Amos Wells Blakemore Jr
b. December 9th, 1934 in Memphis (Tennessee)
d. January 15th, 1998 in Chicago (Illinois)
BLUES HIT BIG TOWN
Delmark
June 1953 - April 1954
Originaire de Memphis, il apprend l'harmonica avec son cousin Junior Parker et "Sonny Boy" Williamson. Junior arrive à Chicago en 1948 avec sa mère. Il s'associe rapidement avec les frères Louis & Dave Myers et le batteur Fred Below avec lesquels il forme The Aces. En parrallèle, il démarre une carrière en leader pour le label States de Leonard Allen. Pour ses premiers titres, Junior Wells se montre un brillant chanteur et un remarquable harmoniciste inspiré par Little Walter et les deux "Sonny Boy" Williamson. Derrière lui, on trouve de superbes musiciens comme Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Louis Myers, Otis Spann, Johnny Jones dans le plus pur style de Chicago. Il y a des sommets comme "Hoodoo man blues", "Cut that out", l'instrumental "Eagle rock", l'acoustique "Please throw this poor dog a bone", "'Bout the break of day", "Blues hit big town".
Originally from Memphis, he learned the harmonica with his cousin Junior Parker and "Sonny Boy" Williamson. Junior arrived in Chicago in 1948 with his mother. He associates quickly with the brothers Louis & Dave Myers and drummer Fred Below with whom he forms The Aces. In parallel, he started a career as a leader for the States label owned by Leonard Allen. For his first songs, Junior Wells shows himself to be a brilliant singer and a remarkable harmonica player inspired by Little Walter and the two "Sonny Boy" Williamson. Behind him, we find superb musicians like Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Louis Myers, Otis Spann, Johnny Jones in true Chicago style. There are gems like "Hoodoo man blues", "Cut that out", the instrumental "Eagle rock", the acoustic "Please throw this poor dog a bone", "'Bout the break of day", "Blues hit big town".
THE UNITED RECORDS STORY
Delmark
June 1953
Une prise alternative inédite de "Cut that out" (un standard composé par John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson) issue de sa première séance pour States.
An unissued alternative take of "Cut that out" (a standard composed by John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson) from his first session for States.
50 YEARS OF JAZZ AND BLUES
Delmark
June 1953
Une prise alternative inédite de "Ways like an angel".
An unissued alternative take of "Ways like an angel".
THIS IS THE BLUES HARMONICA vol.2
Delmark
June 1953
Une prise alternative inédite de "Tomorrow night" issue des séances States.
An unissued alternative take of "Tomorrow night" from the States sessions.
JUNIOR WELLS 1957-1963
Paula
CALLING ALL BLUES
Fuel 2000
Westside
September 1957 - February 1963
Après son service militaire en 1955, il reprend son activité de musicien à Chicago. Repéré par le producteur Mel London dans un club de la ville, Junior retrouve l'opportunité d'enregistrer pour ses labels Chief et Profile, accompagné par la fine fleur du Chicago Blues de l'époque : Syl Johnson, Dave Myers, Willie Dixon, Earl Hooker, Otis Spann, Johnny "Big Moose" Walker, A.C. Reed. Après la faillite de Chief en 1961, Junior Wells travaille pour le label U.S.A de Paul Glass. Il s'agit d'une oeuvre de premier plan avec des pépites remarquables comme "Two headed woman", "I could cry", "Come on in this house", "Prison bars all around me", "Messin' with the kid", "Universal rock", "Calling all blues", "She's a sweet one". Superbe harmoniciste, Junior s'impose sur ces faces également comme un remarquable chanteur expressif.
