Folk Singer, The - Muddy Waters > Reviews > Muddy Waters but crystal clear sound!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Too many to list  -  see the review !
Disadvantages:	Could cause the urge to spend money, lots of money !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

First thing to say about this is that the music is not 'folk'! Its out and out delta blues! The explanation for the album title is in the sleeve notes and its to do with definitions at the time and trying to expand Waters' appeal.

The album was recorded nearly 45 years ago - but again don't let that put you off. The actual recording quality is astounding - more later. The music shows off what a stuning vocal and guitar legend Waters really is - more later.

This album is available in a variety of formats - this version is the CD (which is what I have) but it is also available as a SACD, Vinyl record and DVD audio. I have heard them all in my days selling Hi-Fi. In fact we had them all in the shop I worked in because it is such a fantastic demo recording.

Recording. Well there are a few pictures and the sleeve notes to go from and basically it was recorded in a fairly large studio with all the musicians playing together with whole tracks done as single takes with no overdubs or edits. Wow. Try finding a contempory artist who could even understand that, let alone pull it off!

The resulting sound quality is, as I have already said, nothing short of astounding. You can sense the presence of all the musicians even if they are not playing at that instant. Its not so much that you can hear them breathe or anything (in places you can) - its more like you can actually feel their presence.

So why is that so good? Well as a demonstration disk, its a great way to show somebody what good Hi-Fi can do. It can pull you into the music - even into the recording session - and allow you to fully experience the emotions and the feelings of the muscicians as they express themselves through the music. You aren't just listening with your ears anymore. Its almost a spiritual connection. It goes way beyond even giving you goose bumps or making hairs stand on end.

So much for the technical quality, what about the music? Well its just amazing. Some tracks are/have become standards - often covered or are even covers on this album.
My favourites are :-
'Good Morning Little School Girl' because it just shows off Waters' vocal depth so well
'My Home is in the Delta' for the superb guitar work and the stunning vocal power. (I have literally seen someone jump away from the speakers in shock at Waters' sheer vocal force!)

Here is a track listing:-

My Home Is In The Delta
Long Distance
My Captain
Good Morning Little School Girl
You Gonna Need My Help
Cold Weather Blues
Big Leg Woman
Coutry Boy
Feel Like Going Home

(There are so many versions of this recording that this is not a definitive list - the DVD audio includes more tracks for example. (I only suggest buying the remaster editions in whatever format, though)).

Band members are as follows:-

Muddy Waters Guitar, Vocals

Milton Rector Bass
Otis Spann Piano
Pee Wee Madison Guitar
J.T. Brown Clarinet & Tenor Sax
Francis Clay Drums
Clifton James Drums
Sammy Lawhorn Guitar
S.P. Leary Drums
James Cotton Harmonica
Buddy Guy Guitar
Willie Dixon Bass & Producer

Somewhat of a who's who of the blues world!

So can I summarise this? A great recording just for the performance alone. Also a great recording for the technical quality. A fantastic way to hear what your Hi-Fi is really capable of (but that could get costly...I take no responsibility for sudden spending spree's!!).

It would also make a great audition disk to take with you when comparing different systems (if you are into Hi-Fi). But it is so much more than this. Enjoy!