Various Artists – Chicago Ain’t Nothin’ But A Blues Band – Delmark Records DE-624

This 1999 CD release of an original Delmark Records album that first saw the light of day in 1972 neatly captures the brilliant output of yet another of the small independent Chicago music labels, Atomic-H Records, that presented artists who were vital performers on the city’s blues scene (the label also presented gospel recordings).  The Atomic-H Records label was owned and run by the Reverend Houston H. Harrington.  The Harrington name carried some prominence in Chicago, as he was the uncle of Chicago blues artist Eddy (or Eddie) Clearwater (fka Edward Harrington), and in fact, brought Clearwater to Chicago from his native Alabama.  As an aside, Clearwater was the cousin of Chicago blues harmonica giant Carey Bell (fka Carey Bell Harrington).  

The dynamic 23 tracks here from the fertile three-year 1958-1960 period present quality selections from artists that most blues fans will be aware of including Chicago piano patriarch Sunnyland Slim, rollicking guitarist Eddy Clearwater, former Howlin’ Wolf piano man Henry Gray, Muddy Waters band alum and guitarist Jimmy Rogers, and blues harmonicist Mack Simmons.  Alongside these better-known names are blues entertainers guitarist Morris Pejoe, guitarist and bassist Jo Jo Williams, guitarist George (Connor) & His House Rockers, Harmonica George (Robinson), and even one selection by an unnamed performer.

Uniformly, the blues here is of high eminence, and as with any Delmark Records offering, the sound caliber is excellent.  Further though, this collection again startles as it reinforces the notion of just how much superb blues talent existed in Chicago at one time.  The listener will not in any way be disappointed with any selection across the landscape of this CD.

I realize that at times I romantically hypothesize what Chicago must have been like during the 1950s and 1960s when the blues was everywhere, a time when both stars and lesser-known operatives exercised their talents across the city’s blues backdrop.  If that glimpse is what you’re seeking, this CD’s the place to start.

Highly-recommended, indeed!