Morris Holt
b. August 7th, 1937 in Torrance (Mississippi)
d. February 21th, 2013 in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
AUTHENTIC CHICAGO BLUES
Beacon
Windmill
1966
Fils de métayers, il grandit à Torrance puis à Grenade dans le Mississippi. Il arrive à Chicago en 1955 et retrouve son ami d'enfance Magic Sam. En référence à son ami, il prend le pseudonyme de Magic Slim. Au contraire de Sam, il met longtemps à se faire connaitre. Découragé, il retourne dans le Sud pour travailler. Mais finalement, il revient pour de bon à Chicago en 1965 bientôt rejoint par son frère Nick Holt. Avec lui, Slim forme son propre groupe, les Teardrops et devient un artiste régulier du Florence's. On retrouve ici le premier simple de Magic Slim pour le label Ja-Wes avec le dansant "Scuffling" mais surtout l'excellent blues "Love my baby".
Son of sharecroppers, he grew up in Torrance then in Grenada, Mississippi. He arrived in Chicago in 1955 and found his childhood friend Magic Sam. In reference to his friend, he took the pseudonym of Magic Slim. Unlike Sam, he takes a long time to make himself known. Discouraged, he returned to the South to work. But eventually he comes back for good in Chicago in 1965 soon joined by his brother Nick Holt. With him, Slim forms his own group, the Teardrops and becomes a regular artist at the Florence's. We find here Magic Slim's first single for the Ja-Wes label with the dancing "Scuffling" but above all the excellent blues "Love my baby".
BLUES OBSCURITIES vol.7
Blues Obscurities
1969
De nouveau pour le label Ja-Wes, un nouveau titre "She's mine" avec son frère Nick Holt et sa puissante basse.
Again for the Ja-Wes label, a new track "She's mine" with his brother Nick Holt and his powerful bass.
3 THUNDERIN' TRACKS (EP)
Rooster
GRAND SLAM
Rooster
P-Vine
Orbis
May 1975
Trois morceaux enregistrés aux Ter-Mar Studios (ex-studios Chess) pour le label Mean Mistreater du batteur Steve Cushing dont les superbes "Wonder why" et "If you need me" (chanté par Alabama Pettis Jr). Ces trois titres furent repris dans le EP "3 thunderin' tracks" puis réédités dans les versions CD de "Grand slam".
Three tracks recorded at Ter-Mar Studios (ex-studios Chess) for the Mean Mistreater label of drummer Steve Cushing including the superb "Wonder why" and "If you need me" (sung by Alabama Pettis Jr). These three tracks were included in the EP "3 thunderin' tracks" and then reissued in the CD versions of "Grand slam".
BORN ON A BAD SIGN
MCM
Storyville
November 1976
Après dix ans dans le circuit des clubs de Chicago, Magic Slim trouve l'opportunité de graver un album complet sur la scène du Ma Bea's grâce à la française Marcelle Morgantini. Du pur Chicago Blues puissant et terrien avec des inclinaisons West Side bien soutenu par Alabama Pettis Jr (guitare) et ses frères Nick (basse) et Douglas (batterie). Les titres sont parfois un peu trop longs mais intenses. Bon chanteur mais surtout excellent guitariste au jeu perçant et incisif. La réédition en CD par Storyville ajoute cinq titres supplémentaires.
After ten years in the Chicago club circuit, Magic Slim finds the opportunity to cut a full album on the Ma Bea's stage thanks to the french Marcelle Morgantini. Pure, powerful and down-home Chicago Blues with West Side leanings well supported by Alabama Pettis Jr (guitar) and his brothers Nick (bass) and Douglas (drums). The titles are sometimes a little too long but intense. A good singer but above all an excellent guitarist with a piercing and incisive playing. Storyville CD reissue adds five additional tracks.
LET ME LOVE YOU
MCM
Storyville
November 1976
Second volume après "Born on a bad sign" du concert de Magic Slim au Ma Bea's. C'est la française Marcelle Morgantini, de passage à Chicago, qui capte ce concert pour son label MCM. Encore une fois, les titres paraissent parfois un peu longs mais il s'agit tout de même d'un intéressant témoignage d'un concert dans un club de Blues. Trois morceaux additionnels furent ajoutés dans la réédition CD de Storyville.
