Various Artists – Blues Deluxe – Alligator Records XRTCD 9301 

If you’re seeking an ideal time warp document of Chicago blues in 1980, there is no better representation of that period in the city’s storied blues heritage than this six-song collection.  Simply, this compilation is a joyful remembrance of the multitude of blues talent that one time called Chicago home. 

Recorded at 1980’s Chicagofest in front of what is a highly-enthusiastic and welcoming crowd, the fervor at the Blues Deluxe Stage was fed by the excitement that sets of blues, by numerous of Chicago’s top-tier blues luminaries, could only provide.  Simply, blues joy was obviously in the air. 

The roster on this compilation reads like a who’s who of 1980s Chicago blues; The Lonnie Brooks Blues Band, The Son Seals Blues Band, Mighty Joe Young, Koko Taylor and Her Blues Machine, and Willie Dixon and the Chicago Blues Allstars.  If you want to hear these renowned Chicago blues stars at their highest levels of performance, this is the anthology for you. 

As is standard with any Alligator Records output, the production here is first-rate, with sound that leaves the listener feeling as if they’re among the boisterous crowd at Chicagofest. 

As is indicated by the lineup of Chicago blues artists participating at Chicagofest, all shades of Chicago blues are represented.  Perhaps that is the greatest strength of this collection, in that it reinforces the breadth of blues styles the city was and is known for; Chicago’s melting pot of blues interpretation is on full display here. 

Lonnie Brooks’ band simply chugs its way through “Sweet Home Chicago”, turning an otherwise over-played blues anthem into a jubilant outpouring of blues elation.  Brooks was never in better voice, and his exuberance here is infectious.

Son Seals’ brand of urban blues was greatly received by the assembled masses at Chicagofest, as he brought his “A game” to “Don’t Throw Your Love On Me So Strong” via his searing and tearing guitar excursions, and a tough vocal workout that was confident and powerful.  His blues here were in stark contrast to Brooks’ upbeat, celebratory blues. 

Young’s contribution, “Need A Friend”, with its dark, foreboding introduction, is a funky-soulful blend, enhanced by his full-toned guitar that soared.  The rhythmic cadences within this cut were masterful, and brought great contrast to the usual blues song structure.  

Taylor brought the party to the party with “Hey Bartender”.  The tightly-packed hot Chicagofest audience took Taylor’s call to celebrate to heart, responding with elated joy, as she encouraged their euphoria from the stage. 

Blues royalty was in the house with Muddy Waters on the show.  Waters brought that classic 1950s Chicago blues sound and structure via his “Clouds In My Heart”, and was backed by a superb band.  The interplay among the band was incredible, with Waters’ slide guitar outburst seemingly throwing-back the clock on his career.  It was obvious that the crowd knew it was witnessing a blues legend by how their exhortations embraced Waters’ blues. 

Finally, Dixon and his all-star aggregation, chocked-full of blues talent including Billy Branch, Snooky Pryor, John Watkins, Butch Dixon, Freddie Dixon, and Jimmy Tillman, escalated the blues party via their version of “Wang Dang Doodle”.  Willie Dixon is in strong, buoyant vocal form here, stoking the crowd’s gusto, while giving everyone in the band room to shine.

I checked-in with Alligator Records founder, Bruce Iglauer, for his thoughts on this collection, and he graciously furnished the following insights: “Chicagofest was the first city event that provided a citywide showcase for the blues.  With multiple stages (on barges tied to the pier (i.e., Navy Pier), it drew many thousands of people; I’m sure that some of them had never heard blues before.  The artists were thrilled to play for such big hometown crowds, and every one of them was ‘pumped’.  The recording rig was very simple and kind of primitive, but Freddie Breitberg, the engineer, did an extraordinary job with both the original tracking and the mixes, which were done at Custom, Curtis Mayfield’s studio.  As WXRT had come up with the idea for this project…they played the hell out of it.  Lonnie Brooks’ “Sweet Home Chicago” became the standard version on Chicago radio (not just XRT).  The record, which was lowish priced, sold very well.  Perhaps its success was a steppingstone toward having a real Chicago Blues Festival, which was created after Harold Washington became mayor.” 

I sincerely thank Bruce Iglauer for his appraisal of this event, and the subsequent released recording.   

Sometimes a blues collection is just splendid based upon nothing more than the delighted feelings it leaves you with after fully listening to it.  This is one such collection.  The roughly 36 minutes of blues exhilaration found here will leave you with a smile on your face, wishing you too could’ve been at this 1980 blues celebration.  You may have to work to find this CD, but with enough investigation, I am confident that you will unearth a copy.

Highly-recommended without qualification!