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Hoodoo Man Blues

Been a while since I wrote about any blues, thought I may just talk about albums I like- a bit like a cathartic process. Thought I'd start with one of my favourites- Junior Wells - Hoodoo Man Blues. Recorded in 1965 it is often cited as the first actual blues "album", rather than a collection of singles. Junior Wells was allowed to pick his own sidemen and choose the material, a novelty in those times. The band is a sparse affair featuring Buddy Guy (credited as Friendly Chap) on guitar , Billy Warren on drums and Jack Myers on bass and of course Junior on vocals and harmonica.

Plenty has been said about this album in the past, I doubt I will add anything new. One thing I would say is that it's sparse feel and sound had a big effect on me, I love the way the band back Wells without doing anything large or obvious. Buddy Guy plays with amazing groove and restraint throughout and the rhythm section are snappy, tight and groovy. Maybe if people heard more blues like this, blues would have a broader appeal - it really isn't all about 20 minute guitar solo's. The band really let Junior Wells do his thing.... And for me they made an album few have bettered.. Even the guy who played Huggy Bear in Starsky and Hutch rates this albums opening track "Snatch it Back and Hold it" as his favourite saturday night record...... Case closed (check this clip out, I have fantasies about sounding like this)