© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2007

Various Artists
Blues Guitar Killers
Wolf 120.104 CD

Every now and then, writing a review is not at all like doing work. If the CD is as enjoyable as this one, it is pure pleasure to review it. Almost all of the artists on this CD and some of the songs, first introduced me to the blues many years ago. As a result, I fell in love with the genre – especially Chicago blues guitar. However, don’t expect this CD to only showcase guitar. Acclaimed supporting musicians such as Abb Locke, Willie Kent and Tim Taylor do their part to ensure the songs sound fine. When the guitar is in the spotlight, don’t expect it to be played in a wicked or extended style. These clever guitarists know a complete song matters more than noisy guitar wanking. Throughout, you can expect to hear electric Chicago blues as only one cut is acoustic. These recordings were made between 1956 and 2000, with the majority being cut after 1988.

Magic Slim is in no rush on "Spider In My Stew" where the music takes its sweet time to unfold. When you hear Slim laughing, you can sense him grinning from ear to ear. His vocal chords have been scratched with sandpaper and his abrasive guitar solo says more than one that includes an excessive amount of notes. With the guitar and arrangement sounding like 1950’s Chuck Berry, Eddie Clearwater’s original "2x9" is a treat. Lurrie Bell is the pride of Chicago’s current blues scene. The feeling displayed in his dramatic guitar playing and singing will show you why. There is a sense of ruralness in Johnny B. Moore’s urban blues. Yes, his "Lookin’ Good" becomes repetitive, but it provides a hypnotizing effect. It’s a damn shame his stroke has kept him from regularly performing. John Primer’s embracing vocals, vivacious guitar and instinctive arrangement on "Smile In Your Face" creates one of his best songs. Phil Guy has been challenged to capture his live effervescence on disc. Here, he teams with one of his best ensembles and torments with piercing guitar notes. Eddie Taylor Jr.’s "Worried About My Baby" is the exact type of blues I fell in love with. Unfortunately, not many artists perform this style any longer as most of today’s blues is too far removed from its roots.

Given all the other artists are from Chicago, the inclusion of Fort Worth, Texas’ U.P. Wilson is peculiar. It would have been better if none of these songs had already appeared on other Wolf compilations. Still, this 14-song sampler is a must-have since it illustrates today’s Chicago blues artists are still a vibrant force.

- Tim Holek -


Southwest Blues CD Review - April 2007

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