Little Walter – Confessin’ The Blues – MCA-Chess Records CHD-9366

He was a magician with the modest harmonica, turning the post-war blues world on its ear, factually and figuratively, with his unimaginable musical visions and contributions, bringing the humble instrument into the sphere of full application of its capacities.  His was, and is, the very modern blues harmonica scaffolding that each blues harmonica artist has used since his appearance on the Chicago blues landscape. 

Arriving in Chicago in 1946 from Marksville, Louisiana, Walter commenced his rise playing on the big city’s streets.  He was assisted by Chicago blues titan Big Bill Broonzy who presented him on the city’s blues club scene where he combined his comprehensive strengths with the likes of the day’s popular blues figures such as Tampa Red, Memphis Slim, and others.

By 1948, Walter had connected himself with Muddy Waters in what was the turning point in his profession, as the appreciation for the blues harmonica resonances he was laying down launched him as a growing blues star.  This led to Walter’s recording career with the Chess and Checker labels, one that continued from 1952-1966, seeing him develop into one of the company’s greatest received and selling blues artists of all-time.  It is significant, however, to recall that Walter’s first recorded productivity was for the short-lived Ora-Nelle label, and that he also recorded over 20 songs with Muddy Waters.  He also backed blues artists such as Jimmy Rogers, Bo Diddley, Eddie Ware, John Brim, Otis Rush, Johnny Shines, Floyd Jones, and Memphis Minnie with his vast harmonica skill set for the Chess and Checker labels. 

The 15 tracks of this 1997 re-release of an original 1974 Chess Records collection encompass the best of the blues harmonica wizard’s 1953-1959 output.  To be sure, Walter is certainly in his prime here, at the top of his game both vocally and on the diatonic and chromatic harmonicas.  And to boot, this compilation includes certain of Walter’s finest instrumentals including “Rocker,” “I Got To Go,” “Rock Bottom” (with Muddy Waters providing slashing slide guitar work), and “The Toddle.”  The output here is undeniably some of the best that the blues harmonica virtuoso ever created.  Walter employs a melodic span and wide assortment of tonal inflections in a style that practically every blues harmonica player follows.  He not only had the capability to reconstruct the full, spacious sounds of the saxophone, an instrument whose qualities he found melodically agreeable, but he also did so exploiting modern amplification methods that only supplemented his labors.  He also possessed a voice that could be both sorrowful and rocking, contingent on the substance of the tune, and a commitment to musical understanding far onward than many of his peers.  His all too fleeting life (her died at age 38 as a result of injuries sustained during a street altercation) gave us only a peek into his true genius.  Whether as a Muddy Waters’ band sideman and recording partner, or as a solo bluesman, Walter persists as the most emulated and copied blues harmonica player to this day.  

There is no worthier place to start one’s march into Little Walter’s wide-ranging body of post-war blues, and its varying influences, than this outstanding compilation.  One can wonder what could’ve been if Walter had not died at such a young age, given what he realized in such a small amount of time.  Partaking of his catalog of blues songs is a joy, and having it all at our disposal is a gift and provides us pause to honor his prized blues.

Below are the running tracks of this sensational CD.

Song Titles

• It Ain’t Right
• Rocker
• I Got To Find My Baby
• Lights Out
• One More Chance With You
• Crazy Legs
• Temperature
• I Got To Go
• Crazy Mixed-Up World
• Quarter To Twelve
• Confessin’ The Blues
• The Toddle
• Up The Line
• Rock Bottom
• Mean Old Frisco

This is unconditionally essential blues!