|
|
 |
|
|
<< Back
|
|
Various - From Clarksdale To Heaven - Remembering John Lee Hooker
|
 Bluesman have come and gone, but only the great ones leave a legacy behind. John Lee Hooker’s soul purpose while he was on this planet was to play and sing the blues. The music world is still lamenting his passing. His music and legacy will continue to grow just as the great ones that came before him.
In this world of a gazillion different formats of music there are compilations, reissues, and tribute albums. Few really leave a lasting impression. The blues has a hole in its belly without John Lee, and it was time that all the stars that are still burning bright laid down some tracks in the studio in respectful memory of Mr. Hooker. Well now, do I have a tribute album for you to feast your ears on, It’s called “From Clarksdale To Heaven – Remembering John Lee Hooker” and it’s the best tribute album I have heard all year, bar none.
In a fitting mark of respect to the man and his music, Hooker’s daughter Zakiya opens up the set with “I Want To Hug You,” and to close out the CD Hooker, Booker T, and Randy California make their way through a smokin’ version of “Red House.” At the end of the track Hooker says-“That’s a good one, let’s hear it.” It is an uncut version, which gives you an up-close listen to the entire process from start to finish. Everything else snuggled in between the beginning and end is just incredible. Peter Green, Tony McPhee, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Mick Taylor, Gary Moore, and many others are part of this star-studded affair. Actually, I am bit surprised that Carlos Santana was not part of this; John Lee was his soul mate. Who knows? Santana probably has his own plans in the works for a Hooker tribute. Gary Moore and Jack Bruce crank out “Serve Me Right To Suffer”; it is a superlative rendering of one of the classic blues romps of our day. Moore and Bruce make a fine combo, I wish they would get together and cut an entire blues album. The best cut on the CD is “Hobo Blues,” Jeff Beck does a kick ass job; his playing is to die for. Those are just a few of the highlights that caught my ear. There is not a throwaway tune in the entire lot, how could there be? This is Hooker’s blues.
John Lee must have a cat-that-ate-the-canary grin from ear to ear knowing how the world of music has done his artistry such justice. This tribute honors him beyond words. Lawd have mercy! This is da blues cookin’ on all four burners!
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
