Long before he arrived in Chicago, Horton was knocking 'em dead with his amplified harmonica wizardry in Memphis. Sam Phillips produced the classic sides that comprise much of this album in 1951, when Horton was billed as "Mumbles." Sizzling backup by guitarists Joe Hill Louis and Calvin Newborn urged the introverted harp giant on to dazzling heights on his earliest sides as a leader. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide

CD $21.83

Raw, chaotic, one-man band blues of the highest order. Highlights include the original version of "Tiger Man," and Louis' scorching lead guitar work on "She Treats Me Mean and Evil." Compiling virtually all the recordings he made for Sam Phillips in Memphis in the early '50s, this CD also features astonishing harmonica work from Big Walter Horton on several tracks. (Import) ~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide

CD $21.83

Calling an album one the best in this particular genre, Chicago blues, is a pretty big move. There are plenty of masters of this particular form, and the success of several different record companies recording the genre over the years has assured no shortage of material. Something just comes together splendidly on these sessions that elevates this album well above the level of even some of the great Chicago sides of artists such as Muddy Waters. It might not exude the timeless gold dust of such recor...   [ read more ]

CD $24.68