After his military service in 1955, he resumed his activity as a musician in Chicago. Spotted by producer Mel London in a club in the city, Junior finds the opportunity to record for his Chief and Profile labels, accompanied by the best of Chicago Blues of the time : Syl Johnson, Dave Myers, Willie Dixon, Earl Hooker, Otis Spann, Johnny "Big Moose" Walker, A.C. Reed. After Chief's bankruptcy in 1961, Junior Wells worked for Paul Glass' U.S.A label. It is a first-rate work shot with remarkable nuggets like "Two headed woman", "I could cry", "Come on in this house", "Prison bars all around me", "Messin' with the kid", "Universal rock", "Calling all blues", "She's a sweet one". Superb harmonicist, Junior stands out on these sides as a remarkable expressive singer.
HOODOO MAN BLUES
Delmark
September 1965
Cet album reste encore aujourd'hui un chef d'oeuvre du Chicago Blues et le meilleur album de Junior Wells. Produit par Robert Koester pour son label Delmark, il démontre l'expressivité du chant de Junior et la fougue et l'inspiration de son jeu d'harmonica. Au sommet de sa forme, il est accompagné par Buddy Guy - brillant du début à la fin - à la guitare, Jack Myers (basse) et Billy Warren (batterie). Les pépites somptueuses sont nombreuses : "Snatch it back and hold it", "Ships on the ocean", "In the wee hours", "Hey lawdy mama", "Hoodoo man blues", "We're ready". Une version allongée a été publiée avec un titre inédit ("I ain't stranded") et une poignée de prises alternatives. Un album fondamental dans toute collection Blues.
This album remains today a masterpiece of the Chicago Blues and the best album of Junior Wells. Produced by Robert Koester for his Delmark label, it demonstrates the expressiveness of Junior's singing and the ardor and inspiration of his harmonica playing. At his peak, he is accompanied by Buddy Guy - brilliant from start to finish - on guitar, Jack Myers (bass) and Billy Warren (drums). The sumptuous gems are numerous : "Snatch it back and hold it", "Ships on the ocean", "In the wee hours", "Hey lawdy mama", "Hoodoo man blues", "We're ready". An extended version has been released with an unreleased track ("I ain't stranded") and a handful of alternate takes. A fundamental album in any Blues collection.
THIS IS THE BLUES HARMONICA
Delmark
September 1965
Ce "This is the blues harmonica" que joue Junior Wells est en fait une prise alternative de "In the wee hours" capté pendant les séances de "Hoodoo man blues".
This "This is the blues harmonica" that Junior Wells plays is in fact an alternate take of "In the wee hours" captured during the "Hoodoo man blues" sessions.
CHICAGO THE BLUES TODAY vol.1
Vanguard
December 1965
Choisi par le producteur Sam Charters pour figurer sur sa célèbre anthologie, Junior Wells propose ici cinq morceaux remarquables dont un superbe hommage à Sonny Boy Williamson ("Help me"), un titre sur la guerre du Viet-Nam ("Vietcong blues"), une reprise excitante de son "Messin' with the kid". Il est toujours accompagné de Buddy Guy, Jack Myers et Billy Warren.
Chosen by producer Sam Charters to appear on his famous anthology, Junior Wells offers here five remarkable songs including a superb tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson ("Help me"), a track about the Vietnam War ("Vietcong blues"), an exciting cover of his "Messin' with the kid". He is always accompanied by Buddy Guy, Jack Myers and Billy Warren.
IT'S MY LIFE BABY
Vanguard
1966
Album mi-live (4 titres), mi-studio (8 titres) enregistré en 1966. La partie live capturée au Pepper's Lounge contient de beaux moments mais la densité des pistes studio donne à ce disque ses meilleurs passages : "Country girl", "You lied to me", "Stormy monday blues", "Everything's going to be alright". Sans oublier des morceaux d'inspiration Soul-Funk comme "Shake it baby" ou "Stomach ache" dans lesquels il s'inscrit dans le sillage d'un James Brown.
