Jimmy Rogers – Chicago Bound – MCA CHD-93000

While definitely not possessing as bold a personality as some of his contemporaries on the Chicago blues scene such as Little Walter, Muddy Waters, and Howlin’ Wolf, during the classic Chicago post-war period, Rogers nevertheless was of vital importance in framing the city’s burgeoning harder electric blues model.  The astonishing 14 blues songs offered here allot a broad-based overview of the aptitudes of the enduring rhythm guitarist of the finest Muddy Waters blues band ever forgathered, one that was comprised of blues harmonica virtuoso Little Walter, unequaled blues percussionist Elga Evans, and of course Waters on guitar and vocals.  Rogers’ poised vocals entangle securely with his sparse, yet effectual, lead guitar flourishes, the sum indicative of Rogers’ blues vision brilliance.  Unquestionably, he didn’t exaggerate with guitar meanderings and volume the way others may have, yet when he stepped up to solo, his notes were well-considered and concisely expressed the song’s temperament.  These blues from the 1950-1956 time period, with the crème de la crème of Chicago blues might supporting him, including Big Crawford and Willie Dixon affording their bass proficiencies, Fred Below, Elga Evans, and A. J. Gladney keeping time on drums (with Evans also providing washboard on a couple of cuts), Bob Woodfolk and Muddy Waters plying their guitar skills, Little Walter and Walter Horton advancing the harmonica sounds, Eddie Ware, Otis Spann, Henry Gray, and Johnny Jones offering piano backing, and J.T. Brown on tenor saxophone, afforded the catalyst for this principal from the Muddy Waters Blues Band to advance as a formidable blues artist upon his own affirmed skill set. 

Highly-essential work!  This belongs in any blues collection!

Below are the running song titles on this significant CD.

Song Titles

• You’re The One
• Money, Marbles And Chalk
• Luedella
• Act Like You Love Me
• Back Door Friend
• Last Time
• I Used To Have A Woman
• Sloopy (sic) Drunk
• Blues Leave Me Alone
• Out On The Road
• Goin’ Away Baby
• That’s All Right
• Chicago Bound
• Walking By Myself