Customer Reviews

Alternative Boogie: Early Studio Recordings 48-52

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This out-of-print CD represents John Lee Hooker at the peak of his powers. Over the course of three discs you get 56 tracks dating from 1948 to 1952. This collection covers roughly the same period as his classic The Legendary Modern Years 1948-1954 and in fact covers much of the same material--"Sally Mae," "Boogie Chillen," "I'm In the Mood"--though in alternate forms. These tracks were initially available on 1971's Coast to Coast Blues Band (tracks 1-14) and 1973's 3-LP set John Lee Hooker's Detroit (tracks 15-56), both on the United Artists label. Most of these tracks feature Hooker in a solo setting, occasionally overdubbing a second guitar or vocal part. However, he is accompanied by additional musicians on a handful of tracks. If you are an avid fan, these are essential recordings from Hooker's most productive era. Casual fans will be better served by the Modern collection mentioned above or Rhino's excellent 2-disc anthology. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I agree with the other two reviews, at the time i wrote this.

Both wrote very favourable reviews and I have to say the same.

Many know JLH for his 'hit songs' (boogie chillen etc) and some modern recordings with a band, but me, my favourite recordings have always and will always be his solo stuff banging his foot, creating his own percussion and wailing on vocals with his unique groove style on guitar, it is infectious.

I say 'solo hooker' as most of it is...there are versions of 'in the mood' with doubled and even tripled vocals with delays which sounds pretty interesting.

There are several albums from this era and I have to say this package, with these three discs is one of the best....I also enjoyed (a lot) John Lee Hooker portrait 10 cd set and the Classic Early Years (JSP records) and several of the 'Specialty' releases from the early years. Jack O Diamonds is another good one. I must have 20 discs of 'solo' hooker and a bunch of LP records too, JLH is one of my favourite musicians.

Alternative Boogie is a must for the lovers of his early work though. Great production.

This review is only an update as it has been 8 years since the last review!!! Has no one bothered to pass the word on this BEAUTIFUL box in all that time???!!! Comprising 3 cds and 56 tracks with booklet, this is a MUST HAVE!!! Pricing, at this point, is very reasonable as there are still "very good" used available at $25.00!!! So, pass the word, snatch 'em up, YOU"LL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!! 'Nuf said!