Alternative Boogie: Early Studio Recordings, 1948-52 (1995)
No introduction necessary.
Early recordings that went unreleased for decades until John Lee Hooker’s late 60s/early 70s resurgence.
This is the raw stuff, the roots of a rhythmically intoxicating, patented boogie style that would remain vital to this day – featuring little more than just John Lee, a guitar and a bad attitude.
There are additional musicians on some of these tracks, but they’re largely resigned to the background, way behind Hook’s noisy percussive strumming and relentlessly stomping feet.
Three discs, 56 tracks and alternate takes.
Be aware that this material can often resemble field recordings compared to Hooker’s later, well-known work, but it might be all the more authentic as a result.
Not to mention the politically-, socially- and seven-ways-til-Sunday incorrect, “I’m Gonna Whip Ya Baby.”
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