John Lee Hooker - Boogie Chillen': The Early Years 1948-1962 - import

Sonny Boy Williamson
Do It If You Wanna: The Best Trumpet & Checker A-Sides 1951-1962
Acrobat 1686 - import compilation LP
   
     John Lee Hooker, known as "The King of the Boogie" and "the Boogie Man", was a true Blues icon. Quality rather than quantity is the key to Hooker's singular success. He did not have a huge number of hits in the R&B chart, but those that did make a major impact would provide some of the key musical architecture for future blues and rock artists. When he came to prominence in the late '40s, he was playing blues in a way that was regarded as somewhat spare, his dark repetitive vocals supported only by his amplified guitar and his stamping foot. His was no overnight stardom. Having paid his dues over many years, once he started recording, he did so prolifically. This fine collection of his earlier songs demonstrates Hooker's blues virtuosity while at the same time establishing his work as a signpost to a deeper understanding of the British Blues explosion. It features a host of early hits including the iconic No.1's "Boogie Chillen'" and "I'm In The Mood", alongside "Hoogie Boogie", "Hobo Blues", "Crawlin' King Snake", "Dimples", "No Shoes" and, naturally, the timeless "Boom Boom"