Jack O' Diamonds (The 1949 Recordings) - John Lee Hooker

Advantages: Magnificent
Disadvantages: You have to like real music

...Chris Rea has been putting out quality music for over quarter of a century, peaking in 1990 with The Road To Hell. There has, however, always been a feeling that much of his work was a compromise between his genuine musical inspirations and the commercial expectations of record companies. Not to understate the quality of past records. Simply that there was so much more to come. While at times, such as part of the 1987 release Dancing With Strangers, he has found the bluesy roots in dramatic style, the influences of Ry Cooder, John Lee Hooker and the American Gospel sound have so often been hidden by the need to have a couple of hits from each album. It took the near death experience of a failing pancreas, combined with the associated multiple surgery, for Rea to finally do what, I suspect, he has always wanted to do with an album... Read review

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Advantages: EXCELLENT ALBUM
Disadvantages: NONE

...Everyone should remember Rickie Lee Jones for the famous songs ‘Chuck E’s in Love’, and ‘Easy Money’. She has a style that fits in with the jazzy fans of the world, her music is a melting pot of folk, jazz and rhythm and blues. Just imagine yourself sitting in a Jazz café, drinking a whiskey on the rocks in a smoke filled room and a hypnotic, laid back tune will probably be playing in the background… it’s probably Rickie Lee Jones. Her voice is addictive, it’s sweet and calming making you want to listen to her album more and more. I discovered Rickie Lee Jones about the same time I started getting into Blues, with the likes of BB King and John Lee Hooker, just two of Jazz & R&B greats. Rickie Lee Jones quite easily fits into that category. Tracks on her album include: Chuck E... Read review

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Advantages: BRILLIANT
Disadvantages: NONE

...‘Boom Boom Boom Boom’, how many people out there remember that one? John Lee Hooker is a pure blues artist, he’s been one of the greats since 1948. Yes… dating back to World War II. He comes from Mississippi, so I don’t think I have to explain any more of that… the hometown of Jazz, R&B and soul greats. His voice is deep and husky, and his toe tapping jazz tunes sure make you feel like you should be sitting on a veranda in Tennessee somewhere. (Wearing those denim overalls, with a cask of whiskey… not a glass). This is a great album for the serious Rhythm & Blues listener, even if you’re not a fan or a bit of the uneducated side when it comes to music.. have a listen… this is how music began! Tracks on the best of album include: Boom Boom Rouble Blues Crawlin' Kingsnake... Read review

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