Albert Collins – The Complete Imperial Recordings – EMI Records CDP-7-96740-2 

This 1991 two-CD set, comprising 36 cuts, highlights Collins’ ample 1969-1970 output for the Imperial imprint.  Seventeen of the selections here were written by Collins, with the 19 others representing works attributed to blues luminaries such as B.B. King, Kimmy Reed, and Ivory Joe Hunter, along with a number of songwriters.

Across the panorama of this incredible compilation are certain of Collins most thrilling instrumental journeys, including “All Bout My Girl,” “Junkey Monkey,” and “Do The Sissy,” while tunes such as “Conversation With Collins” find Collins in a lyrical spoken expression style that presents him at his storytelling best.  A selection like “Do What You Want To Do” exhibits Collins at his soulful, bluesy highpoint as he foretells the imminent dissolution of a relationship gone bad.  His “Baby What You Want Me To Do/Rock Me Baby” finds him covering songs that no doubt were still being requested in the clubs during the period Collins recorded them; however, they are infused with a delectably slow trotting pace that indicates just how affecting Collins could be when armed with the right cover material.

Throughout the expanse of this collection, Collins’ trademark stinging, brittle, and frosty guitar style is on full exposition; yet, when he chooses to saunter through an instrumental with a smoother jog, he effortlessly does so.

Those who may only know Collins’ work from his phenomenal Alligator Records days need to harken back to his earlier times and experience his beforehand efforts.  Right here is the collection for such a survey.

This is a highly-essential blues document, and one you need in your collection!