John Lee Hooker - The Best of John Lee Hooker 1965-1974

MCA's The Best of John Lee Hooker has a misleading title. All of the 16 selections are taken from his recordings for ABC, which were made at the end of the '60s and beginning of the '70s. During this time, his producers were experimenting with his sound, adding contemporary sonic touches like funk rhythms and wah-wah pedals. Needless to say, this sound didn't sit particularly well with Hooker's lean, haunting blues. However, these songs do take the best material from generally poor albums -- anyone who wants to sample his ABC material should turn here first and they'll realize that they don't need to explore much further. ~ Thom Owens, All Music Guide

Name Credits Al Duncan Drums Al Smith Producer Andy McKaie Reissue Producer Barry Galbraith Guitar Bill Szymczyk Producer Bob Thiele Producer Brian Jackson Design Clifford Coulter Moog Synthesizer, Contralto (Vocal), Piano (Electric) Colin Escott Liner Notes Dan Alexander Guitar David "Panama" Francis Drums David Booth Compilation David Gahr Photography Ed Michel Producer Eddie "Guitar" Burns Guitar Eddie Kirkland Guitar Eddie Taylor Bass Elvin Bishop Slide Guitar Emilio Castillo Sax (Tenor) Francis Clay Drums Gino Skaggs Bass Greg Adams Trumpet Hollywood Fats Guitar Jeffrey M. Carp Harmonica Jim Kahr Guitar John Lee Hooker Vocals, Guitar Johnny Big Moose Walker Keyboards Ken Swank Drums Larry Vigon Design Lenny Pickett Sax (Tenor) Louis Myers Harmonica Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson Guitar Mac Arnold Bass Mark Naftalin Piano Mic Gillette Trombone, Trumpet Milt Hinton Bass Muddy Waters Guitar Otis Spann Piano Paul Asbell Guitar Phil Upchurch Bass Ralph Bass Producer Robert Hooker Organ Roosevelt Shaw Drums Sammy Lawhorn Guitar Stephen Kupka Sax (Baritone) Stephen Miller Guitar Van Morrison Guitar, Performer, Vocals Vartan Art Direction Wayne Bennett Guitar