Half-live (4 tracks), half-studio (8 tracks) album recorded in 1966. The live part captured at Pepper's Lounge contains beautiful moments but the density of the studio tracks gives this record its best passages : "Country girl", "You lied to me", "Stormy monday blues", "Everything's going to be alright". Not to mention Soul-Funk-inspired tracks like "Shake it baby" or "Stomach ache" in which he follows in the wake of a James Brown.
BEST OF THE VANGUARD YEARS
Vanguard
1966
Deux titres live inédits provenant du concert au Pepper's Lounge : "Shotgun blues" et "You know that I know".
Two unreleased live tracks from the Pepper's Lounge concert : "Shotgun blues" and "You know that I know".
THE ORIGINAL BLUES BROTHERS
Quicksilver
Magnum
Blue Moon
EVERYDAY I HAVE THE BLUES
Purple Pyramid
LIVE AT THE MYSTERY CLUB
Quicksilver
THE REAL BLUES
Columbia
CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL
Music Avenue
May 1966
Ce concert chicagoan a été publié sous de multiples habillages. On trouve dans certaines éditions des dates fantaisistes (1964 ou 1965). En réalité, d'après la discographie officielle, ce concert est capté en mai 1966 et réunit Junior Wells et Buddy Guy. Malheureusement, la prise de son laisse franchement à désirer : partie instrumentale juste correcte, partie vocale très mauvaise. Au final, il s'agit d'un enregistrement parfaitement dispensable d'autant qu'il existe plusieurs albums live de Junior & Buddy largement supérieurs à celui-ci.
This Chicagoan concert was issued under multiple packagings. In some of them, there are untrue dates (1964 and 1965). In fact, according the official discography, this concert is captured in may 1966 and gathers Junior Wells and Buddy Guy. Unfortunately, the sound quality is clearly flawed : just decent instrumental part, very bad vocals. In the end, this is a perfectly dispensable recording as there are several live albums of Junior & Buddy much better to this one.
YOU'RE TUFF ENOUGH
Blue Rock
Mercury
August 1966 - 1967 (original edition)
August 1966 - May 1969 (extended edition)
Première tentative pour Junior Wells dans un style résolument Soul-Funk pour le label Blue Rock (appartenant à Mercury). Avec le producteur Jack Daniels et les arrangeurs Monk Higgins et Charles Stepney, Junior met au point un son puissant - parfois un peu lourd - une Soul cuivrée dans le style de James Brown. L'album fut rejeté par les puristes du Blues à sa sortie mais il mérite tout de même l'écoute. D'autant plus que son harmonica y reste présent et plutôt bien intégré à des cuivres parfois envahissants. La version allongée ajoute une dizaine de titres (dont quelques inédits).
First attempt for Junior Wells in a decidedly Soul-Funk style for the Blue Rock label (owned by Mercury). With producer Jack Daniels and the arrangers Monk Higgins and Charles Stepney, Junior develops a powerful sound - sometimes a little heavy - a brassy Soul in the style of James Brown. The album was rejected by the Blues purists when it comes out but it still deserves to listen. All the more so as his harmonica remains present there and rather well integrated with sometimes intrusive brass section. The extended version adds about ten titles (including a few unissued takes).
LIVE IN BOSTON
Delmark
September 1966
Retrouvailles de Junior Wells avec les Aces (Louis & Dave Myers, Fred Below) avec lesquels il joue depuis la fin des années 40. Ils se produisent sur la scène du Club 47 à Cambridge (Massachusetts) et semblent en bonne forme. Ils délivrent un bon set de Chicago Blues avec "Man downstairs", "Junior's whoop", "Look on yonder's wall". Ce CD ne fut édité qu'en 2010.
Junior Wells reunites with the Aces (Louis & Dave Myers, Fred Below) with whom he has been playing since the late 1940's. They perform on the stage of Club 47 in Cambridge (Massachusetts) and appear to be in good shape. They deliver a good Chicago Blues set with "Man downstairs", "Junior's whoop", "Look on yonder's wall". This CD was not released until 2010.