Second volume after "Born on a bad sign" from the Magic Slim concert at Ma Bea's. It is the french Marcelle Morgantini, passing through Chicago, who captures this concert for her MCM label. Once again, the titles sometimes seem a little long but it is all the same an interesting testimony of a concert in a Blues club. Three additional tracks were added in the Storyville CD reissue.
CHICAGO BLUES NIGHTS vol.1
Storyville
November 1976
Un titre supplémentaire, chanté par Alabama Pettis Jr, provenant du même concert que "Born on a bad sign" et "Let me love you".
An additional track, sung by Alabama Pettis Jr, from the same concert as "Born on a bad sign" and "Let me love you".
CHICAGO BLUES SHOWS OF THE 70'S
CSR
March 1977
Le pianiste Bob Riedy organisa plusieurs tournées et séances d'enregistrement avec des bluesmen chevronnés dans les années 70. Parmi eux, Magic Slim participa à certaines d'entre elles. Dans ce double CD, on l'entend sur 5 titres en particulier sur les superbes "Trouble blues" et "You upset me baby".
Pianist Bob Riedy organized several tours and recording sessions with seasoned bluesmen in the 1970's. Among them, Magic Slim participated in some of them. In this double CD, we can hear him on 5 tracks in particular on superb "Trouble blues" and "You upset me baby".
I DIDN'T GIVE A DAMN IF WHITES BOUGHT IT vol.3, 4 & 5
Red Lightnin'
THAT AIN'T RIGHT
Delmark
March 1977
Le producteur Ralph Bass devait produire une série de dix albums de Blues pour le label TK d'Henry Stone. Les titres furent enregistrés par les différents artistes dont Magic Slim mais ne furent pas édités. Bass les vendit finalement au label anglais Red Lightnin' qui les dissémine sur ses anthologies "I didn't give a damn if whites bought it". Plus tard, Delmark rachète une partie du matériel et le propose en CD. Concernant Magic Slim, six morceaux furent édités sur trois volumes des anthologies Red Lightnin'. Certains de ses titres seront repris dans le CD Delmark "That ain't right" (mais pas tous) qui ajoute deux titres inédits (en outre, le CD est partagé avec Joe Carter et Fred Below). On retient notamment de belles versions de "In the dark", "She is mine" et "Cummins prison farm".
Producer Ralph Bass was to produce a series of ten Blues albums for Henry Stone's TK label. The titles were recorded by various artists including Magic Slim but were not issued. Bass finally sold them to the english label Red Lightnin' which disseminates them on his anthologies "I didn't give a damn if whites bought it". Later, Delmark bought some of the material and offered it on CD. Regarding Magic Slim, six tracks were published in three volumes of the Red Lightnin' anthologies. Some of his tracks will be included in the Delmark CD "That ain't right" (but not all) which adds two unreleased tracks (in addition, the CD is shared with Joe Carter and Fred Below). We notably point out beautiful versions of "In the dark", "She is mine" and "Cummins prison farm".
LIVING CHICAGO BLUES vol.2
Alligator
Sonet
July 1978
Cette célèbre anthologie produite par Bruce Iglauer et Richard Mac Leese propose un panorama de la scène blues de Chicago à la fin des années 70. Magic Slim, actif dans la ville depuis une quinzaine d'années, y figure naturellement. Accompagné de son groupe habituel (Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt, Joel Poston), il délivre quatre remarquables morceaux tels que "Stranded on a highway" ou "Spider in my stew".
This famous anthology produced by Bruce Iglauer and Richard Mac Leese offers an overview of the Chicago blues scene in the late 1970's. Magic Slim, active in the city for fifteen years, appears here naturally. Accompanied by his usual backing band (Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt, Joel Poston), he delivers four remarkable songs such as "Stranded on a highway" or "Spider in my stew".
HIGHWAY IS MY HOME
Black & Blue
Evidence
November 1978
Séance française supervisée par Jacques Morgantini qui donne enfin l'opportunité à Magic Slim de graver son premier album studio complet. Slim propose ici un album très consistant dans son style typique : un Chicago Blues puissant, sans fioritures, terrien et volontiers axé sur la guitare. Parmi les meilleurs moments, on peut mentionner "Highway is my home", "Living in my neighborhood", "Man or mouse", "Country girl" et "Something more". Slim est brillant bien supporté par un groupe compact : Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt et Fred Below. On trouve trois titres supplémentaires dans la version CD Black & Blue.
