Jim D. (JayDee) from ORLANDO, FL Reviewed on 10/3/2009...
Cannot go wrong with these talents, even better in a stripped down duo.
CD Reviews
Unplugged
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 07/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is simply outstanding. Originally released in 1981, it features blues greats Buddy Guy and Junior Wells unplugged. Two men, one day in Paris, one acoustic guitar and one harmonica with each sharing the vocal duties. While the material is not new it is performed with such individuality and conviction that other interpretations of this same material pales in comparison. There are 15 songs arranged into an hours worth of deep south acoustic blues. This has got to be one of Alligators finest releases and is a must have for any fan of these two giants, fans of acoustic blues and fans of the blues period."
A perfect combination of two blues greats!
Darren Burton | Ogden, Utah United States | 08/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
I could sit and listen to these two all day. It would be great if more blues albums were made this way. The pure sound of a 12 string guitar and a unamplified harmonica. I think the great vocals of Junior Wells on "Big Boat" would be worth the price of this album alone - but it is just one of the many treats on this album. This album is full of standard blues classics, but the sound is so fresh it is like you are hearing them for the first time.
A treat for anyone, no matter what their favorite style of the blues is."
What a Team!
Henry Kerfoot (Tyler Durden) | Huntington Beach, Calif | 09/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The magical synergy of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy was apparent in "Hoodoo Man Blues", recorded before Buddy Guy was well known. Junior Wells' subsequent solo works, while workmanlike, have never achieved the same pinnacle (e.g., Come On Into This House). With this joint effort, that synergy is back.
It is very interesting to see (hear) the pair together 30 years after that first work together. The undefinable synergy is still there - Is it the way Buddy sets up a background for Junior's vocals or harmonica? Or is it the way that Junior defers to Buddys guitar? However, with age, the two interact more sensitively and with a polish - No, a burnished patina - that makes this work a mellower version of their earlier work together. Both performers are secure in their careers and accomplishments and this results in a very special and mature interaction between them.
From the folk blues of Big Boat to the John Lee Hooker homage in Boogie Chillen, the pairing in "Alone and Acoustic" is seamless - You can almost see one person playing the guitar and harmonica while singing.
Caution: As the title suggests, this is not the Buddy Guy that Jimi Hendrix studied. For those of us who grew up with the Eric Clapton of John Mayall (also Cream, Blind Faith) Canned Heat, and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac as our introduction to the blues (along with Hendrix's 'Red House') in the late 60's, this could be a disappointment. But to me the CD is not. It is a great pleasure, with the lack of other instruments a sort of relief. No, for those of us of that era, this is more like the 'Hot Tuna' record (remember records?) after lots of electric music from Jefferson Airplane, Led Zepplin, Cream, Iron Butterfly, etc... clean and unpretentious.
And in 'Big Boat' we hear something like one of my favorites from Hoodoo Man, Buddy's sharp "Ow!" during Junior's first harmonica solo in 'Early in the Morning'. And Buddy sings on this one, too! (Hoodoo Man is one of the classic blues albums - Do yourself a favor and get it if you don't have it!)
A wonderful CD to just listen to and enjoy."
Buddy Guy acoustic blues will blow you away !!!
Mojo Wolf (wadmo@mciworld.com) | Pennsylvannia | 06/16/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My past experiences with Buddy Guy's music has been with his fender plugged in and turned up.A true blues icon imitated by every guitar player in the last decade so you could imagine my suprise to see this acoustic set with Junior Wells. Let me tell you one thing...I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!! He is a master of the guitar ..plugged in or not.This albulm is the real deal born from the juke-joints of yesterday.Every note he plays takes you furthur back to the days of smoke filled gin joints where hard working folk escaped the oppression of their days. If you only buy one CD this year make it this one. It is the best blues I ever heard. Buddy and Junior keepin it strong and real.Robert Johnson would be proud to hear his blues come full circle .THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Coffee anyone?
e_blues | Ramat Gan Israel | 10/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Everytime I listen to this wonderful performance, I have an urge to offer Junior & Buddy some coffee. The sound of this CD makes you feel like this pair is sitting next to you, playing just for you. And if one could have them play just for him, wouldn't he offer them, at least, some coffee?
The CD is quiet, calm, natural and with the deep voices of the artists makes a great companion for the winter season.
This CD contains a collection of mostly classics tracks, some vocals by Junior and some be Buddy (But no duets). You'll love this one whether you are a blues fan or not."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
Jim D. (JayDee) from ORLANDO, FL 