THE AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL 1962-1966 vol.1
Hip-O
October 1966
AMERICAN FOLK BLUES FESTIVAL '66
Fontana
L+R
Bellaphon
October 1966
Junior Wells figure à l'affiche de la fameuse tournée européenne de l'American Folk Blues Festival produite par Horst Lippmann et Fritz Rau et supervisée par Willie Dixon. Il donne sur ce disque une version superbe et rapide de "Checkin' on my baby" ainsi qu'un hommage à Sonny Boy Williamson.
Junior Wells stars on the famous American Folk Blues Festival european tour produced by Horst Lippmann and Fritz Rau and supervised by Willie Dixon. He gives on this record a superb and fast version of "Checkin' on my baby" as well as a tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson.
LOOK OUT SAM
Scout
October 1966
Trois titres supplémentaires issus de la tournée de l'American Folk Blues Festival de 1966 dont une belle version de "Vietnam blues" (avec Otis Rush à la guitare).
Three additional tracks from the American Folk Blues Festival 1966 tour including a beautiful version of "Vietnam blues" (with Otis Rush on guitar).
COMING AT YOU
Vanguard
1967
Pour ce second album pour Vanguard, produit par Sam Charters, Junior est associé ici à une section cuivres overdubbée qui prend beaucoup de place. Les arrangements semblent aussi un peu lourds. Cependant, le programme est sympathique et contient de nombreux standards plutôt bien rendus.
For this second album for Vanguard, produced by Sam Charters, Junior is associated here with an overdubbed brass section which takes up a lot of space. The arrangements also seem a bit heavy. However, the program is nice and contains many rather well rendered standards.
LIVE AT THE GOLDEN BEAR
Blue Rock
September 1968
Très bon concert de Chicago Blues sur une scène californienne pour le label Blue Rock. Junior chante parfaitement et se montre inspiré à l'harmonica. Le groupe qui l'accompagne (avec son fidèle batteur Billy Warren) est dense et solide. La belle couverture est conçue par l'illustrateur Victor Moscoso.
Very good Chicago Blues concert on a californian stage for the Blue Rock label. Junior sings perfectly and shows himself inspired on harmonica. The backing band that accompanying him (with his faithful drummer Billy Warren) is dense and solid. The beautiful cover sleeve is designed by illustrator Victor Moscoso.
BLOW BY BLOW
Sundown
1968
Sur cette anthologie, on trouve un titre rare - un hommage à Little Walter - paru initialement sur le label Hit Sound.
On this anthology, there is a rare track - a tribute to Little Walter - originally released on the Hit Sound label.
BUDDY AND THE JUNIORS
Blue Thumb
Harvest
BGO
MCA
EL CAMINO DEL BLUES vol.14
ABC
December 1969
Buddy Guy et Junior Wells se sont connus quand ils étaient chez Chess. Il s'agit ici du premier album dans lequel ils sont associés, premier d'une longue liste. Dès 1969-70, Guy & Wells tournent régulièrement ensemble, faisant en particulier la première partie des Rolling Stones. Sous la supervision de Michael Cuscuna et Bob Krasnow (qui dirige le label Blue Thumb), cette réunion acoustique new-yorkaise rassemble donc Buddy Guy, Junior Wells et le pianiste de jazz Junior Mance. Superbes interactions musicales et vocales entre Buddy et Junior sur "Talkin' 'bout women obviously", "Buddy's blues" et une très jolie reprise du "Hoochie coochie man" de Willie Dixon.
Buddy Guy and Junior Wells first met when they were at Chess. This is the first album - first of a long list - in which they are associated. From 1969 to 1970, Guy & Wells regularly tour together, especially being the opening act of the Rolling Stones. Under the supervision of Michael Cuscuna and Bob Krasnow (who runs the Blue Thumb label), this New York acoustic session brings together Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and jazz pianist Junior Mance. Superb musical and vocal interactions between Buddy and Junior on "Talkin' 'bout women obviously", "Buddy's blues" and a beautiful cover of "Hoochie coochie man" by Willie Dixon.
