CD Review
Muddy Waters
"The Lost Tapes"
Blind Pig Records (BPCD5054)
by Dick Houff
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1999 KBA Award Winner Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by the Blues Foundation
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I met Muddy Waters on two separate occasions in Chicago, and almost wet my pants both times. For a sixteen-year old, those were very embarrassing moments. In each case, when he spoke to me, all I could do was stutter. Finally, Muddy placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "I like you too." There are many stories surrounding blues legends, but Muddy Waters was beyond the legend status. To see him perform on a live set was an electrifying experience, running the full gambit of emotions; be it spiritual or otherwise. His charisma could bring tears and laughter; his slide attack could either scare the hell out of you, or make you jump for joy. Muddy was the undisputed king of Chicago Blues, and an international icon as well. This is a special enhanced CD, which includes not only previously unreleased live performances, but a rare video interview—and concert footage! If you have a PC you’re in luck; this program isn’t Mac compatible. But never fear, you probably have a friend or associate with Windows! The eleven tracks on this outing are from 1971. There are no frills whatsoever—this is pure Muddy, performing his favorite selections: Honey Bee; Hoochie Coochie Man; Walking Thru The Park; Trouble No More; Just To Be With You; She’s 19 Years Old; Long Distance Call; Mannish Boy; Crawlin’ Kingsnake; and Got My Mojo Working. Now check out the band: George "Harmonica" Smith on harp; Pinetop Perkins on piano (Muddy’s long time pianist, and friend Otis Spann, died in 1970. Pinetop Perkins replaced Otis and performed brilliantly with the band—a thorough professional.); Sammy Lawson on guitar; Pee Wee Madison on guitar; Calvin "Fuzz" Jones on bass; and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on drums. Enough said. This disc doesn’t need a five star rating—it’s Muddy Waters! Check out your local record vender, and take him home—you’ll never be the same.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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