Muddy Waters Mojo: Live Collection 1971-76 CD - Import

Muddy Waters (McKinley Morganfield) was and is the King of the Chicago blues. He was the first to electrify the blues he and others brought from the deep South, thereby laying the groundwork for future blues and rock & roll bands. Many of his songs have become standards, some of which are included on MOJO, a collection of live recordings from 1971 and 1976.

Here, Muddy is at the height of his powers: a supremely confident voice that mixes hard-times grit with swaggering confidence and authority. The recording quality is fine and the band features inspired, hearty performances from several long-time members (Bob Margolin, Jerry Portnoy, Pinetop Perkins). "Crawlin' King Snake" and "Dust My Broom," illustrate how the master fused the acoustic sounds of the Delta and country blues with the big-town crackle and bar-room raunch of an electric band. Seasoned and younger blues fans--as well as those who haven't yet had the pleasure--will appreciate how this gets their MOJO moving.

Experience the atmosphere of a true blues legend performinglive. Taken from European and American concerts recorded in1971 and 1976 which have been digitally remastered. The hippest, coolest blues around from the 'King of Chicago blues'.2000 release. Standard jewelcase.

Recorded live in 1971 and 1976. Includes liner notes by Neil Slaven.

Digitally remastered edition.

Personnel: Muddy Waters (vocals, guitar); Calvin "Fuzz" Jones (vocals, bass); Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson, Bob Margolin, Sammy Lawhorn, Pee Wee Madison, Bee Houston (guitar); Jerry Portnoy, George "Harmonica" Smith (harmonica); Pinetop Perkins (piano); Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums).

Q (10/00, p.153) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...Cool stuff...it's Waters strutting his stuff before an appreciative audience..."
Down Beat (8/00, p.78) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Singing and playing slide guitar masterfully, [Muddy] phrases and uses pitch-play like no other mortal....delivering smart discourses on Chicago blues..."