Search - Big John Wrencher :: Maxwell Street Alley Blues

Simple and to the point

R. Suzuka | Chicago, IL USA | 04/06/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This little gem recorded in 1969 is the perfect example of what one would hear at Chicago's famed Maxwell St. Flea Market (which sadly no longer exists).Big John Wrencher (one armed Blues man) is on vocals and harp, Little Buddy Thomas is on guitar, (both him and Big John play through the same amp), and Playboy Venson is on drums. The sound is raw and pure Chicago Blues. The only solo instrument here is the harp since Little Buddy Thomas keeps it simple and holds a solid backing either with chords or bass lines.Really a great album for anybody who wishes to re-live the Maxwell St. days or who just wants know what they sounded like. The first time through it seems simple and rudimentary but it gets better with every re-play. The thing to pick up on here is Big John Wrencher's great harmonica phrasing, rather than the general simplicity of his playing. A good example of when less is more."