolute masterpiece of 1970s Chicago blues, "Spider In My Stew." Under the guidance of producer Willie Dixon, featuring two prominent harmonica players, Carey Bell and Big Walter, the album crafts a rich and creative Chicago blues sound, even more intense than the 1960s. All released as singles in the early 1970s, these tracks gained acclaim in the local Chicago and Southern regions, truly embodying the blues of an era brimming with traditional beauty.

Unnoticed for a long time, the dance number "The Football," now attracting attention even from funk and rare groove fans in the contemporary scene, and the ballad "This Is The Reason," which also takes on Chicago soul elements, were rediscovered from the original master tapes by P-Vine. These tracks have been etched onto vinyl with exquisite sound quality.

Grammy-nominated blues, soul and Americana singer is beloved and honored worldwide for her joyful, defiant music and thrillingly soulful performances. Blame It On Eve is another exhilarating Shemekia Copeland showcase, as her rousing vocals bring the heat to an infectious array of muscular rockers, stomping blues, swampy soul, and heartbreaking ballads. Intense, topical new originals make up most of the tracks and soul-soaked versions of songs by Stevie Wonder and her father, Johnny Copeland, fit right into the mix.

Originally from Ireland, but now settled in the peaceful countryside of rural France, Kaz Hawkins is the epitome of musical mastery and versatility. With a soul as rich as the music that inspired her growing up in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a voice that crosses genres with ease, Kaz stands out as a singer, songwriter and performer extraordinaire. Her musical odyssey began decades ago, shaped by a deep love of blues, soul, jazz and folk, which have become her artistic pillars. Renowned for her spellbinding performances and heartfelt compositions, Kaz has charmed audiences the world over, weaving stories of resilience, love and the human experience through her melodies. A seasoned musician, Kaz's magnetic stage presence has graced countless venues, captivating audiences and leaving them eager for more. Her melodies transcend borders, resonating with diverse audiences and earning her a loyal fan base across continents. Beyond his musical talent, Kaz embodies authenticity, courageously sharing his past marked by domestic violence, depression, drugs and self-harm, inspiring others to find hope through his music and their own uniqueness. In 2024 and 2025, Kaz is ready to captivate her audience once again with the release of two live albums, "Live in Brezoi (I)" and "Live in Brezoi (II)". These albums capture the raw energy and emotion of her performances, showcasing her unrivalled talent and the undeniable bond she shares with her audience. Another album, different from the blues, is also in the pipeline and is being produced in Berlin for release in 2025. In addition, Kaz is embarking on exciting collaborations with other artists, infusing her soul essence into collaborative projects. The first is with French soul artist Thomas Kahn in a duet entitled "A Place Like Home", released on January 10, 2024. Other collaborations will be announced shortly. As she moves forward, Kaz aims to amplify her presence on social networks, creating deeper bonds with her fans and forging a community united by the magic of her music. In a world where melodies paint emotions and lyrics engrave memories, Kaz Hawkins stands as a testament to the power of music, inviting you to embark on an unforgettable sonic journey.

The music on this album is representative of the three main "lives" of Blues Incorporated. The first and most well-known is the outfit which made their debut album, R&B From The Marquee featuring vocals from Cyril Davies and Long John Baldry. Secondly, the late '63 to early '65 period when the band were fronted by experienced black American vocalist, Herbie Goins. Finally the spell from mid '65 to '66 when the band were effectively without a vocalist other than Alexis Korner himself. Blues Inc. released four studio LP's, one live LP and two UK singles from 1962 to 1966 but the disc you have in your hands is the first vinyl LP to zero-in on the band at the Beeb. All tracks excellent sound quality except for* Side A 1. Rockin' 2. Overdrive 3. I Need Your Loving 4. Turn On Your Lovelight 5. Roberta 6. Every Day I Have The Blues 7. Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb On Me 8. Sappho* Side B 1. River's Invitation* 2. Blues A La King 3. The Organiser 4. Watermelon Man 5. Back At The Chicken Shack 6. Trouble In Mind 7. The Jailbird 8. Hey Hey* Mono Recordings