Search - John Lee Hooker :: Country Blues

Back Porch Blues

Moon Dawg | USA | 07/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1959, John Lee Hooker signed a one-off deal with the Riverside label to record an acoustic session of the country blues. It was a key change from his earlier recordings, most of which had featured Hooker on an electric guitar with his trademark reverb and stomping foot. Folk purists of the day were delighted with COUNTRY BLUES, believing Hooker had returned to his roots, leaving the "glitzy commercialism" of R&B behind. But some Hooker fans considered COUNTRY BLUES a "betrayal" of his true sound.



The truth is probably somewhere in-between. Remember, John Lee Hooker is always John Lee Hooker, regardless of the format. If you like Hooker, or acoustic blues, buy this album. It is an intimate session featuring standards like "How Long", "Bottle Up and Go", as well as Hooker's first recorded take on "Tupelo", one of his all-time classics.



BTW- The companion album for this would be BURNING HELL; its selections are from the same session. Think of it as THE COUNTRY BLUES OF JOHN LEE HOOKER Vol 2."

The greatest coutry blues ever!

Bebeto | 04/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hooker's guitar play in this album seems very simple at a glance. And it actually is. But the sound is so deep. This album reminds guitarists that the great sound is created by a refined sense rather than by techniques or skills. 'click'"

Great Blues Album

Bebeto | Laguna Hills, CA USA | 11/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great blues album from John Lee Hooker. A great example of one chord blues structure intermixed with Hookers unique vocal style. Leading off with Black Snake, one of Hookers best, the sound quality of the recording makes this album a gem. It was recorded in 1959 and on good stereo it will put JLH right in the room in front of you! If you like Blues done acoustic then this is a must have album."