Search - Lonnie Brooks :: Wound Up Tight

South Entrance to Chicago Blues

David K. Piluski | Cary, IL United States | 03/16/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Lonnie Brooks is a performer who has to be seen to be fully appreciated. That said, this album is as close to the live performance as any of his recorded material. Like it or not, Chicago Blues is a southern import that has been treated to the howling wind and frozen streets of our lakeside home. Lonnie brings a blues, a south of Beale St. Blues, a Texas/Louisianna blues to the barbeque shacks of Chicago's southside. This album is the anthem for the genre.I have seen Lonnie live countless times, and talked with him recently. In his early 60's the man is passionate about what he does and he remains amazing. His live perfromances have retained some of the staples from this album, but a maturity and a smoky flavor has crept in. Not bad, just different. "Wound Up Tight" returns us to the uncooked, hungrier, less expensive amplifier days where Lonnie was established, but not yet a statesman. Mix in classically trained Ocee Anderson and "Illustrated Man" Johnny Winter on featured guitars, and it's quite a party. Be prepared to want to add more of this to your collection."

Defining Chicago Blues.

Tom | Palatine, IL USA | 02/22/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just another collection of Lonnie greats.The only thing wrong with this album is that Lonnie isn't live, and you probably aren't getting drunk while listening. This album does a great job of catching Lonnie in a good mood, and the songs that make up much of his recent sets.When Lonnie starts singing "Got Lucky Last Night," you just want to shout "Good job dude!"This album should be considered the official Lonnie Brooks primer.I think this is one of the last albums to include guitar genius Ocee Anderson, who went on the leave the LB Band for places unknown.If you love the blues, and need some Chicago sound in your collection, start with this album."