Track Listings (11) - Disc #1| All Artists: Junior Wells Title: Live Around the World: The Best of Junior Wells Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Label: Sony Original Release Date: 1/1/2002 Re-Release Date: 1/29/2002 Album Type: Live, Original recording remastered Genres: Blues, Pop Styles: Chicago Blues, Electric Blues, Modern Blues, Harmonica Blues Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPCs: 696998567528, 5099750771129 |
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Search - Junior Wells :: Live Around the World: The Best of Junior Wells
 | Junior Wells Live Around the World: The Best of Junior Wells Genres: Blues, Pop
With his rakish sartorial splendor that murmured "Don't mess with me" and a stage swagger to match, it's tempting to dub Chicago blues legend Junior Wells the Godfather of Gangster--except that if Wells were alive, he migh... more » |
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Amazon.com With his rakish sartorial splendor that murmured "Don't mess with me" and a stage swagger to match, it's tempting to dub Chicago blues legend Junior Wells the Godfather of Gangster--except that if Wells were alive, he might just drub, verbally or otherwise, anyone who dared. This live set was culled from club recordings made on what became Wells's final 1996-97 tour across America, Japan, and Europe; he fell ill just months after and passed away a little over a year later. Far from the twilight ramblings of a legend one might expect from such an affair, this collection spotlights a fiery Wells still throwing himself into his performances with deceptive abandon, nearly 50 years on. With his distinctive clipped vocal delivery recalling James Brown (in fact, it probably inspired JB) and his mouth harp sputtering phrases with the same terse economy, Junior cajoles his seasoned eight-piece band through a set that spans his own 'tude-heavy catalog ("Hoo Doo Man," "Messin' with the Kid") through Wells-ified interpretations of standards like "Got My Mojo Workin'," Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster," Sonny Boy Williamson's "Help Me," and a raving take on the contemporary blues "Take Off Your Shoes." While he seemed detached in some of his final studio efforts, this potent farewell not only underscores Wells's genius as a live performer, it takes its unlikely place among his best albums. --Jerry McCulley Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsA decent farewell Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 01/17/2004 (3 out of 5 stars) "When he was at his best, Amos "Junior" Wells was an electrifying live performer. This album finds him in his sixties, shortly before his death, and his speaking voice in particular has become hoarse and a little frail, but his harp playing still sizzles, remaining melodic and invigorating all the way through. Backed by his eight-piece touring band, the last of the great Chicago harpists, and the last living member of Muddy Waters' legendary 50s ensemble, lays down excellent versions of "Sweet Sixteen", "Little Red Rooster", and "Waitin' On The Night Train", as well as a tough "Messin' With The Kid", and a slow, stylish "Hoodoo Man". And Wells' performance on "What My Mama Told Me" is superb, but that track is weighed down a little by too much organ and not enough Junior. The production is almost too smooth and clear, and the band gets dangerously close to funk rather than blues a couple of times, which partly ruins "Got My Mojo Working". But the slow numbers in particular are really good, and pianists Johnny Iguana (!) and Steve Utting play some great blues piano...they just need to stay away from that organ. "Live Around The World" should have been recorded at some greasy club date with a real blues combo instead of this slick, horn-laden eight-piece band. But Junior Wells himself sounds neither tired nor disengaged, and while this shouldn't be your first Junior Wells-purchase, it certainly isn't one to avoid either. 3 1/2 stars." Classic Junior David G. Lucas | 04/26/2002 (5 out of 5 stars) "This show is what used to come regularly out of Chicago on tour, but, sadly, since all the greats are gone, just doesn't anymore. This is Junior Wells at his best, with a cold shot tight band, and all his best stuff. Great Little Red Rooster, Waiting for The Night Train, and Hoo Doo Man. Do not miss this CD if you are a Chicago Blues fan. It is a must." Oh, Junior! To be live in concert again... David G. Lucas | Tsukuba Japan, Chicago IL, Milwaukee WI, Monroe WI | 08/22/2006 (5 out of 5 stars) "Hot! This man could make the hips shake on the statues in the park, and this live album proves it! Junior never lost power, never mellowed with age. He just cut his groove deeper, played his funk sharper, and sang his heart out in every show. Feel it here, and again on Live At Buddy Guy's Legends B000003D5R, and if that doesn't satisfy you get more Junior live again on Last Time Around B00000DF9M for truly uplifting down & dirty Chicago blues!"
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