The Best Of Little Walter

This is a blues classic by one of the most legendary harp players, Little Walter.  Unlike the suggestion that the title makes, this was his first album.

Generally when we see "Best Of", we are led to think that a few albums have come before.  In this case, the Checker label had signed him and decided to go with the title.  The album was infact a compilation of songs which Walter had recorded as singles.  Shortly after the album's release, Chess bought the contract and decided to keep the album intact, even using the same call number in their catalogue.

Walter has an extremely soulful style and is technically proficient to boot.  My favorite tracks are Juke and Mean Old World  There's no doubt that this is one of the greatest harmonica albums ever put on wax, if not one of the greatest blues/r&b sides.  If you haven't heard this, you better skip to it and thank poppachubby later!!  A stone cold classic... enjoy!!

Chess Masters CH-9192
1986

Originally released on Checker LP-1428, 1958
Re-issued on Chess LP-1428 1958

A
1. "My Babe" (Willie Dixon) 2:44
2. "Sad Hours"   3:15
3. "You're So Fine"   3:07
4. "Last Night"   2:46
5. "Blues with a Feeling"   3:10
6. "Can't Hold Out Much Longer"   3:03

B
1. "Juke"   2:47
2. "Mean Old World"   2:57
3. "Off the Wall"   2:52
4. "You Better Watch Yourself"   3:04
5. "Blue Lights"   3:14
6. "Tell Me Mamma"   2:47

Little Walter – lead vocals, harmonica
Muddy Waters – guitar on "Juke" and "Can't Hold Out Much Longer"
Jimmy Rogers – guitar on "Juke" and "Can't Hold Out Much Longer"
David Myers – guitar
Louis Myers – guitar
Leonard Caston – guitar on "My Babe"
Robert Lockwood, Jr. – guitar on "My Babe"
Willie Dixon – bass, producer
Elgin Evans – drums on "Juke" and "Can't Hold Out Much Longer"
Fred Below – drums

Recorded in Chicago