Otis Rush – Cobra Recordings – Paula PCD01 

They individually and collectively brought a new insistent, urgent blues brand to the fore in the later 1950s era Chicago.  Hailing from the great city’s fertile west side, three top-gun blues guitarists came forth with a new sound, one that rang with urgency and deep soul, a new blues reality that for all-time transformed the blues guitar landscape.  With fellow blues guitar aces Magic Sam and Buddy Guy, Otis Rush changed urban blues to loftier plateaus of demonstrative textures.  His vocals are plaintive sermons on the human condition, and his complex picking and throbbing chord articulations sanction his blues to writhe in musical anguish.  This is not to imply in any way that Rush is incapable of rejoicing; in unconditional fact, his dexterity consents him to do so exceedingly well.  But his exalted yearning appeals, and dark, contemplative guitar solos produce his somber blues as art of the highest classification.  In summation, Rush’s blues is ominous and electrifying, fervent and personal, and an indispensable link in the rebirth of the blues’ path during the later 1950s and beyond.  These timeless individual soundtracks for the independent Cobra label bear witness to that fact.

Below is the running track order of this spectacular CD.

Song Titles

• Double Trouble
• Jump Sister Bessie
• Checking On My Baby
• Sit Down
• Love That Woman
• My Baby Is A Good ‘Un
• If You Were Mine
• All Your Love
• It Takes Time
• Violent Love
• I Can’t Quit You Baby
• Little Red Rooster
• My Love Will Never Die
• Groaning The Blues
• Three Times A Fool
• She’s A Good ‘Un
• Keep On Loving Me Baby
• I Can’t Quit You Baby
• Double Trouble
• She’s A Good ‘Un

Absolutely essential to any creditable blues collection!