The Lost Tapes

Track data is currently not available.

Performer: Muddy Waters
Artist: Pinetop Perkins; Willie "Big Eyes" Smith; George "Harmonica" Smith
Distributor: Ryko Distribution

Notes: THE LOST TAPES is an Enhanced audio CD which contains regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel: Muddy Waters (vocals, slide guitar); Sammy Lawhorn, Pee Wee Madison (guitar); George "Harmonica" Smith (harmonica); Pinetop Perkins (piano); Calvin "Fuzz" Jones (bass); Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums). Recorded live in 1971. Includes liner notes by Tim Schuller. Digitally remastered by Ed Johnson and Steve Curry. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. It's been a while since we've seen any unreleased material from Muddy Waters. You've heard all of this before, but the clarity of the sound, and the fact that Waters seems in pretty good spirits, playing with a crack band, makes The Lost Tapes an essential addition to any blues lover's collection, and a must buy for Waters devotees. The band is really a great one, with pianist Pinetop Perkins, guitarists Pee Wee Madison and Sammy Lawhorn, George Harmonica Smith, bassist Calvin "Fuzz" Jones and drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. They push Waters into a mostly mellow framework. The first seven cuts were recorded at the University of Washington, and comprise favorites like "Honey Bee," "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Walkin' Through the Park," "Trouble No More," "Just to Be with You," and a lengthy spoken intro by Waters prior to the ten-minute "She's Nineteen Years Old." Tracks are banded for radio airplay, and everything is so very well recorded. The final four cuts were recorded at the University of Oregon: "Long Distance Call," "Mannish Boy," "Crawlin' Kingsnake" and the cookin' "Got My Mojo Workin'." Waters' signature mellow but insistent persona shines, the band is ultra-tight, Perkins and Smith lay it out time after ever lovin' time, and Waters' slide work gets some overdue play. Don't hesitate on this one thinking it's outtakes or damaged, substandard goods. It's not by a long shot; in fact, it might be the best live Muddy Waters ever released, and an important audio document from perhaps the greatest bluesman of them all. ~ Michael G. Nastos In the late '60s and early '70s, Muddy's label was more concerned with attempting to make him "hip" than with remaining true to the blues legend's roots. Consequently, attempts to modernize his sound resulted in a strange dichotomy between the live Muddy and the studio Muddy. In concert, he was still tearing it up in the grand old style, as on this previously unreleased concert recording from 1971. Muddy had not yet begun to bring the younger generation into his band, so bona fide Chicago blues vets like pianist Pinetop Perkins and drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith are on hand to provide that classic '50s Chess sound on a program of gems from Muddy's glory days. The old master wasn't getting any younger, so the urgency and fire of his earlier recordings is replaced here by a more seasoned, understated approach. Instead of detracting from the performances, though, this new wrinkle adds a deeper level of ominous insinuation to Muddy's sultry tales of lust.

CMJ (7/19/99, p.27) - "...[Waters'] charisma and onstage magnetism actually grew in direct proportion to his increasing age, experience and legendary status....there's no denying the power of these live recordings....this archival release is an unimaginably vital document."

Originally a Delta bluesman in the vein of Son House, Muddy Waters moved north in the 1940s and became the leader of the first--and greatest--electric Chicago blues band. Waters' abrasive guitar, impassioned singing, and commanding stage presence inspired generations of disciples, and hits like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "I've Got My Mojo Workin'" are now indisputable classics.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.5