SOUTHSIDE BLUES JAM
Delmark
December 1969 - January 1970
Pour ce second album chez Delmark, Junior délivre un album à l'atmosphère sombre, aux tempos lents et très émotionnels. Les musiciens font preuve d'un véritable feeling et d'un superbe sens de l'improvisation par moments (Buddy Guy, Otis Spann, Louis Myers, Earnest Johnson, Fred Below). On peut retenir "I could have had religion", "Blues for Mayor Daley", "I wish I knew what I know now" ("In my younger days") et le chef d'oeuvre "Trouble don't last always" (chanté par Buddy Guy). Une version augmentée parait en 2014 et ajoute six titres inédits ("Rock me" qui est un hommage à Muddy Waters, "Got to play the blues", "It's too late brother") et une prise alternative (une version allongée de "I could have had religion").
For this second album at Delmark, Junior delivers an album with a dark atmosphere, slow and very emotional tempos. The musicians show a real feeling and a superb sense of improvisation at times (Buddy Guy, Otis Spann, Louis Myers, Earnest Johnson, Fred Below). We can point out "I could have had religion", "Blues for Mayor Daley", "I wish I knew what I know now" ("In my younger days") and the masterpiece "Trouble don't last always" (sung by Buddy Guy). An extended version was released in 2014 and added six unreleased tracks ("Rock me" which is a tribute to Muddy Waters, "Got to play the blues", "It's too late brother") and an alternative take (an extended version of "I could have had religion").
CHICAGO BLUES : 19 TRACKS FROM THE FILM
Red Lightnin'
April - May 1970
Il s'agit de la bande-son originale du film documentaire "Chicago blues" réalisé par Harley Cokliss. Junior Wells (et son compère Buddy Guy) chante trois morceaux dont "Hoodoo man" et "In my younger days".
This is the original soundtrack for the documentary film "Chicago blues" directed by Harley Cokliss. Junior Wells (and his friend Buddy Guy) sings three songs including "Hoodoo man" and "In my younger days".
BUDDY GUY & JUNIOR WELLS PLAY THE BLUES
Atlantic
Rhino Handmade
BUDDY GUY WITH JUNIOR WELLS AND ERIC CLAPTON
Atlantic
October 1970 / March 1972
A l'origine, il s'agit d'un projet initié par Eric Clapton : placer Buddy Guy et Junior Wells en leader d'un groupe comprenant Clapton lui-même, Dr John et la section rythmique de Derek & The Dominoes (Carl Radle et Jim Gordon). D'autres musiciens furent également recrutés et les séances furent produites par Clapton, Ahmet Ertegun et Tom Dowd. Mais, celles-ci restèrent inédites avant qu'un autre producteur, Michael Cuscuna, n'y ajoute d'autres morceaux dans lesquels Buddy Guy est accompagné par le J. Geils Band. Malgré cette histoire chaotique, il s'agit d'un album majeur : Buddy et Junior - très en forme - se complètent merveilleusement et sont tous les deux brillants. Plusieurs très beaux moments : "A man of many words", "Come on in this house / Have mercy baby", "T-Bone shuffle", "This old fool", "Bad bad whiskey".
Originally, this is a project initiated by Eric Clapton : place Buddy Guy and Junior Wells as leaders of a band including Clapton himself, Dr John and the rhythm section of Derek & The Dominoes (Carl Radle and Jim Gordon). Other musicians were also recruited and sessions were produced by Clapton, Ahmet Ertegun and Tom Dowd. But they remained unpublished until another producer, Michael Cuscuna, adds other tracks in which Buddy Guy is accompanied by The J. Geils Band. Despite this chaotic history, this is a major album : Buddy and Junior - in fine form - complement each other wonderfully and are both brilliant. Many beautiful moments : "A man of many words", "Come on in this house / Have mercy baby", "T-Bone shuffle", "This old fool", "Bad bad whiskey".
