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I discovered the blues while on a getaway weekend in Chicago. I’ll always have an affinity for Chicago blues. Here is my top ten list of favourite Chicago blues recordings. They are listed in no particular order. I have selected these CDs based on the Chicago blues discs that I’ve listened to the most since getting into the blues back in 1993. In order to qualify for the list, I had to see the artist/band perform live at least one time. The exception to this rule is the Alligator 20th Anniversary. This was a difficult list to come up with. Selecting ten discs aren’t enough to do the genre justice – not even 50 selections would be enough.
Anyway, here is the list.
Various Artists, The Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Collection, Alligator
This was one of the first blues CDs I purchased and it remains one of my favorites.
Big James Montgomery, Funkin’ Blues, Jamot
I first saw and heard Big James Montgomery at the 1996 Chicago Blues Festival. Ever since then I’ve been his greatest fan. His debut CD recreates all the exciting of seeing/hearing him for the first time.
James Cotton Junior Wells Carey Bell Billy Branch, Harp Attack!, Alligator
Four of Chicago’s best harp players join forces for one magnificent CD featuring the brilliance of Lucky Peterson in the killer support band.
Son Seals, Midnight Son, Alligator
Chicago blues doesn’t come truer than this.
Lonnie Brooks, Roadhouse Rules, Alligator
If there ever was an album that could convert all the rock fans into blues fans, this is it.
Junior Wells, Hoodoo Man Blues, Delmark
This is the pride and joy of Delmark’s blues catalogue. The astonishing CD features a young Buddy Guy on guitar.
Jimmy Johnson, Johnson’s Whacks, Delmark
This disc easily contains Johnson’s best songs plus a remarkable band featuring a very young Rico McFarland on guitar.
Otis Rush, Any Place I’m Going, House Of Blues
Rush received a Grammy Award for this Willie Mitchell produced disc.
Koko Taylor, Queen Of The Blues, Alligator
The name of the CD says it all. This disc features a band of Chicago blues deities and a host of Chicago blues guests.
The Muddy Waters Tribute Band, You’re Gonna Miss Me (When I’m Dead & Gone), Telarc
Muddy Waters is gone but his legacy continues on this incredible disc recorded by a stalwart group of Waters Band Alumni.
Tim Holek
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