Top Left: Memphis Slim, Soul Blues. Released in ’74 on ALA, this is a great compilation of Slim’s finer works.  A protege to Big Bill Broonzy, Slim was a dark, passionate blues player with a crisp voice and an impeccable key player. Tracks to note; “Lonesome”, “Big Bertha”, and “One Man’s Mad”.

Bottom Left: The James Cotton Band, 100% Cotton.  Released in ’74 on Buddah Records.  Cotton began his professional career playing the blues harp for the notorious Howlin’ Wolf’ in the early 1950s. After a few solo releases, he formed the Jimmy Cotton Blues Quartet in early ’64, then The James Cotton Band in 1970.  Tracks to note, “Burner”, “Creeper Creeps Again”, and “Boogie Thing”.

Top Right: Bobby Bland, Here’s The Man.  Repress from Duke Records in ’75 of Bland’s 1962 studio album, in rough shape but a rare find.  Notable tracks, “Jelly Jelly Jelly” and “Stormy Monday Blues”.

Bottom Right: John Lee Hooker, Detroit Special. Volume 5 of Atlantic Records “Blues Originals” series, released in 1972. Recordings on this album took place in ’53 and ’61. Slight warp but a great play.  Tracks to note, “Misbehaving Baby” and “I Aint Got Nobody”.