DRINKIN' TNT 'N SMOKIN' DYNAMITE
Red Lightnin'
Blind Pig
Sequel
MESSIN' WITH THE KIDS
Castle
June 1974
Alors qu'il est clairement au creux de la vague, il fait son premier passage au festival de Montreux en compagnie de Junior Wells en 1974. Supporté par un groupe un peu raide (Pinetop Perkins, Bill Wyman, Terry & Dallas Taylor), la performance manque un peu de flamme et souffre de quelques longueurs. De bons moments tout de même : "Ah'w baby", "How can one woman be so mean", "Hoodoo man blues".
While he is clearly at the low point, he made his first appearance at the Montreux Festival alongside Junior Wells in 1974. Supported by a small band sometimes stiff (Pinetop Perkins, Bill Wyman, Terry & Dallas Taylor), the performance lacks a little flame and suffers from a few lengths. Some good moments : "Ah'w baby", "How can one woman be so mean", "Hoodoo man blues".
ON TAP
Delmark
1974
Pour une fois, Junior Wells n'est pas associé à son ami Buddy Guy. Ici, il est accompagné par la paire de guitaristes Sammy Lawhorn et Phil Guy (le frère de Buddy). Du Chicago Blues solide et consistant qui ne déçoit pas l'auditeur : "What my mama told me", "So long", "Watch me move", "Junior's thing".
For once, Junior Wells is not associated with his friend Buddy Guy. Here he is accompanied by pair of guitarists Sammy Lawhorn and Phil Guy (Buddy's brother). Solid and consistent Chicago Blues which does not disappoint the listener : "What my mama told me", "So long", "Watch me move", "Junior's thing".
LIVE AT THERESA'S
Delmark
January 1975
Deux concerts au célèbre club Theresa's Lounge en janvier 1975 et paru en 2006. Le premier avec les guitaristes Byther Smith et Phil Guy est excellent, mais le second avec un Sammy Lawhorn peu inspiré retient moins l'attention.
Two concerts at the famous club Theresa's Lounge in january 1975 and released in 2006. The first with guitarists Byther Smith and Phil Guy is excellent, but the second with an uninspired Sammy Lawhorn gets less attention.
LIVE RECORDING AT YUHBIN CHOKIN HALL
Bourbon
March 1975
Disque mythique auprès des collectionneurs du fait de sa rareté et de sa qualité. Attention, pour une fois, la version CD est moins complète que le double-LP (six morceaux de moins). Buddy Guy et Junior Wells sont entourés de Phil Guy, A.C. Reed, Earnest Johnson, Roosevelt Shaw. La qualité sonore est parfaite. On trouve notamment des lectures puissantes de "First time I met the blues", "Stone crazy", "Don't go no further", "Snatch it back and hold it". Probablement le meilleur disque en public de Buddy Guy & Junior Wells.
Mythical disc for collectors because of its rarity and quality. Be careful, for once, the CD version is less complete than the double LP (six tracks less). Buddy Guy and Junior Wells are surrounded by Phil Guy, A.C. Reed, Earnest Johnson, Roosevelt Shaw. The sound quality is perfect. We find especially powerful readings of "First time I met the blues", "Stone crazy", "Don't go no further", "Snatch it back and hold it". Probably the best live record of Buddy Guy & Junior Wells.
LIVE IN MONTREUX
Black & Blue
Evidence
EVERYTHING GONNA BE ALRIGHT
Black & Blue
July 1978
Apparition au célèbre festival de Montreux avec son ami Buddy Guy. Bien supporté par un excellent combo (Jimmy Johnson, Dave Myers, Odie Payne), ils délivrent une belle performance solide mais peu originale.
