John Lee Hooker: Face to Face

John Lee Hooker | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 28, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Eagle Records
• ASIN: B0000C7PSR
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,028 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #72 in Music > Blues > Delta Blues

Editorial Reviews

John Lee Hooker had almost completed work on a new album at the time of his death, co-produced by his daughter Zakiya. This album presents 15 of those tracks on which he is joined by a line up of great guest artists in keeping with his other later albums such as The Healer and Mr Lucky. Guests on the album include Canned Heat, George Thorogood, Van Morrison, Johnny Winter and Robert Cray. Some of these artists worked on the tracks with John in the studio, whilst others have teamed up with Zakiya Hooker to add the remaining touches to these final recordings.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Risen From The Grave, October 31, 2003

By 

D. Sean Brickell (gorgeous Virginia Beach, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Lee Hooker: Face to Face (Audio CD)

Mr. Hooker certainly isn't the only artist to release "new" music after his death. But his new CD sure-enough is better than almost anyone else who has. Rather than a plodding, macabre effort to cash in one more time (you know the ones I'm talking about), this CD is as vibrant as, well, life!

Following Mr. Hooker's recent success formula once again, a stellar cast contributes. And oh, mama, what a lineup: Van Morrison, Elvin Bishop, Jack Cassidy, Johnny Winter, Warren Hayes, Dickie Betts and George Thoroughgood. With these backing musicians, even I could sound passable. But behind Mr. Lucky you can imagine the great results. Serious performers only, if you please.

My personal favorite track is "Dimples" featuring a duet with Van The Man and Elvin Bishop on second lead guitar. But that choice might just change on repeated listens. There ain't a dog amongst the 15 tunes here, and how often can you say that about a CD anymore, even on so-called "Greatest Hits" packages?

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!, December 23, 2003

By 

Lynn Goldfinger "Lynn" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: John Lee Hooker: Face to Face (Audio CD)

This is one of the most beautiful collections of John Lee's works. As a former employee of the Man himself, it is great to hear some recordings that were never released. "Six Page Letter" is breathtakingly beautiful, and "Funky Mabel" is as soulful as it is funky. "Dimples" is a real treasure. The CD has great sound quality and is now among my favorites.

I'm sure John Lee would have been thrilled to hear this delightful CD!

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not John Lee Hooker, October 12, 2004

By 

Docendo Discimus (Vita scholae) - See all my reviews

This review is from: John Lee Hooker: Face to Face (Audio CD)

Well, of course it is John Lee Hooker, but these slick, mushy recordings are very, very far from Hooker's gritty 40s, 50s and 60s waxings, and songs like the saccahrine, string-laden "Six-Page Letter" are even wussier than the worst of his late 80s/early 90s guest star recordings. Hooker obviously didn't have a chance to listen to the final mixes.
Whatever you do, make sure you listen to this album before buying it!