Thursday, July 28, 2016

When The Blues Was The Dues- Chess Records







CD REVIEW



Chess Records 50th Anniversary Tribute, various artists, Chess 1997



I have recently done a few commentaries on the legendary Sun Records that produced more than its share of both black blues and white rockabilly stars as well as a galaxy of early rock and roll idols ands classic songs. If one were to ask what other record company might have had such influence in those days the natural response should be Chicago’s Chess Records that caught many of the black blues artists as they headed North to reach their own stardom once the limits of what Memphis had to offer a black recording artist gave out. This album is a 50th Anniversary tribute to many of those who made stardom or at least were one-shot johnnies (and janes) on that label.

No Chess Record tribute can be complete, can even be considered as such, unless the name Howlin’ Wolf is mentioned. He is represented here by one of the all time great blues songs (and maybe rock and roll, as well) Little Red Rooster. I know I flipped out the first time I heard it covered by Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones in the early 1960’s. When I heard the Wolf do it I went crazy. Others who stand out here are a litany of blues greats- Etta James, Koko Taylor, Little Milton, and on and on. But here is the tip of the day. What you are getting this CD for is the Wolf’s Little Red Rooster and that is just fine.

1 comment:

  1. "The Red Rooster" by Willie Dixon

    I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
    I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for day
    Keep everything in the barnyard, upset in every way

    Oh the dogs begin to bark, and the hound begin to howl
    Oh the dogs begin to bark, hound begin to howl
    Ooh watch out strange kind people, cause little red rooster is on the prowl

    If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
    If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home
    There ain't no peace in the barnyard, since the little red rooster been gone

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