This is one of the all-time great blues series ever recorded. Aside from the classic Chess albums (
Muddy Waters,
Little Walter,
Howlin' Wolf, etc.), there is no better introduction to Chicago-style blues than this three-volume set. Each one is incredible. This third album contains the Johnny Shines Blues Band, Johnny Young's South Side Blues Band, and
Big Walter Horton's Blues Harp Band with Memphis Charlie Musselwhite. Here are the original Chicago artists who have grown up and played together for most of their lives, so the musical time is spacious -- wide open. This is South Side Chicago blues with a trace of country at its best.
Big Walter Horton plays some of the best harmonica of his career on this album. Listening to Horton on backup and solo harp is an education. This album is definitive. ~ Michael Erlewine