Soul...In the Beginning - Various Artists (Avco 1970)

Its been a while since I posted the Staple Singers album, so I thought it was high time for a bit more blues. This great compilation came out in 1970 and is excellent from start to finish. Lightning Hopkins rambles his way through a couple of great tunes...his banter is almost as entertaining as the songs themselves. Billy Biser's 'Tell Me Where You Stayed Last Night' is dark and hypnotic, laced with railroad harmonica and anger.

Here's Lightning Hopkins doing 'Mojo Hand' and looking hip in his shades and black shirt...


And here's a great bit of footage of T-Bone Walker playing his electrifying blues guitar...


This clip from a documentary about zydeco music has Clifton Chenier appearing throughout. And its worth a look for the evocative footage from zydeco dances in Louisiana...looks like a great time was had by all.


Tracklist:

01 Lightning Hopkins - December 7, 1941
02 Lightning Hopkins - Mojo Hand
03 Billy Biser - Tell Me Where You Stayed Last Night
04 Calvin Loudmouth Johnson & Johnny Winter - Down and Out
05 Calvin Loudmouth Johnson & Johnny Winter - Lein On Your Body (Mortgage on your Soul)
06 Clifton Chenier - Trouble in Mind
07 Clifton Chenier - Be My Chauffer
08 T-Bone Walker - Please Come Back To Me
09 T-Bone Walker - Treat Your Daddy Well

Get the album HERE.