John Lee Hooker

2 LPs ON 1 CD + 5 BONUS TRACKS

KING OF THE BOOGIE BLUES

John Lee Hooker developed a “talking blues” style that became his trademark. Though similar to the early Delta tradition, his metrically free approach and unique sound would make him a staple of Detroit blues. Often called the “King of the Boogie,” Hooker’s driving, rhythmic approach to guitar playing has become an integral part of the blues. This quintessential release includes two albums from the beginning of his career: Sings the Blues (Crown 1961) and Sings Blues (King 1960). Although the two records share nearly identical titles, each contains a different and excellent track list. The former LP features great electric numbers such as “Hug and Squeeze (You),” “Good Rockin’ Mama,” and “The Syndicate,” while the latter contains Hooker’s solo recordings originally issued on the Modern label. Both albums have been remastered and packaged together in this very special collector’s edition, which also includes 5 bonus tracks from the same period.

PERSONNEL:

JOHN LEE HOOKER, vocals, lead guitar and foot stomping, plus:

EDDIE KIRKLAND, guitar & bass
BOB THURMAN, piano
TOM WHITEHEAD, drums
OTIS FINCH, tenor sax
among others

Recorded in Detroit and Chicago, 1950-­1955.

INCLUDES 16-PAGE BOOKLET

TRACKS:

SINGS THE BLUES (Crown CLP-­5232, 1961)
01 HUG AND SQUEEZE (YOU) 2:56
02 I LOVE YOU BABY 3:12
03 THE SYNDICATE 3:00
04 BOOGIE WOOGIE ALL NIGHT LONG 2:42
05 GOOD ROCKIN’ MAMA 2:28
06 LET YOUR DADDY RIDE 2:39
07 TURN OVER A NEW LEAF 3:09
08 DON’T YOU REMEMBER ME 2:48
09 DRIFTIN’ FROM DOOR TO DOOR 3:00
10 SHE LEFT ME ON MY BENDED KNEE 2:58

SINGS BLUES (King 727, 1960)
11 WANDERING BLUES 3:15
12 I’M GONNA KILL THAT WOMAN 3:02
13 HEART TROUBLE BLUES 2:58
14 SLIM’S STOMP 2:58
15 THE NUMBERS 3:07
16 NIGHTMARE BLUES 2:58
17 MOANIN’ BLUES 3:02
18 DON’T GO BABY 3:13
19 LATE LAST NIGHT 2:58
20 DEVIL’S JUMP 2:52
21 WHO’S BEEN JIVING YOU? 3:11

BONUS TRACKS
22 I TRIED HARD 2:55
23 YOU RECEIVE ME 3:14
24 TAXI DRIVER 3:07
25 ROLL ’N’ ROLL 2:42
26 I’M READY 2:38

TOTAL TIME: 77:02