For decades, this set has been considered one of the top 10 post-war blues albums. “Set” is a good way to describe Hoodoo Man Blues, as the original 1965 LP marked the first time a working Chicago blues band recorded a full studio album release (No 45s were issued). With Buddy Guy (guitar), Jack Myers (bass) and Billy Warren (drums) in tow, Wells gets a sound not far removed from what you’d hear on a Friday night at Theresa’s or Pepper’s Lounge in the mid-1960s, albeit sans the crowd noise and glasses clanking (If you need to hear that with a Chicago blues band, look no further than Magic Sam Live, also on Delmark).
Wells aptly mixes originals with popular blues covers of the era. The title track and “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl” come from the original Sonny Boy Williamson’s songbook, but Wells puts his own stamp on the material with his tough vocals and polished harmonica work. “Schoolgirl” is especially interesting as the song breaks down near the conclusion, just before Guy ties up the proceedings with a strong ending riff.
Muddy’s “Ships on the Ocean” is pushed by Guy’s surging rhythm work, as well as Wells’ pleading vocal and harp. “Early in the Morning” is turned into a classic by Wells when he declares, “One drink of wine, two drinks of gin / a pretty young girl put me in the shape I’m in!” Of the originals, “In the Wee Wee Hours” is powered by some outstanding chromatic harp and “Snatch It Back and Hold It” contains a not-so-subtle dig at James Brown (“I ain’t got no brand new bag.”).
Outside of “I Ain’t Stranded,” an answer to Andrew Brown’s “There’s a Man Downstairs,” the previously unissued material included with this release isn’t exactly a treasure trove as it largely consists of alternate/ unfinished takes and studio banter. The booklet does contain updated notes and some previously unpublished photos. Hard to believe blues buffs missed this the first few times around, but if you did or you’re just getting into the blues, here’s a chance to pick up a classic.
