Various Artists – Blues Guitar Blasters – Ace Records Ace CDCH 232 

Not to get emotionally mushy, but remember when you fell in love with that special person and all that consumed you was being with them and unearthing all the unique traits they had that made them “the one”?  If you’re like most people, it was all you could think about, and you couldn’t wait to see them the next time, and the time after that, to continue to discover the different qualities that so enthralled you.

Similarly, like most people who fall down the blues rabbit hall, such a phenomenon often occurs, as well.  I know it did for me.  Once I felt that tug at my soul that the blues provided, it became an all-consuming pursuit for me to uncover new blues artists and their distinctive contributions to the music.

Which brings us to this sensational blues guitar collection on the Ace label.  Released in 1988, this compilation brought me new appreciations for numerous of the most legendary blues guitar titans, and opened my ears and mind to the exclusive blues styles each brought to the blues.  Front-to-back, there is not a clunker on-board as it relates to any bluesman or song offered, and after all these years, when I want to simply enjoy substantial blues guitar talent and output, this collection finds its way into my stereo system.

It would be a disservice to the blues genre to indicate that this compilation wholly represents each blues guitarist that commands essential listening.  I shudder to think how many CDs it would take to ferret out such an endeavor, and the debate among those who would undertake such a task would be unending, rendering the process impossible.  I have some 37,500 individual titles in my vast collection, and I can’t fathom how I would even begin to start that journey.  But what I know is that this collection represents a rewarding cross-section of blues guitarists and certain of their signature works to say that dollar-for-dollar, what is presented here serves as a grand introduction to some of the finest blues guitarists ever, one that will convert to a regularly visited collection even for the most learned of blues fans.

One-time guitarist for James Brown and Johnny Otis before establishing his own blues career, Jimmy Nolan is found here on one song.  Of course, no blues guitar overview would be complete without the mighty Albert King, who is featured on two selections.  West coast bluesman Lowell Fulson is well-represented with two blues here, while “The King Of The Blues”, B.B. King, is heralded with two splendid cuts.  Blues slide guitar champion Elmore James is touted for his legacy with three superb tunes, while Chess and Modern label recording artist Lafayette Thomas is shown honor by the inclusion of two of his blues workouts.  Guitar Slim is given tribute with two of his best-known selections, and Ike Turner twists the strings on an exciting outing.  The flamboyant Johnny “Guitar” Watson is represented by a couple of his stirring blues songs, while Pee Wee Crayton plies his west coast blues guitar sensibilities via two selections here.  No blues guitar compilation would be bona fide without representation from T-Bone Walker, and we find a weighty instance of his blues style to enjoy.  And finally, John Lee Hooker submits a blues tune that indicates why his submission is vital to this collection.

While not essential, this blues guitar compilation astounds with its eminence and breadth.  As is always the case with an Ace label release, the sound quality is first-rate, and the liner notes are broad and informative whether one is a blues novice or an established fan.  And there is a point that I don’t emphasize enough: Always read the liner or cover notes of any blues recording.

If you are seeking that one blues CD that will completely satisfy your hunger for high-quality blues guitar enjoyment, this is the one for you.  Seek it out and revel in all that it has to offer!

Absolutely recommended!