French session supervised by Jacques Morgantini which finally gives Magic Slim the opportunity to record his first full studio album. Slim offers here a very consistent album in his typical style : a powerful Chicago Blues, no frills, down-home and willingly focused on guitar. Among the best moments, we can mention "Highway is my home", "Living in my neighborhood", "Man or mouse", "Country girl" and "Something more". Slim is brilliant well supported by a compact backing band : Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt and Fred Below. There are three additional tracks in the Black & Blue CD.
LIVE 'N BLUE
Candy Apple
March 1979
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.1 : DON'T TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES
Wolf
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.2 : SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOIN' TO ME
Wolf
Concert au Zoo Bar de Lincoln (Nebraska) paru en LP sur le label Candy Apple puis repris sur 2 CD Wolf. Un bon concert dans le style caractéristique du bluesman. On retient "Don't tell me about your troubles", "Goin' to New York", "I'm doin' fine".
Concert at the Zoo Bar in Lincoln (Nebraska) released on LP on the Candy Apple label then included on 2 Wolf CDs. A good concert in the characteristic bluesman style. We can point out "Don't tell me about your troubles", "Goin' to New York", "I'm doin' fine".
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.1 : DON'T TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES
Wolf
March 1979
On trouve sur ce CD des titres live provenant des mêmes concerts que ceux du LP "Live 'n blue". Comme précédemment du bon blues pas franchement original mais accrocheur et bien joué. Il y a de bons moments comme la sympathique reprise de "Green onions" mais aussi "Have mercy darlin'" et "Grass is greener" (en fait une reprise de "Don't burn down the bridge").
Live tracks from the same concerts as the LP "Live 'n blue" can be found on this CD. As before, good blues not really original but catchy and well played. There are good moments like the nice cover of "Green onions" but also "Have mercy darlin'" and "Grass is greener" (in fact a cover of "Don't burn down the bridge").
DOING FINE
Isabel
March 1980
Séance française enregistrée à Toulouse par Jacques Morgantini et Didier Tricard. Dans la continuation de l'excellent "Highway is my home", Slim propose ici encore une belle tranche de son blues brut avec "Gravel road", "You can't lose what you ain't got", "A woman treats a good man so bad", "She left me" (chanté par Alabama Pettis Jr).
French session recorded in Toulouse by Jacques Morgantini and Didier Tricard. In the continuation of the excellent "Highway is my home", Slim offers here again a beautiful slice of his raw blues with "Gravel road", "You can't lose what you ain't got", "A woman treats a good man so bad", "She left me" (sung by Alabama Pettis Jr).
IN THE HEART OF THE BLUES
Isabel
March 1980
Ce disque est issu de la même séance que le précédent "Doing fine". Avec son groupe solide (Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt, Nathan Applewhite), Magic Slim délivre son blues simple et puissant : "In the heart of the blues", "Don't tell me about your troubles", "It's too late" (chanté par son frère Nick).
This record comes from the same session as the previous one "Doing fine". With his solid group (Alabama Pettis Jr, Nick Holt, Nathan Applewhite), Magic Slim delivers his simple and powerful blues : "In the heart of the blues", "Don't tell me about your troubles", "It's too late" (sung by his brother Nick).
RAW MAGIC
Alligator
March 1980
Ce disque Alligator est en fait une compilation des faces Isabel agrémenté d'un titre inédit : une prise alternative de "Gravel road".
This Alligator record is in fact a compilation of Isabel sides enhanced with an unreleased title : an alternative take of "Gravel road".
T.V. DINNER BLUES
Blue Dog
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.2 : SEE WHAT YOU'RE DOIN' TO ME
Wolf
April 1982
Nouveau concert au Zoo Bar de Lincoln avec son groupe régulier (Pete Allen a remplacé Alabama Pettis Jr). De bons moments comme "Have you ever seen a one-eyed woman cry", l'instrumental "14th street blues". Le LP publié par Blue Dog a été repris en CD par Wolf.
