Essential Boss Man, The

構成数 : 3枚
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Personnel: Remo Biondi (guitar, violin); Eddie Taylor, Jimmy Reed Jr., Hubert Sumlin (guitar, drums); William "Lefty" Bates, W.C. Dalton, John Brim, John Littlejohn, Lee Baker, Phil Upchurch (guitar); Henry Gray (piano); Earl Phillips, Morris Wilkerson, Al Duncan , Albert King, Ray Scott, Vernel Fournier (drums). Liner Note Author: Les Fancourt. Recording information: Chicago, IL (06/06/1953-05/??/1966). One of the most accessible figures in blues history, singer/guitarist Jimmy Reed soared to a remarkably high level of popularity, not because of any flashy style or unique approach, but because of his assured, straightforward take on the genre. This excellent three-disc set offers up 75 examples of the Missouri-born performer's appeal, culling tracks from his tenure on Vee-Jay Records from 1953 to '66. A prolific songwriter, Reed wrote most of the tunes on THE ESSENTIAL BOSS MAN, including much-covered hits such as "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby," "Baby, What You Want Me to Do," and the indelible "Bright Lights, Big City," which employs the harmony vocals of his wife, "Mama" Reed, to wonderful effect. Among the many other highlights of the compilation are "Take Out Some Insurance" and "Aw Shucks, Hush Your Mouth," both of which showcase Reed's amiable singing and no-frills guitar work. Though THE ESSENTIAL BOSS MAN may be a bit daunting to newcomers, it's easily one of the finest Reed collections on the market.