15/06/2004

Muddy Waters - King of the Blues

by Todd Sikorski

This year has been one of the busiest in recent memory for blues fans, a mini revival, thanks mainly to the Martin Scorsese-produced The Blues series of seven films, with big-name directors such as Mike Figgis, Clint Eastwood, Wim Wenders, and Scorsese himself. The films feature some impressive blues performances, many released on CD, and all on DVD.

Blues artists like Buddy Guy, Keb Mo, Robert Cray, and Etta James have also released new albums, and rockers such as Eric Clapton, Chris Rea and Aerosmith have rediscovered the blues in their most recent releases. Most of these new releases have some impressive moments. Overall, though, I find them rather disappointing.

Fortunately, the past month has also seen the re-release of some of the best blues music ever made, the remastered versions of Muddy Waters' last three studio recordings, produced by Johnny Winter. The three CDs — Hard Again, I’m Ready, and King Bee — all feature bonus tracks and informative liner notes, along with an audible upgrade in sound. The sonic upgrade is so good, you almost feel as if you're sitting five feet away from Muddy Waters and his band as they play in a dark, smokey bar.

Hard Again (originally released in 1977) is the most celebrated of the three albums. It is easy to see why Muddy Waters is widely regarded as the top blues singer and bandleader. His howling vocals on “Mannish Boy” are the best anyone has ever applied to the song. His voice on “I Can’t Be Satisfied” and “I Want to Be Loved” is just as powerful. The interplay of the great band is breathtaking. Outstanding musicians such as Bob Margolin (guitar), James Cotton (harp), and “Pinetop” Perkins (piano) join Muddy and Johnny Winter (both of whom play guitar) to make such songs as “The Blues Had a Baby” and the bonus track, “Walking Through the Park”, into classic blues recordings.

I’m Ready (originally released in 1978) repeats the trick: it's even better than Hard Again, because of its 15 minutes of bonus tracks. Once again, the band is stunning. This time it includes two Muddy contemporaries, guitarist Jimmy Rogers and harp player Walter Horton. The band is at the top of their game on the Willie Dixon-penned titled track (which features two harp players, as Jerry Portnoy joins Horton) and on the superb bonus tracks, “No Escape from the Blues” and “Lonely Man Blues.” Muddy’s vocals are the best in the genre, as evidenced on the tracks “33 Years” and “Screaming and Crying.”

King Bee (originally released in 1981) is the most neglected of the three recordings. It's more somber and intimate. Some out-takes from the Hard Again sessions were added to complete the recording, and the CD suffers a bit - it doesn’t blend together as a whole like the other two releases. Still, King Bee is a must-listen because of the two memorable bonus tracks, “I Won’t Go Down” and “Clouds in My Heart,” which showcase Muddy’s spectacular vocals. The definitive, aching performance on "Clouds" supports Muddy Waters' claims to be regarded as King of the Blues.

So, while I welcome the recent blues resurgence, I recommend these three Muddy Waters albums in front of all the new releases. They're the best the blues has to offer.

Essential music for grown-ups.

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