What does it sound like?:
John Lee Hooker would have been a hundred years old, if he was still alive and if his year of birth was accurately recorded. To celebrate, a comprehensive five disc box has been released. The first three CDs track his long studio career over a hundred albums, disc four collects live recordings and disc five consists of collaborations. 100 performances in all.
His style was set from his very first single, Boogie Chillun’ in 1948. He strummed a rhythm on a single chord, stamped his foot to keep time and growled a moaning blues. He had the power and grace of a prowling panther. He effectively invented the boogie, an adaptation of the piano-led boogie-woogie, and mined its golden seam for his entire career. He, Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry established the template for Rock, but Hooker’s appeal was much broader over the years, reaching mods, rude boys, beatniks, blues and jazz fans too.
He did develop over time, starting solo on acoustic guitar, turning electric, going back to Folk, experimenting with other musicians and enjoying a late resurgence with a series of collaborations, but his hypnotic boogie was ever present. All these eras are represented on King Of The Boogie and there are some deep cuts, some previously unreleased tracks and a slew of his ‘hits’. Disc Three is where most of his classics are, such as Boom Boom, Frisco Blues and One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer. The majority of Disc Five was recorded during his fifth decade in the business and he still has the authority to eclipse young upstarts like Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison and Eric Clapton. Only Carlos Santana can stand the heat. Speaking of which, it’s great to see his work with The Groundhogs and Canned Heat acknowledged with a track each.
There are many John Lee Hooker compilations available. Most, focus on a certain label, for example the recent excellent The Modern, Chess & Veejay Singles Collection 1949-62, there is a previous career-spanning four CD set called Hooker released in 2006 and there are plenty of single CD Best Ofs into which the more trepidatious can dip a toe. Indeed, there are even two previous John Lee Hooker compilations called King Of The Boogie. Nevertheless, this box offers a great deal more, has relatively little overlap with others and has the highest sound quality to date.
John Lee Hooker’s music is intoxicating, but, like strong liquor, it takes some getting used to. This beautiful box with its luxurious booklet, costing just shy of fifty notes, may not be the place to start but, for the established fan, it’s a great place to spend some time. King Of The Boogie is a lovely product.
What does it all *mean*?
John Lee Hooker’s music lives on.
Goes well with…
A tapping foot, spotty socks and Bourbon or scotch or both.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Muddy Waters – The Chess Box & Chuck Berry – The Ultimate Collection.
If I was compiling this collection, I’d definitely include the version of Shake It Baby from It Serves You Right Suffer in 1966. Best to buy that album too.
Tiggerlion says
Sugar Mama
https://youtu.be/Ad2vxQmgrsY
Junior Wells says
Can’t beat the king and cobra label stuff over those later collaborations with acolytes.
Of those collaborations, Hooker n Heat with Canned Heat stands out.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Seconded, Hooker ‘n’ Heat is a fantastic tour de force.
John Walters says
The Healer
Tiggerlion says
Good to see him prowl the stage. Interestingly, he stop himself stamping his foot, even when standing up.
SteveT says
Damn you @Tiggerlion was thinking of getting this and your review has convinced. Since I have also ordered Zara MacFarlane on your recommendation you might be getting a letter from my bank manager.
Tiggerlion says
Don’t worry. I’ll convince him it’s a worthwhile investment.
*checks small print*
Colin H says
It’s tempting, Tigs… What can you tell us about the booklet’s quality?
Tiggerlion says
I didn’t have access to the booklet itself, but it’s a 56-page book, including a wide selection of photos, taken throughout the musician’s life, plus new liner notes by John Lee Hooker historian Jas Obrecht, as well as the artist’s longtime manager and friend, Mike Kappus.