J.B. Hutto & The Hawks– Masters Of Modern Blues – Testament Records TCD 5020

Any reader of this blog knows the high regard I have for J.B. Hutto.  His gashing Chicago blues with that compelling slide guitar style, one that always produced an irresistible blues clamor, remains singularly identifiable.  Whatever Hutto touched, a blues disturbance of the best kind was sure to break  out.

I also have the utmost appreciation for the recordings Hutto produced for Bob Koester’s famed Delmark Records label, including 1969’s Hawk Squat (DS-617 – under the name J.B. Hutto & The Hawks With Sunnyland Slim), 1973’s Slidewinder (DS-636 – under the name J.B. Hutto & The Hawks), and 2004’s Stompin’ At Mother Blues (DE-778 – under the name J.B. Hutto).

This 12-cut 1995 CD is a reissue of the original 1967 Testament Records ten-song LP release (T-2213) entitled Masters Of Modern Blues , Volume 2 released under the names of J.B. Hutto & The Hawks. 

Ten of the selections found here are Hutto originals, with the entirety of the collection recorded at Chicago’s One-derful Studios in June, 1966.  Pete Welding, the well-regarded blues historian and founder of Testament Records produced this superlative set.

You want to know how to idyllically frame a J.B. Hutto recording session?  How about bring Big Walter Horton and his astounding harmonica forays along, plus the wholly complementary guitar work of Johnny Young.  Don’t forget to have the sturdy low-end bass frameworks of Lee Jackson available, plus the rock-solid percussion structure of Fred Below aboard.

This is a combustible Chicago slide guitar blues excursion, with one selection being even more ferocious than the last one.  And guiding the inflammable proceedings are Hutto with his feisty slide guitar adaptations and energetic singing, all the while as his blues co-conspirators weave modern-day urban blues outlines around him.  Horton’s harmonica constructions are especially noteworthy, but the whole of the blues events here are riotously demonstrative.  Seemingly often on the edge of falling into disarray, these blues deliver supreme musical pandemonium.

Just listen to Hutto’s version of “Dust My Broom;” you’ll fully understand.

This CD comes very close to being considered essential.  Highly recommended!