I love the blues, but I’ve never had a great grasp of exactly WHO I like, or why. I think I’ve come to the realization that I like John Lee Hooker, and anyone that sounds like HIM.
Before this album all I really comprehended about him was that I liked his 30 seconds in The Blues Brothers, and that I’d probably like his other stuff. I saw The Best Of Friends at the library the other day and grabbed it, not quite realizing what a treasure it would be.
This album is called The Best Of Friends because he does duets with his friends, and his friends happen to be excellent musicians. Here’s the song list:
- Boogie Chillen [featuring Eric Clapton]
- This Is Hip [from Mr Lucky, featuring Ry Cooder] – Ry Cooder : guitar
- The Healer [from The Healer, featuring Carlos Santana]
- I Cover The Waterfront [Mr Lucky, featuring Van Morrison & Booker T. Jones]
- Boom Boom [from Boom Boom, featuring Jimmie Vaughan]
- I’m In The Mood [from The Healer, featuring Bonnie Raitt]
- Burnin’ Hell [featuring Ben Harper]
- Tupelo [from Chill Out]
- Baby Lee [from The Healer, featuring Robert Cray]
- Dimples [from Don’t Look Back, featuring David Hidalgo & Cesar Rosas]
- Chill Out [from Chill Out, featuring Carlos Santana]
- Big Legs Tight Skirt [featuring Ry Cooder] – Ry Cooder : guitar
- Don’t Look Back [from Don’t Look Back, featuring Van Morrison]
The album is everything I’d hoped it would be. Great vocals, great instrumentation, great variety, everything. If you love the blues, I highly recommend this album.
Dude, I’m going to be looking to get a copy of that. He really does have the best of friends. I’ve never heard of him but his featured artists are impressive.
John Lee rocks! Thanks for reminding us of his great music!