Sings Big Bill

This collector's edition includes Muddy Waters' sensational second album, Muddy Waters sings "Big Bill", originally released on the Chess label in January 1960. Muddy's electric recasting of blues pioneer Big Bill Broonzy's usually acoustic numbers is incredibly effective. The guitar work is earthy and throbbing, never superfluous. Backing Waters on harmonica is James Cotton. The collaboration between these two giants makes even the album's lightest song, "Hey, Hey," an exciting, rock solid performance. As for the vocals, Waters was never in better form. His voice is gentle on "How Long," while it threatens on "Double Trouble." Other highlights include "Just a Dream", a wonderfully tough rendition of "Tell Me Baby", the swaggering slow grind of "When I Get to Thinking", the muscular shuffle of "Baby I Done Got Wise", and the classic "I Feel So Good." The drumming of Francis Clayton is exceptionally powerful and more prominent in the mix than on most '50s blues recordings. In addition to the original masterpiece, this essential release includes 4 bonus tracks from the same period: "Meanest Woman," "Forty Days and Forty Nights," "Soon Forgotten," and the fabulous "I Got My Brand on You." An indispensable set for any blues devotee.

Muddy Waters, vocals and guitar

James Cotton, harmonica

Pat Hare, guitar

Andrew Stephenson, bass

Otis Spann, piano

Francis Clay or

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, drums

Recorded at Chess Studio,

Chicago, June-August 1959.