BEST OFVANGUARD YEARS

Shortly after Junior Wells's watershed album, HOODOO MAN BLUES, was released on Delmark in 1965, Wells moved to Vanguard where he recorded a string of very strong albums that showcased his formidable harp skills and charisma-drenched vocal performances. BEST OF includes cuts from his '60s Vanguard releases, including the topical "Vietcong Blues" and the moving "Help Me (A Tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson)", as well as the R&B-influenced "Shake It Baby" and "Stormy Monday Blues". Wells's sound is notable for its traces of R&B and rock & roll, but, in spirit, the music is pure blues through and through.
The remainder of the 18-song set, which presents various unreleased cuts, includes a grinding rendition of "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and the downtempo instrumental "Slow, Slow". Wells's various back-up bands are in fine form here, with Buddy Guy's lead guitar making the biggest impression. (Guy and Wells undoubtedly have that mythic frontman/lead guitarist chemistry.) Though BEST OF is not a comprehensive retrospective, it covers the artist's most productive period, and--along with HOODOO MAN BLUES--makes a fine introduction to this Chicago blues legend.|