Search - J.B. Hutto :: Masters of Modern Blues

A great roots blues record.

08/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the top blues records in my collection. I have been listening to the LP of this for several years and never get enough of it. The band is the cream of chicago blues, Willie Horton on harp, Fred Bellows on Drums, and Lee Jackson on Bass, with JB on slide& vocals, as well as Johnny Young on guitar. This record romps and stomps through standards like "dust my broom", as well as lesser known gems like "My kind of woman" and "sloppy drunk." There is a very earthy sound and the band is allowed plenty of room to move. this record is unique in postwar blues for it's feel and all around sound. The only one similar that come to mind is "Super Blues" with Muddy waters, Little Walter and Bo Diddley. It has a similar energy and drive. There is enough blues on this record to satisfy event the most die hard enthususiast. If you a re a fan of postwar chicago blues, BUY this record! I am very happy to see this record re-released on CD."

****1/2 - one of Hutto's best

Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 10/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In 1966, J.B. Hutto cut most of the tracks that were to become his magnificent "Hawk Squat" LP, but he also found time to lay down this fine set for producer Pete Welding's Testament Records.



"Masters Of Modern Blues" is credited to J.B. Hutto & The Hawks, yet these aren't the Hawks that worked with him on "Hawk Squat" (with the exception of bassist/guitarist Lee Jackson), but rather an all-star combo which includes guitarist Johnny Young, legendary harpist Walter Horton, and the great Fred Below, whose tough, cymbal-rattling drumming can be heard on recordings by Chuck Berry, Buddy Guy, Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter and several others.

The shy and introvert Walter Horton's influence on blues harmonica is hugely underestimated, and he is a tremendous asset on this album. His unmistakable harp winds its way through the proceedings, lending an earthy, "traditional" blues flavour to the songs, yet it blends supremely well with Hutto's fiery, Elmore James-derived slash-and-burn guitar playing.



Many of these tunes are cover songs, including excellent, raw takes on Big Joe Williams' "Sloppy Drunk" and Robert Johnson's "Dust My Broom" (a la Elmore James).

And Hutto and his All-Star Hawks also do a great rendition of Jimmy Oden's "Going Down Slow" (one of the best of many versions of this song I've heard), as well as a groovy take on Johnny Young's "Wild Wild Woman", and a funky "Mistake In Life" (originally by pianist Roosevelt Sykes).

But the originals are excellent as well, most notably Hutto's tribute to his wife, the powerful "Lulubelle's Here", the syncopated "My Kind Of Woman", the slow, intense "The Girl I Love", and the smouldering "Pet Cream Man".



This otherwise excellent installment in the "Masters Of Modern Blues" series suffers a little from mediocre fidelity, but that shouldn't deter anyone from picking it up. This is high-octane Chicago blues at its finest.

4 1/2 stars - highly recommended."