New concert at Lincoln's Zoo Bar with his regular band (Pete Allen replaced Alabama Pettis Jr). Good times like "Have you ever seen a one-eyed woman cry", the instrumental "14th street blues". The LP released by Blue Dog was reissued on CD by Wolf.
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.3 : TEARDROP
Wolf
April 1982 / 1984 - 1985
Ce CD rassemble plusieurs concerts capturés au Zoo Bar dans la première partie des années 80. Magic Slim et son groupe sont bien en place et délivrent de belles faces. Pas toujours très original mais bien réalisé. On peut retenir en particulier "You don't have to go", "You know what my body needs".
This CD brings together several concerts captured at the Zoo Bar in the first part of the 80's. Magic Slim and his band are well in place and deliver beautiful sides. Not still very original but well done. We can point out in particular "You don't have to go", "You know what my body needs".
GRAND SLAM
Rooster
P-Vine
Orbis
June 1982
Produit par Jim & Amy O'Neal ainsi que Mick & Cilla Huggins pour le label Rooster, cet album est rempli comme d'habitude de ce bon Chicago Blues solide et sans fioritures mais parfois hiératique. Slim rend hommage à son ami d'enfance Magic Sam avec la reprise de "She belongs to me". Mais on peut mentionner aussi "Early every morning", "Just to be with you", "Fannie Mae" et "1823 South Michigan Avenue". Sur les versions CD ont été ajoutés ses trois titres de 1975 gravés pour le label Mean Mistreater.
Produced by Jim & Amy O'Neal as well as Mick & Cilla Huggins for the Rooster label, this album is filled as usual with that good solid Chicago Blues without flourishes but sometimes hieratic. Slim pays homage to his childhood friend Magic Sam with the cover of "She belongs to me". But we can also mention "Early every morning", "Just to be with you", "Fannie Mae" and "1823 South Michigan Avenue". On the CD versions were added his three tracks from 1975 recorded for the Mean Mistreater label.
BLUES FROM THE ZOO BAR
Blue Dog
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.3 : TEARDROP
Wolf
Mid - 1980's
Encore un concert au Zoo Bar de Magic Slim. Celui-ci comme les précédents présente le bluesman parfaitement en forme avec un groupe compact derrière lui (John Primer à la seconde guitare). On retient "Talk to your daughter", l'instrumental "Teardrop", le medley "Tin Pan Alley/The blues is all right".
Another concert at Magic Slim's Zoo Bar. This one like the previous ones presents the perfectly fit bluesman with a compact band behind him (John Primer on second guitar). We point out "Talk to your daughter", the instrumental "Teardrop", the medley "Tin Pan Alley / The blues is all right".
ALONE AND UNPLUGGED
Wolf
prob. 1985
Comme le titre l'indique, Magic Slim joue ici seul en mode acoustique. Ces enregistrements avaient été réalisés par la petite marque Blue Dog mais ne virent jamais le jour. Ils furent repris en CD par Wolf environ dix ans plus tard en 1995. Les deux premiers morceaux - "Mixed up about you" et "Bring me my shotgun" - sont excellents mais le reste semble beaucoup plus inégal. On retient tout de même "Tough enough", "Sadie" (une reprise d'Hound Dog Taylor), "Nothin' for nothin'". Une bonne occasion d'entendre Magic Slim dans un contexte atypique.
As the title suggests, Magic Slim plays here alone in acoustic mode. These recordings had been made for the small imprint Blue Dog but never saw the light of day. They were picked up on CD by Wolf about ten years later in 1995. The first two tracks - "Mixed up about you" and "Bring me my shotgun" - are excellent but the rest seems much more uneven. We still point out "Tough enough", "Sadie" (a cover of Hound Dog Taylor), "Nothin' for nothin'". A good opportunity to hear Magic Slim in an atypical context.
CHICAGO BLUES SESSION vol.3
Wolf
September 1986
Remarquable album avec son groupe régulier John Primer, son frère Nick Holt et Nate Applewhite. Puissant et varié, il recèle de beaux moments : "Mama talk to your daughter", "I got money", "Ain't that nice", "She moves me" (une reprise de Muddy Waters chantée par John Primer). La version CD ajoute des morceaux provenant de séances de 1987 et 1989 (dont le slow-blues "So easy to love you").
