Search - John Lee Hooker :: Alternative Boogie: Early Studio Recordings 48-52

Hooker's Most Productive Era

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 03/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This out-of-print CD represents John Lee Hooker at the peak of his powers. Over the course of three discs you get 56 tracks dating from 1948 to 1952. This collection covers roughly the same period as his classic The Legendary Modern Years 1948-1954 and in fact covers much of the same material--"Sally Mae," "Boogie Chillen," "I'm In the Mood"--though in alternate forms. These tracks were initially available on 1971's Coast to Coast Blues Band (tracks 1-14) and 1973's 3-LP set John Lee Hooker's Detroit (tracks 15-56), both on the United Artists label. Most of these tracks feature Hooker in a solo setting, occasionally overdubbing a second guitar or vocal part. However, he is accompanied by additional musicians on a handful of tracks. If you are an avid fan, these are essential recordings from Hooker's most productive era. Casual fans will be better served by the Modern collection mentioned above or Rhino's excellent 2-disc anthology. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"