Search - John Lee Hooker :: Endless Boogie

Peak performance by a legendery entertainer

Chris | NC | 03/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A true standout, especially when you compare the performances on this album to some of Mr. Hooker's other work. The studio musicians all seem to blossom here, with J.L.'s incredible vocals, in creating this classic. It ranks with my personal top 10 alltime albums, way up there. Universal and current messages abound, and is a lot of fun too (check out "House Rent Boogie"..."Hit Kix U")."

Endless Blues

Ganesh Vaidyanathan | Saskatoon, Canada | 08/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album soon after its initial release in 1971 and was blown away. It holds up even after 30 years and will continue to do so. Some critics have dismissed this album as another example of aimless jamming by some white guitarists in awe of a blues icon. I completely disagree. Sure, many of the tracks are over 5 minutes: and yes these are jams. But they anything but chaotic and unstructured as some listeners have suggested. There are fine contributions from the likes of Steve Miller, Mel Brown and the late Jesse Ed Davis (listen to Davis' snake like notes and brittle playing on the jam Pots on, gas up high). For the blues mood in extremis check out Kick Hit 4 hit Kix U and Sheep out on the foam. The rhythm section of Gino Skaggs (you want to learn blues bass playing, listen to this cat's clean playing) and Ken Swank (fine drumming) on most tracks (late Carl Radle and Jim Gordon of Derek and the Dominos appear on the remainder) is rock steady. I emigrated to Canada as a 15 year old in 1971 and this was the album that got me into blues. I have worn out two double albums and have presented copies to numerous friends to illustrate how joyful blues music can be. Its wonderful that the CD is available once more to delight blues fans every where. The 5 stars are for the content and for the seminal role this CD has played in shaping my musical education."

Jus' Jammin'

Frank E Messina | Orange County, CA | 06/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like yer 12 bar blues to be exact, down to the beat and measure - turn away from this one. But if you dig the raw, improvisational nature of The Jam - just a bunch of talented musicians getting together for the love of making music - then this is the quintessential John Lee collection. Savor it, enjoy, because this type of CD/album comes along very rarely. Most studio work is usually pretty scripted, which is fine. But I love the power of a live blues jam - I cut my teeth in blues hanging onto the stage watching the greats like Mighty Joe Young and Albert Collins tear it up. This work has the strength and energy of a live show but the intimacy of a guitar circle (a living room-style jam where everyone sits and trades licks) - in the title song, at one point during a scintillating acoustic solo, you can hear 'em just shout out with pleasure. It's like John Lee sings: "All the cats, getting together in the studio, just cookin' They call it...The Jam....Look out!" RIP, John Lee. I know they're boogyin' in heaven right now."