"Not quite as seminal as "The Complete Capitol/Black & White Recordings", this is nervetheless an excellent collection of T-Bone Walker's 52 sides recorded for Lew Chudd's Imperial Records.
Unlike the Capitol and Black & White-waxings, this double-disc set features almost no alternate takes, just the masters and a couple of 78 versions (the only exceptions being a few alternates that have been chosen over the original masters).
And there is plenty of great stuff here...no "Mean Old World" or "Stormy Monday", sure, but a lot of excellent songs like "Glamour Girl", "The Hustle Is On", "Tell Me What's The Reason", "I'm About To Lose My Mind", "Cold, Cold Feeling," and the classic instrumental "Strollin' With Bones".
This music is not meant to be listened to in one long sitting, obviously...even lead guitar innovator Walker's smoky, jazz-flavoured blues isn't quite varied enough for that, and if you're just looking for a place to start, you should go for Rhino's "Blues Masters: The Very Best Of T-Bone Walker", or the excellent "T-Bone Blues" album from Atlantic.
But these 136 minutes of music is a very fine collection for the fan who wants more, and a great tribute to the most influential electric guitar player of all time, the idiom's first true lead guitarist, and still one of its best."
You will be jumpin' and swinging in no time
Stalwart Kreinblaster | Xanadu | 12/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"T-Bone sweet T-Bone - he is the founder of modern blues - and I think he does not get enough credit for his influence on jazz guitar. Kenny Burrell, in fact, has mentioned that T-Bone was one of his early influences. He certainly has a sweet tone, and he has a nice voice too. Pair this with a hot horn section, and this cd is a steal at 10 bucks. T-Bone is a classic."
T-Bone, Well Done
S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 08/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This collection is a great, and economical way to experience one of the giants, not only of blues gutar, but guitar period. T-Bone was one of the pioneers of electric guitar along with Charlie Christian. His Imperial works are smooth and urbane, but still pack a solid wallop. The price is right!"
Wow! Too good to be true!
gordon@ruraltel.net | 06/06/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't hesitate. A full 2 CD's worth of the man who invented modern electric blues, and for [a great price]! An incredible bargain. Must be a cut-out. If so, get this right away, before it's gone. This guy wrote the book on the electric guitar in the forties; these recordings are from the early to mid-50s, and are CLASSIC! His lines are as fluid and musical as ever.Get it before it's gone."
The Incredible T-Bone
political idiot | california | 06/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This double disc compilation is by far the best value in music. You get two discs full of some of the most incredible blues ever recorded by a master all for a good price. This set is madatory listening for any music lover --especially blues lovers."