Lightnin' Hopkins - Blues Masters: The Very Best of Lightnin' Hopkins

Another day, another Lightnin' Hopkins collection. It's only to be expected for a musician whose career lasted six decades, and whose recorded output was so profuse (often for several labels simultaneously) that the neophyte is hard pressed to determine which of the many albums, compilations, and box sets to acquire. One could do worse than this collection from Rhino Records, which includes classics such as "Coffee Blues" and "Mojo Hand," and even includes a few songs that aren't to be found on Mojo Hand: The Lightnin' Hopkins Anthology, generally considered the ideal collection for the beginning Hopkins aficionado. While hard-core fans probably have all these songs somewhere in their extensive collections, this CD is ideal for those seeking an introduction to the seminal bluesman. After all, he did help develop Texas blues, played a hand in developing the blues from rural to urban art form, and rode the 1960s folk-blues revival to one of the longest careers in blues history. Covering the 20 years of Hopkins's career between 1941 and 1961, the collection also provides a brief history of the development of the blues over the same period. --Genevieve Williams Amazon.com

Review of "best of Lightnin Hopkins"

Just wanted to say that Item was every thing I expected of it and your attention and response to order was outstanding. will most probably be ordering from you again. May 2, 2008

The art of Lightnin' Hopkins

The songs on this CD were recorded between 1946 and 1961. They cover a wide range of his songs. The instrumentation is spare, with--normally--only Hopkins or playing or only a couple other backing players (sometimes we don't even know who the other musicians were). This is unelectrified blues, hearkening back to an earlier era in the history of the blues.

A handful of examples of his work on this CD:

"Baby please don't go." The cut features simple and spare guitar work by Hopkins. The liner notes comment that (page 12): "They say he only knew three chords on the guitar. I say that made him greater. . . .I saw how he turned technical limitations to aesthetic advantage." He repeats the title line several times to set a tone and atmosphere and implores her not to go to New Orleans. Hopkins plays alone, with no backing instruments.

"Mighty Crazy", too, features no backing musicians. He surely displays a "lived in" voice. He begins the song, as with "Baby please don't go" with a repeat of the title four times.

Finally, "Mojo Hand," one of his better known works. This cut features a nice rhythm section backing him (musicians' names not known). This has some of the best recording quality on the CD. He shows animated singing and spare but effective guitar work.

The liner notes summarize Hopkins' place in the blues world (pages 11-12): "Lightnin' Sam Hopkins was one of the towering geniuses of American music. At a time when big-city blues was electrifying the world, Lightnin' brought us back to the basics. He infused his country sensibility and singular personality into every song he sang." This represents a nice introduction to the work of one of the finest blues players.

May 19, 2007

The blues do not get any bluer than this.........

The blues do not get any bluer than this. This was my first foray into Texas/folk blues, and it will most certainly not be my last, as the music on this CD are some of the most representative blues music I have ever heard. One of my favorite songs is a song sung by both Hopkins and Sonny Terry, Conversation Blues. If you do not like this song, the blues are simply not for you! But every song on here is exceptional, something I had not expected as I picked this up more out of curiosity than anything else. Now, it is one of my favorites to listen to, right up there with Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, and Muddy Waters. The album covers Hopkins career for a 20 year period, from 1941 to 1961, and is ideal for anyone who is starting out their Hopkins' collection(as I was).

Sam "Lightning" Hopkins learned the blues, at least in part, from Blind Lemon Jefferson, and for a time even became his guide. Let the music on this CD be your guide to Texas/folk blues. Surely there can be no better guide for an introduction into this genre.

A definite 5 star pick, especially for all that Rhino has managed to pack on here for the inexpensive price. A must have.

One thing to note however: If you believe from the outset that you will come to love Hopkins' music, Rhino's release of "Mojo Hand" is recommended; it is a 2-CD set of Hopkins career. Either way, you will not go wrong. August 17, 2006

A Much Loved CD

Bought this CD as a gift and he really loves it. He grew up listening to Lightnin' Hopkins, so it really brought back some good memories for him. March 3, 2006

Original "Gutbucket" Blues

A classic from a little known, at least by me, talent. Lightnin Hopkins is easily one of the best blues artists I ever heard. This is down home, back in the day, drafty shack wif dee leaky roof Blues. February 25, 2006

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