Little Walter – The Best Of Little Walter – MCA-Chess Records CHD9192 

He was a conjuror with the humble harmonica, turning the post-war blues world on its ear, literally and figuratively, with his inconceivable musical visions and offerings, bringing the humble instrument into the realm of full utilization of its capabilities.  His was, and is, the very blues harmonica framework that each blues harmonica artist has used since his arrival on the Chicago blues scene. 

He arrived in Chicago in 1946 from Marksville, Louisiana, and began his rise playing on the streets.  He was befriended by Chicago blues titan Big Bill Broonzy, and was introduced onto the city’s blues club scene where he joined his broad strengths with Tampa Red, Memphis Slim, and others.

By 1948, Walter had adjoined himself with Muddy Waters in what was the turning point in his career, as the awareness of the blues harmonica sounds he was laying down established him as a rising blues star.  This led to Walter’s recording career with the Chess and Checker labels, one that lasted from 1952 until 1966, and saw him becoming one of the company’s best received and selling blues artists ever.  It is important, however, to remember that Walter’s first recorded output was for the short-lived Ora-Nelle label, and that he recorded over 20 songs under Waters’ name.  He also contributed his blues harmonica talents to Jimmy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Eddie Ware, John Brim, Otis Rush, Johnny Shines, Floyd Jones, and Memphis Minnie for the Chess and Checker labels. 

The 12 tracks of this collection encompass the finest that this harmonica master ever produced, employing a melodic range and wide assortment of tonal inflections in a style that virtually every blues harmonica player has since emulated.  Walter not only had the ability to recreate the full, broad sounds of the saxophone, an instrument whose tones he found melodically pleasing, but he also did so utilizing modern amplification techniques that only augmented his efforts.  He also possessed a voice that could be both mournful and swinging, depending on the subject matter of the tune, and a dedication to musical arrangement far ahead of many of his peers.  His all too brief life (her died at age 38 as a result of injuries incurred during a street fight) gave us only a glimpse of his true genius.  Whether as Muddy Waters’ band sideman or recording mate, or as a solo artist, Walter remains the most imitated blues harmonica player to this day.  

Song Titles

• My Babe
• Sad Hours
• You’re So Fine
• Last Night
• Blues With A Feeling
• Can’t Hold Out Much Longer
• Juke
• Mean Old World
• Off The Wall
• You Better Watch Yourself
• Blue Light
• Tell Me Mama

There is no better place to begin one’s trek into Little Walter’s broad body of post-war blues, and its altering influences, than this grand collection.  It’s easy to wonder what could’ve been if Walter had not passed at such a young age, given what he accomplished in the short order in which he did.  Having his catalog of blues songs at our disposal is a gift and gives us pause to praise the rewards of his music.

This is unconditionally essential blues!