I'm Ready (Epic)

Performer: Muddy Waters
Artist: Johnny Winter; Big Walter Horton; Jimmy Rogers; Bob Margolin; Jerry Portnoy; Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Engineer: Dave Still
Producer: Johnny Winter
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel: Muddy Waters (vocals, guitar, slide guitar); Jimmy Rogers, Johnny Winter (guitar, slide guitar); Walter Horton, Jerry Portnoy (acoustic & electric harp); Pine Top Perkins (piano); Bob Margolin (bass); Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums). Also available in a 3-pack with HARD AGAIN and KING BEE. Personnel: Muddy Waters (vocals, guitar, slide guitar); Johnny Winter (guitar, slide guitar); Jimmy Rogers (guitar); Jerry Portnoy, Big Walter Horton (harp); Pinetop Perkins (piano); Bob Margolin (bass guitar); Willie "Big Eyes" Smith (drums). Liner Note Author: Bob Margolin. Muddy Waters brought the Mississippi Delta blues sound to Chicago, electrified it (literally and figuratively), and made history. There is not a blues performer, or blues-oriented rock performer (the Rolling Stones got their name from a Waters tune), or "roots"-oriented performer in any genre who does not own something to Muddy Waters. In the late '70s, Waters' fire had not only not dimmed with time; it was burning hotter than ever, and he KNEW that he ruled the world. The man sang with passion, yet had the easy confidence of a person who knew his racket backwards and forwards. Here, he's backed by some young guns, Johnny Winter and Bob Margolin; as well as older (but still firm) hands, Walter Horton and Jimmy Rogers. The program holds few surprises--it's mostly blues standards, making clear that it's not what you say, but how you say it. No new ground is broken--I'M READY gets its fire from a big, craggy yet good-hearted voice that can stop you in your tracks, surrounded by players whose hot sound can cut through you like an icy wind. Recommended to old fans and neophytes alike.

Rolling Stone (p.95) - 5 stars out of 5 - "I'M READY reunited Waters with Jimmy Rogers...the chemistry between the two freed everyone to swing more." Down Beat (p.68) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 - "Waters sings and plays slide guitar with complete mastery of pitch gradations..." Dirty Linen (p.59) - "[T]he best track is 'Rock Me' with Waters and Rogers exchanging lead parts and clearly having a ball."

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.

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