Customer Reviews

Mighty Joe Young

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

 

 

Chicago bluesman Mighty Joe Young's discography is a mixed bag, some of his CD's are very good while others are inconsistent and uneven. This CD features songs from two long out of print albums he recorded in the 70s that were probably his best albums. Featuring mostly original material and good, contemporary production, these recordings showcase Mighty Joe at his best, doing his own brand of blues with a whole lot of soul thrown in. Try listening to "Chickenheads" without nodding your head, you won't be able to. For those who like deep blues, check out his cover the classic "As the Years Go Passing By", probably the bluesiest song on the CD.
Those who like traditional, straight ahead blues (Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf etc.) will want to pass on this collection, but those who like more soul flavored Chicago blues (Buster Benton, Jimmy Johnson) will definitely want this fine CD.

These recordings are getting close to 30 years old but sound modern and fresh. Mighty Joe Young was a wonderful blues guitar player who also had a very good voice. If you like any kind of blues you will not be disappointed in this CD.

By the time (the 70's) Joe Young was recording his best lps - two for Ovation, one for Sonet -, the black audience was no longer interested with the blues, and the white audience was looking for more traditional singers. That's why such great records never reached the success they deserved. Nevertheless, the music is amazing - despite the awful cover picture - ; what you get here is some of the best blues-with-a-touch-of-soul that's never been recorded, with gorgeous songs, guitar playing, producing, musicians and (quadrophonic) sound.
Thank you Blind Pig Records for this beautiful cd ; but please, give us some more - there are 12 others songs Joe Young has recorded for Ovation, which are as great as these ones (Move on higher, Mighty man, Mama-in-law blues, ....).