Remarkable album with his regular backing band John Primer, his brother Nick Holt and Nate Applewhite. Powerful and varied, it conceals beautiful moments : "Mama talk to your daughter", "I got money", "Ain't that nice", "She moves me" (a cover of Muddy Waters sung by John Primer). The CD version adds tracks from 1987 and 1989 sessions (including the slow-blues "So easy to love you").
TEARDROPS BLUES JAM
Wolf
September 1986 / February 1987 / February 1989 / May 1991 / June 1992
On retrouve dans ce disque hétérogène des titres joués par Magic Slim et par ses Teardrops : Nick Holt, John Primer, Alabama Pettis Jr, Earl Howell à différents moments entre 1986 et 1992. Le contenu est donc très inégal et celui qui s'en tire le mieux est évidemment Slim lui-même avec le furieux "Hey baby can't you see what you're doin' to me" ou "Whole lotta lovin'".
We find in this heterogeneous record titles played by Magic Slim and by his Teardrops : Nick Holt, John Primer, Alabama Pettis Jr, Earl Howell at different times between 1986 and 1992. The content is therefore very uneven and the one who does the best is obviously Slim himself with the furious "Hey baby can't you see what you're doin' to me" or "Whole lotta lovin'".
LIVE AT BLUES
Blues R&B
December 1986
Concert capturé au club B.L.U.E.S de Chicago. Pas forcément très original mais il s'agit tout de même d'une solide tranche de Chicago Blues comme Magic Slim savait le délivrer. Des moments sympathiques comme "Jimmie", "Help yourself" ou "Mother fuyer".
Concert captured at the B.L.U.E.S club in Chicago. Not necessarily very original but it is still a solid slice of Chicago Blues as Magic Slim knew how to deliver. Nice moments like "Jimmie", "Help yourself" or "Mother fuyer".
CHICAGO BLUES SESSION vol.10
Wolf
February 1989 / May 1991
Cet album est partagé entre les deux frères Magic Slim (6 titres) et Nick Holt (4 titres). Slim y joue notamment des reprises de "Bad boy", "You can't lose what you ain't never had", un excellent "How much more" ou "Dust my broom".
This album is shared between the two brothers Magic Slim (6 tracks) and Nick Holt (4 tracks). Slim plays there covers of "Bad boy", "You can't lose what you ain't never had", an excellent "How much more" or "Dust my broom".
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.4 : SPIDER IN MY STEW
Wolf
mid 1980's
Encore un concert provenant du Zoo Bar de Lincoln publié par le label Wolf. Une tracklist trop longue et sans originalité, suite de reprises de standards. Certains titres sont médiocrement chantés par Earlene Owens.
Another concert from Lincoln's Zoo Bar released by the Wolf label. A tracklist that is too long and without originality, a series of covers of standards. Some titles are poorly sung by Earlene Owens.
MAGIC SLIM LIVE
Plymouth House
THE ZOO BAR COLLECTION vol.5 : HIGHWAY IS MY HOME
Wolf
September 1989
Nouvel album live publié d'abord par Plymouth House puis repris par Wolf (dans la série Zoo Bar). Encore une fois, la tracklist se révèle trop longue (titres trop étirés) avec trop de reprises au détriment d'un répertoire plus personnel. A conseiller uniquement aux amateurs confirmés de Magic Slim.
New live album first released by Plymouth House then picked up by Wolf (in the Zoo Bar series). Once again, the tracklist turns out to be too long (titles too extended) with too many covers to the detriment of a more personal repertoire. Recommended only for experienced Magic Slim enthusiasts.
GRAVEL ROAD
Blind Pig
Crosscut
prob. February 1990
Ce "Gravel road" marque la première collaboration avec le label Blind Pig - avec lequel il travaillera jusqu'à sa mort - et pour lequel il donnera ses meilleurs opus. Pour cette première livraison, la production est confiée à Jerry Del Giudice et Steve Freund. Derrière Slim, on trouve John Primer (guitares) qui chante sur trois morceaux, Steve Freund (guitares), Nick Holt (basse) et Michael Scott (batterie). Un disque bien construit, varié avec d'excellents moments : "Gravel road", "Hard to handle", "Bad luck is fallin'", "Prisoner of love".
