Great compilation of Otis
D. Martine | 12/06/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album/CD is one of the great blues collections. Features Muddy Waters and James Cotton as well as Otis's early drummer S.P Leary on several cuts, but it's all Otis. At first thought this was a bootleg album, with lousy mixing (which it has!)on live cuts.But this is the real deal and gives you a good feel for Spann's artistry both as soloist and dynamite side piano for Muddy. After listening 2 or 3 times, I think this is probably the best Otis Spann album. You'll want more, but its all here. Won't drive my car without it!"
Great Blues from a Great Bluesman & Friends
James Higgins | Hyde Park, MA United States | 10/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is more of a compilation of blues with a variety of band members on different songs all anchored by the great Otis Spann on piano. No piano player can play the two handed style that Otis does so well. He had some great band members playing with him; Muddy Waters on guitar and vocals on a number of live tracks, James Cotton on harp on some others and Willie Dixon and Muddy on a few other tracks. And Otis Spann playing that great piano on all songs except for one organ number. The man is just magnificient. He does a few numbers by himself, too. If you want to hear the blues by the original Chicago bluesmen, grab this record. They do in just a few minutes what the bluesmen of the day either can't do at all or take twice the time."