Customer Reviews

Burning Hell

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I picked this up because I was interested to hear how John Lee's music translated with an acoustic guitar. I own at least twenty of his albums and they are all electric, even the live discs I have of him playing solo. The acoustic sound really makes his slow blues songs that much more intimate. He also covers songs by Lightnin' Hopkins, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and Big Bill Broonzy on this one and it's interesting to hear his take on these songs. While I wouldn't rate this as essential listening for the uninitiated, this album is one that I would recommend to any fan of John Lee Hooker.

This album was recorded at the same April 1959 session that produced Hooker's more famous LP THE COUNTRY BLUES OF JOHN LEE HOOKER. For some reason it was unreleased until 1964 (UK only) and didn't see the light of day in the US until the early 90's. Which is odd because it is identical in style, sound and theme to the COUNTRY BLUES LP, featuring the same acoustic back porch feel.

On the whole, a slightly lesser album than its more famous companion volume, but still a good one. If you like Hooker and/or acoustic blues, buy it.

John Lee Hooker/ Burning Hill (Original Blues Classics): John Lee Hooker wrote a few of these cuts but he also does his version of "Baby, Please don't go", "Smokestack Lightning", "Key to the Highway" and others. This one is another classic. Highly Recommended.

There is a great rhythm and feel to his playing, like he's sitting at the graveyard by his mother's gravestone or something. This guy is the real thing, the most soul of any bluesman of the 20th century. He has influenced countless musicians, and one can hear his trademark foot-beat all the way through. Great music.

This is a great CD, John Lee always grooves it hard! I dig him a lot, he really inspires my playing and writing! Good stuff!

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