John Lee Hooker - Face to Face (2003) [FLAC]

Final Recordings, Vol. 1: Face to Face combines previously released material from John Lee Hooker with unfinished tracks he was working on before he died. Compiled by the estate of Hooker, with his daughter Zakiya at the helm, the unreleased material leans heavily toward soul-blues united with Hooker's patented electric Delta boogie. "Loving People," "Funky Mabel," "Six Page Letter" (a ballad with synth strings), and "Rock These Blues Away" are highlights. Zakiya Hooker takes the spotlight on "Mean Mean World," singing lead alongside her father, and the acoustic "Wednesday Evening Blues" features George Thorogood on guitar. Hooker staples "Dimples," "It Serves Me Right to Suffer," "Mad Man Blues," and "Boogie Chillen" also make their perennial appearances. While there are no real surprises here, Face to Face still sounds great and is recommended alongside John Lee's last official releases, Chill Out and Don't Look Back, both on Pointblank. - Review by Al Campbell, allmusic.com

CD: John Lee Hooker - Face To Face
Label: Eagle Records - EAGCD265
Release Date: September 30, 2003


Tracklist

1. Big Road
2. Dimples
3. Loving People
4. Face To Face
5. Funky Mabel
6. It Serves Me Right To Suffer
7. Up And Down
8. Mad Man Blues
9. Six Page Letter
10. Stop Jivin' Me
11. Mean Mean World
12. Turn Over A New Leaf
13. Wednesday Evening Blues
14. Boogie Chillen'
15. Rock These Blues Away


Personnel:

Gary Benson Vocals (Background)
Dickey Betts Guest Artist, Guitar
Elvin Bishop Guest Artist, Guitar
Bowen Brown Drums
Tina Bryant Vocals (Background)
Jack Casady Bass
Anthony Cook Assistant Producer, Guitar
Ruth Davies Bass (Upright)
Marlon Green Drums
Kevin Hayes Drums
Warren Haynes Slide Guitar
John Lee Hooker Composer, Guitar, Primary Artist, Vocals
Billy Friday Johnson Guitar
Terrance Kelly Vocals (Background)
Scott Mathews Drums
Dean McKinney Moore Saxophone
Van Morrison Duet, Guest Artist
Jim Pugh Organ
Tony Saunders Bass, Organ
Joe Thomas Bass, Bass (Upright)
Ron Thompson Guitar, Organ
George Thorogood Guest Artist, Guitar
Kevin Williams Drums
Johnny Winter Guest Artist, Slide Guitar
Robert "Red Top" Young Guitar
Dan Zemelman Piano