Lightnin’ Hopkins – Lightnin’! – Arhoolie Records CD 390

In his 70 years of life, Texas blues singer, guitarist, pianist, and storyteller Lightnin’ Hopkins recorded an astounding number of releases.  The research I have done on Hopkins suggests he recorded 86 albums, released over 130 singles, and appeared on north of 200 compilation collections.  Some estimates propose that Hopkins recorded, either solo or with others, between 800-1,000 total tunes.

Here are 20 tracks of Hopkins brilliance, and while they revisit some previous blues recorded by the Texas virtuoso narrator and raconteur, plus plenty of exciting new offerings, front-to-back, this collection, as is seemingly the case with any Hopkins compilation, wholly quenches one’s blues thirst.  Recorded in a clean, crisp manner (as is the case with any Arhoolie outing), this 1993 assemblage finds Hopkins in superb vocal form, weaving tales as varied of topics to address all manner of life’s predicaments.  Joining Hopkins on this collection are Frances Clay on drums, Johnny “Big Moose” Walker on keyboards, Jeff Carp on harmonica, Geno Scaggs on bass, and Paul Asbell on guitar; but make no mistake, this Hopkins’ outing through-and through, and the listener’s focus will always, by default, fall to his vast contributions and presence.  As per usual with Hopkins, there is not a clunker in the bunch.

Nearly any Lightnin’ Hopkins excursion is valued for an earnest listen and analysis.  But, Lightnin’! is not just any compendium.  Once again, this collection catches Hopkins at his finest, equipped with his always-economical-yet-never-cliched guitar crusades, and his vocal accounts of doom, grief, remorse, longing, and joyfulness.  Any wide-ranging blues collection should include this Hopkin’s recording within it.    Though not essential, it appeases the need to experience consistently superb Lightnin’ Hopkins blues material.

Highly recommended!  Pick it up today!