Various Artists
Essential Chicago Blues: Rarities Collection

These twenty tracks were re-mastered from the original tapes. The songs were recorded by Chess Producer/Engineer, Norman Dayton, in Chicago in the early 60's: live performances, recorded exactly as they were played. Many cuts were recorded during performances in small clubs around Chicago, others in makeshift studios set up in basements or apartments.
Highlights include Dr. Isiah Ross' 'Chicago Breakdown' and 'V-8 Ford Blues' by James Cotton, joined by Paul Butterfield on harp and Elvin Bishop on National Resonator guitar. This disc documents the blues scene of this time and place uncluttered by the production and commercialization brought about soon after by the big record companies. Liner notes written by Bill Dahl.
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FEATURED TRACK"Preachin' Blues - Son House"
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TRACK LISTING
- 1. Whistling Pines - Big Joe Williams
- 2. Minglewood Town - John Lee Granderson
- 3. Chicago Breakdown - Dr. Isaiah Ross
- 4. I Feel So Worried - Big Joe Williams
- 5. V-8 Ford Blues - James Cotton/Elvin Bishop
- 6. Cryin' Won't Make Me Stay - Maxwell Street Jimmy
- 7. Michigan Water Blues - Little Brother Montgomery
- 8. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl - John Lee Granderson
- 9. Hobo Blues - Dr. Isaiah Ross
- 10. Stack O' Dollars - Big Joe Williams
- 11. Polly Put The Kettle On - James Cotton
- 12. Five Long Years - Eddie Boyd
- 13. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl - Dr. Isaiah Ross
- 14. Alberta - Maxwell Street Jimmy
- 15. I Ain't Got Nobody - Big Joe Williams
- 16. Preachin' Blues - Son House
- 17. I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down - Rev. Robert Wilkins
- 18. Pleadin' Blues - Little Brother Montgomery
- 19. Lend Me Your Love - Sunnyland Slim
- 20. Two Trains Running - Maxwell Street Jimmy