Muddy Waters was sixty-three when this album was released, and had just left the 'Chess' record label. The record sounds like an artist who is just having a good time; finding joy in the things he does. It's simple and effective. It isn't brilliant though, and I can do without the background 'woops' and 'yeahs' too.
I first tried to get into Blues whilst I was at university by buying a 3CD compliation which, in retrospect was a terrible idea. For every great blues track, there was one that I just couldn't stand and said compilation is sat gathering dust on my shelf as we speak. Having said that, if I were to buy this album, I wouldn't skip it if it came up on my iPod. Muddy Waters (no relation to Roger) had me enthralled from the very beginning of his set, and he sounds like he wasn't even trying that hard. I've heard two 'Live at Newport' albums thus far, the other being from Duke Ellington and this was the best.
Overall: 8/10
Favourite Track: I Got My Mojo Working
Next Album: Bill Evans - Sunday At The Village Vanguard
There's a book you may or may not have heard of called '1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die'. Here is my attempt to do just that. Follow my progress from Frank Sinatra to Arcade Fire as I write my thoughts and feelings about each album.
All errors in this blog are mine, and mine only (unless they're not).
