Hidden Pleasures
Ricky Mullen (RJMSalem@aol.com | Roanoke, Virginia | 05/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although I bought this CD as a Junior Wells fan, and was definitely not disappointed by his performance, the real joy came from finding that the supporting musicians were nothing short of phenominal. Guitar player Kenneth Britt especially shines, so much that I want to know what else he did and where he is now. Douglas Fagan on sax, Willie Monroe on bass, and Bill Warren on drums all turn in stellar performances. Buy this album to hear Junior Wells live at the peak of his form, but the real pleasure is in discovering and listening to the supporting musicians."
I had to have this!
Michael Ary | Portland, OR | 01/24/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"First off let me say I have been a fan of Junior Wells since I was 15... pretty unusual for a white kid in Southern California. I was fortunate to grow up being friends with an unusually talented family. Their musical taste was varied from country and folk to blues and rock. I was introduced to the blues through them and it seemed to grab a hold of something deep within me. I was particularly drawn to the blues harp. I began to collect all the harpist I could find, and of course, it didn't take me long to find Junior Wells. His credentials were solid- Southside Chicago frontman for many blues legends like Muddy Waters, Otis Spann, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy and more. So it was that in 1968, I was able to finally see my hero at a small coffee house called The Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, CA, known more for its folk music crowd than for its blues acts. I could not believe it when I heard that not only was Junior Wells going to play such a venue, but that night he was also going to record the show! Getting this CD was like stepping back in time for me. I had to have it, I was there! His talent is evident on this set, just as tight as I remember him. But, the recording, thought good, is not great. This is the only reason I gave it 4-stars. But don't let that deter you from getting this historical CD, it's a winner... get it while you still can, it's a limited pressing."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1