Customer Reviews

John Lee Hooker: Face to Face

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

 

 

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?

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!

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!

Wow, simply outstanding, just pop open some spirits sit back and listen to these blues from from a truly gifted artist, all songs are gems, cannot go wrong here with Hooker.

I'm more a jazz lover than a blues lover, but this album was a gem. I especially liked "6 page letter."