Appearance at the famous Montreux festival with his friend Buddy Guy. Well supported by an excellent combo (Jimmy Johnson, Dave Myers, Odie Payne), they deliver a nice and solid performance but not very original.
PLEADING THE BLUES
Isabel
Evidence
October 1979
Séance française gravée à Toulouse par Didier Tricard. Junior Wells est accompagné par les frères Buddy & Phil Guy. Ils délivrent un blues intimiste et inspiré comme sur "Pleading the blues", "Just for my baby", "I'll take care of you" ou plus funky sur "Cut out the lights".
French session recorded in Toulouse by Didier Tricard. Junior Wells is accompanied by the brothers Buddy & Phil Guy. They deliver intimate and inspired blues like on "Pleading the blues", "Just for my baby", "I'll take care of you" or more funky on "Cut out the lights".
GOING BACK
Isabel
GOING BACK TO ACOUSTIC
Pure Pleasure
ALONE AND ACOUSTIC
Alligator
May 1981
Une douzaine d'années après l'excellent album acoustique "Buddy & The Juniors", Buddy Guy et Junior Wells sont à nouveau réunis en studio pour rééditer l'expérience acoustique. Appliquée et intimiste, cette séance parisienne mérite une écoute attentive : "Buddy and Junior's thing", "Don't leave me", "I'm in the mood" ainsi que le medley "Baby what you want me to do / That's allright". Produite par Didier Tricard, la set-list fut notablement enrichie par Alligator sous le titre "Alone and acoustic".
A dozen years after the excellent acoustic album "Buddy & The Juniors", Buddy Guy and Junior Wells met again in the studio to repeat the acoustic experience. Applied and intimate, this Parisian session deserves careful listening : "Buddy and Junior's thing", "Don't leave me", "I'm in the mood" and the medley "Baby what you want me to do / That's allright". Produced by Didier Tricard, the set list was significantly enhanced by Alligator under the title "Alone and acoustic".
WIN OR LOSE
Monsoon
1988
HARP ATTACK
Alligator
Spring - Summer 1990
Quatre grands noms de l'harmonica blues rassemblés aux Streeterville Studios de Chicago par Bruce Iglauer pour une réunion fantastique. Junior est brillant sur sa reprise de "Keep your hands out of my pockets" de Sonny Boy Williamson, le superbe "My eyes keep me in trouble" ou la relecture funky de "Broke and hungry". Un groupe cinq étoiles est chargé d'accompagner ces vénérables souffleurs : Michael Coleman, Lucky Peterson, Johnny B. Gayden et Ray "Killer" Allison.
Four big names in the blues harmonica gathered at Streeterville Studios in Chicago by Bruce Iglauer for a fantastic reunion. Junior is brilliant on his cover of Sonny Boy Williamson's "Keep your hands out of my pockets", the superb "My eyes keep me in trouble" or the funky rereading of "Broke and hungry". A five-star backing band accompanies these venerable blowers : Michael Coleman, Lucky Peterson, Johnny B. Gayden and Ray "Killer" Allison.
JUNIOR WELLS AND FRIENDS
Charly
1990's
Recueil de différents titres live capturés sur la scène du club Buddy Guy's Legends dans les années 90. En fait, Junior n'est présent que sur quatre morceaux. La qualité sonore n'est pas très bonne.
Collection of various live tracks captured on the Buddy Guy's Legends club stage in the 90's. In fact, Junior is only present on four tracks. The quality sound is not very good.
UNDISPUTED GODFATHER OF THE BLUES
GBW
December 1992
LAST TIME AROUND : LIVE AT LEGENDS
Silvertone
March 1993
Ce disque fut publié par Silvertone en 1998 après le décès de Junior Wells. Mais, il reprend une prestation antérieure sur la scène du Legends en mars 1993. En configuration acoustique, les deux amis font preuve d'une entente parfaite et privilégient des reprises soignées de classiques du blues ("Still a fool", "Hoochie coochie man").
