The Blues Bloggers

Recorded between 1953 & 1963. Includes liner notes by Cub Koda, Steve Woolard.

Though Jimmy Reed's name will always be eclipsed by more innovative and charismatic artists like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, his simple, straightforward music is--in a way--what the blues is all about. As Rhino's definitive VERY BEST OF proves, Reed knew the music was primarily about soul and groove, with flash and musical expertise taking a backseat to a basic feel for the songs. Though Reed's harmonica playing, hypnotic rhythms, stinging lead guitar, and cool, behind-the-beat vocals do not dazzle technically, they always support the deep vibe of the song, effectively getting out of the way to let the blues do its business.

Lovingly selected, sequenced, and remastered, BLUES MASTERS: THE VERY BEST OF JIMMY REED trumps existing compilations as the essential Reed album to get. All of the artist's biggest singles are here, including the swamp blues blueprint "High and Lonesome," the bouncy "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby," and the smoothly grooving "Baby What You Want Me to Do" (with Reed's wife, "Mama," lending sweet backing vocals). Rhino wisely avoids Reed's inferior 1970s material, concentrating solely on his seminal Vee Jay output. This is the perfect sampler of Reed's unique and influential accomplishments.

Digitally remastered by Bob Fisher.

Compilation producers: James Austin, Jimmie Vaughan.

Personnel: Mama Reed (vocals); Eddie Taylor, W.C. Dalton, John Brim, John Littlejohn, Lee Baker, Phil Upchurch, Lefty Bates (guitar); Henry Gray (piano); Earl Phillips, Morris Wilkerson, Al Duncan , Albert King, Vernell Fournier (drums).

Audio Remasterer: Bob Fisher .

Liner Note Author: Cub Koda.

Personnel includes: Jimmy Reed (vocal, guitar, harmonica); Mama Reed (vocals); John Brim, Eddie Taylor, John Littlejohn, W.C. Dalton, Remo Biondi, Lefty Bates, Phil Upchurch, Lonnie "Lee Baker" Brooks (guitar); Henry Gray (piano); Milton Rector, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed Jr. (bass); Albert King, Morris Wilkerson, Vernell Fournier, Earl Phillips, Al Duncan (drums).

Track list:

1. High and Lonesome
2. You Don't Have to Go
3. Ain't That Lovin' You Baby
4. I Ain't Got You
5. You Got Me Dizzy
6. Little Rain
7. Honest I Do
8. Odds and Ends
9. Ends and Odds
10. Going to New York
11. Take Out Some Insurance
12. Baby, What You Want Me to Do
13. Hush Hush
14. Big Boss Man
15. Bright Lights, Big City
16. Oh John
17. Shame, Shame, Shame

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