Masters of Modern Blues

Masters Of Modern Blues (Series), J.B. Hutto | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 1995)
• Original Release Date: 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shout Factory
• ASIN: B000003OR4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,657 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #80 in Music > Indie Music > Blues > Chicago Blues

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars ****1/2 - one of Hutto's best, October 1, 2003

By 

Docendo Discimus (Vita scholae) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Masters of Modern Blues (Audio CD)

In 1966, J.B. Hutto cut most of the tracks that were to become his magnificent "Hawk Squat" LP, but he also found time to lay down this fine set for producer Pete Welding's Testament Records.

"Masters Of Modern Blues" is credited to J.B. Hutto & The Hawks, yet these aren't the Hawks that worked with him on "Hawk Squat" (with the exception of bassist/guitarist Lee Jackson), but rather an all-star combo which includes guitarist Johnny Young, legendary harpist Walter Horton, and the great Fred Below, whose tough, cymbal-rattling drumming can be heard on recordings by Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and several others.
The shy and introvert Walter Horton's influence on blues harmonica is hugely underestimated, and he is a tremendous asset on this album. His unmistakable harp winds its way through the proceedings, lending an earthy, "traditional" blues flavour to the songs, yet it blends supremely well with Hutto's fiery, Elmore James-derived slash-and-burn guitar playing.

Many of these tunes are cover songs, including excellent, raw takes on Big Joe Williams' "Sloppy Drunk" and Robert Johnson's "Dust My Broom" (a la Elmore James).
And Hutto and his All-Star Hawks also do a great rendition of Jimmy Oden's "Going Down Slow" (one of the best of many versions of this song I've heard), as well as a groovy take on Johnny Young's "Wild Wild Woman", and a funky "Mistake In Life" (originally by pianist Roosevelt Sykes).
But the originals are excellent as well, most notably Hutto's tribute to his wife, the powerful "Lulubelle's Here", the syncopated "My Kind Of Woman", the slow, intense "The Girl I Love", and the smouldering "Pet Cream Man".

This otherwise excellent installment in the "Masters Of Modern Blues" series suffers a little from mediocre fidelity, but that shouldn't deter anyone from picking it up. This is high-octane Chicago blues at its finest.
4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great roots blues record., August 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Masters of Modern Blues (Audio CD)

One of the top blues records in my collection. I have been listening to the LP of this for several years and never get enough of it. The band is the cream of chicago blues, Willie Horton on harp, Fred Bellows on Drums, and Lee Jackson on Bass, with JB on slide& vocals, as well as Johnny Young on guitar. This record romps and stomps through standards like "dust my broom", as well as lesser known gems like "My kind of woman" and "sloppy drunk." There is a very earthy sound and the band is allowed plenty of room to move. this record is unique in postwar blues for it's feel and all around sound. The only one similar that come to mind is "Super Blues" with Muddy waters, Little Walter and Bo Diddley. It has a similar energy and drive. There is enough blues on this record to satisfy event the most die hard enthususiast. If you a re a fan of postwar chicago blues, BUY this record! I am very happy to see this record re-released on CD.

4.0 out of 5 stars slide fans don't miss it, August 11, 2010

By 

Raymond J. Kaulig "cd have" (Chiang Mai, Thailand) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Masters of Modern Blues (Audio CD)

For me, Elmore James is the god-father of slide and this guy is his heir apparent, apparently. If you're a slide addict as I am, you will also want to listen to johnny shines, maybe hound-dog taylor. Clapton and Muddy when you're not particular.