This record was released by Silvertone in 1998 after the death of Junior Wells. But, he resumed an earlier performance on stage at Legends in march 1993. In acoustic configuration, the two friends show a perfect understanding and favor blues classics polished covers ("Still a fool", "Hoochie coochie man").
BETTER OFF WITH THE BLUES
Telarc
April - June 1993
A NIGHT IN SAN FRANCISCO
Polydor
December 1993
Junior Wells est invité sur scène aux côtés de Van Morrison pour deux morceaux : "Help me" et "Good morning little schoolgirl".
Junior Wells is invited on stage alongside Van Morrison for two tracks : "Help me" and "Good morning little schoolgirl".
THE BLUES IS ALRIGHT
Rockbeat
April 1994
EVERYBODY'S GETTIN' SOME
Telarc
November 1994
Sous la supervision du producteur John Porter, un album totalement impersonnel avec de nombreux invités Rock. Junior Wells semble lui-même mal à l'aise dans ce répertoire très hétérogène (des reprises de War, Temptations, Bill Withers) et très faible.
Under the supervision of producer John Porter, a totally impersonal album with many rock guests. Junior Wells himself seems uncomfortable in this very heterogeneous repertoire (covers of War, Temptations, Bill Withers) and very weak.
THEY CALL ME SHUN
King
ME AND MY GUITAR
Bluesox
June - August 1995
Sur cet album du guitariste japonais Shunsuke Kikuta, Junior chante son classique "Come on in this house".
On this album by japanese guitarist Shunsuke Kikuta, Junior sings his classic "Come on in this house".
FUNKY BLUES
King
ME AND MY GUITAR
Bluesox
June - August 1995
Ici, Junior apparait sur trois morceaux dont un puissant funk "Watch me move".
Here, Junior appears on three tracks including a powerful funk "Watch me move".
COME ON IN THIS HOUSE
Telarc
April - May 1996
Toujours chez Telarc avec le producteur John Porter, il s'agit du dernier album studio de Junior Wells. Il est associé ici avec les meilleurs guitaristes slide du moment : Corey Harris, Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Bob Margolin, Derek Trucks, John Mooney et Sonny Landreth. Séances acoustiques et intimistes qui lui permettent de s'exprimer avec inspiration. Le programme peut apparaitre un peu long (presque 70 minutes).
Always for Telarc with producer John Porter, this is Junior Wells' latest studio album. He is associated here with the best slide guitarists of the moment : Corey Harris, Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, Bob Margolin, Derek Trucks, John Mooney and Sonny Landreth. Acoustic and intimate sessions that allow to express himself with inspiration. The program can appear a bit long (almost 70 minutes).
LIVE AROUND THE WORLD
Legacy
October 1996 - February 1997
Recueil de bandes live provenant des quatres coins du monde (France, Danemark, Japon, Grande-Bretagne) capturées en 1996 et 1997. Une set-list très classique mais bien exécutées, un peu longue. Sympathique mais mineur.
Collection of live tapes from all over the world (France, Denmark, Japan, Great Britain) captured in 1996 and 1997. A very classic set-list but well executed, a bit long. Nice but minor.
LIVE AT BUDDY GUY'S LEGENDS
Telarc
November 1996
Concert au Buddy Guy's Legends. Encore une fois, la set-list reste très classique. Une musique plutôt plaisante mais pas vraiment originale. On trouve toutefois quelques belles parties d'harmonica de Junior Wells, en particulier dans la version intimiste de "Help me" (accompagné de Johnny Iguana à l'orgue).
Concert at Buddy Guy's Legends. Once again, the set-list remains very classic. Rather pleasant music but not really original. However, there are some beautiful harmonica parts by Junior Wells, in particular in the intimate version of "Help me" (accompanied by Johnny Iguana on organ).
PAINT IT BLUE
Ruf
July 1997
Une version inepte et terne du "Satisfaction" des Rolling Stones.
An inane and dull version of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction".