Various Artists – Low Blows: An Anthology Of Chicago Blues Harmonica – Rooster Blues Records CD R2610

This generous expanded 15-song CD from 1994 is a reissue of a 1988 12-cut collection presenting sterling works by names both familiar and less so to ardent fans of Chicago blues harmonica. 

Quite simply, these is a stellar variety of strong early 1970s era Chicago blues performances by, as previously indicated, equally well-known and more obscure Chicago harmonica artists, but this is also a phenomenal document of the tremendously talented bluesmen who backed their work.

Finding blues harmonica titans such as Big Walter Horton, Carey Bell, and Mojo Buford paired on a release with the likes of Good Rockin’ Charles (Edwards), Big John Wrencher, Easy Baby, and Big Leon Brooks only heightens the excitement that the uniformly superb blues found here brings.

And again, mentioning the supporting musicians behind these blues harmonica greats, from song one to song 15, we find the likes of bassists Bob Stroger, Ernest Johnson, and Shorty Gilbert, guitarists Luther “Guitar Jr.” Johnson, Sammy Lawhorn, Big Guitar Red, Eddie Taylor, Sonny Rogers, J.C. Hurds, James Wheeler, Joe Carter, Bobby King, and Louis Myers, drummers Odie Payne, Jr., Sam Lay, Eddie Payne, Frank Swan, and Johnny Junious.  These recordings highlight a who’s-who of 1970s Chicago blues.

And, across the panorama of these songs, both the credited bluesmen and supporting backers take turns with the vocals.

But make no mistake, the focus and emphasis, as it should be here, is on the delectable and varying blues harmonica styles brought forth by all involved.

Below are the running song titles on this grand CD.  This is 1970s blues of great distinction.  One listen to this phenomenal Chicago blues harmonica gathering will only strengthen the appreciation for the art form among blues fans everywhere.

Song Titles

• Big Guitar Red & Good Rockin’ Charles – “Found My Baby”
• Big Leon Brooks – “Kickin’ Up Dust”
• Mojo Buford – “Don’t Go No Farther”
• Easy Baby – “Good Morning Mr. Blues”
• Good Rockin’ Charles – “She Loves Another Man”
• Big Leon Brooks – “Pink Champagne”
• Joe Carter & Big John Wrencher – “Take A Little Walk With Me”
• Golden Wheeler – “Good Lover”
• Big Walter Horton & Carey Bell – “Avenue Stomp”
• Good Rockin’ Charles – “Ground Hog Blues”
• Golden Wheeler – “Evil Woman”
• Big Leon Brooks – “You Know”
• Good Rockin’ Charles – “I Got To Go”
• Good Rockin’ Charles – “Good Rockin’”
• Joe Carter & Big John Wrencher – “Honey Bee”

Highly recommended, indeed!