This "Gravel road" marks the first collaboration with the Blind Pig label - with which he will work until his death - and for which he will give his best opus. For this first installment, the production is entrusted to Jerry Del Giudice and Steve Freund. Behind Slim, we find John Primer (guitars) who sings on three tracks, Steve Freund (guitars), Nick Holt (bass) and Michael Scott (drums). A well constructed record, varied with excellent moments : "Gravel road", "Hard to handle", "Bad luck is fallin'", "Prisoner of love".
LIVE ON THE ROAD
Wolf
March 1990
Ce CD rassemble deux concerts capturés sur le sol autrichien (Vienne et Linz) par le label Wolf. La set-list est constituée de reprises de standards trop longues et qui finissent par ennuyer. Rythme hiératique et musique sans originalité.
This CD brings together two concerts captured on Austrian soil (Vienna and Linz) by the Wolf label. The set-list is made up of standards that are too long and that end up boring. Hieratic rhythm and music without originality.
ROUGH DRIED WOMAN
Wolf
March 1990 / June 1992
Compilation de ses faces Wolf avec trois morceaux live inédits dont une bonne version de "Stranded on the highway".
Compilation of his Wolf sides with three unreleased live tracks including a good version of "Stranded on the highway".
THE BLUES OF THE MAGIC MAN
Wolf
May 1991
Bonne séance enregistrée à Vienne en Autriche. Une belle tranche de Blues comme d'habitude. En particulier, de remarquables versions de "Sometimes I wonder" et de "Don't tell me about your troubles". John Primer chante sur l'excellent "Evil".
Good session recorded in Vienna, Austria. A nice slice of Blues as usual. In particular, remarkable versions of "Sometimes I wonder" and "Don't tell me about your troubles". John Primer sings on the excellent "Evil".
44 BLUES
Wolf
June 1992
Encore un concert de Magic Slim proposé par Wolf. Capté sur une scène de Vienne en Autriche, on trouve de bons moments ("Can't you see", "Highway is my home") mais aussi quelques longueurs inhérentes à ce genre d'enregistrements. On note l'apparition sur un morceau de Bonnie Lee (elle chante son "I'm good").
Another Magic Slim concert proposed by Wolf. Captured on a stage in Vienna in Austria, we find good moments ("Can't you see", "Highway is my home") but also some lengths inherent in this kind of recordings. We note the appearance on a song by Bonnie Lee (she sings her "I'm good").
TIN PAN ALLEY
Wolf
June - July 1992 / June 1994 / December 1998
On retrouve ici des titres enregistrés entre 1992 et 1998 entre Chicago et l'Autriche : six titres studio, six titres live. Un contenu disparate mais qui contient d'excellents moments tout de même : "Cold hearted man", "She was walking down through the park", "Tin Pan Alley".
Here we find titles recorded between 1992 and 1998, between Chicago and Austria : six studio titles, six live titles. A disparate content but which however contains excellent moments : "Cold hearted man", "She was walking down through the park", "Tin Pan Alley".
FROM WEST HELENA TO CHICAGO
Wolf
July 1992
Une version acoustique de "Bring your fine self home" dans laquelle Magic Slim est seul à la guitare. Ce titre est uniquement présent dans la version CD de cette anthologie.
An acoustic version of "Bring your fine self home" in which Magic Slim is alone on guitar. This title is only present in the CD version of this anthology.
HOOKED ON BLUES : I HAVE TO STOP
Wolf
1992 - 1993
Slim apparait sur deux morceaux du groupe autrichien "Hooked on blues" dont une belle version de "Black night".
Slim appears on two tracks of the austrian group "Hooked on blues" including a beautiful version of "Black night".
PURE MAGIC
Wolf
1992 - 1995
Dans la longue série des albums live de Magic Slim chez Wolf, voici "Pure Magic". Slim assure, comme d'habitude, une belle tranche de Chicago Blues qui, à défaut d'être originale, reste puissante et sans fioritures. Brillant au chant et à la guitare, il est bien épaulé par son groupe régulier : John Primer, Nick Holt, Earl Howell.
In Magic Slim's long line of live albums at Wolf, this is "Pure Magic". Slim provides, as usual, a nice slice of Chicago Blues which, although not original, remains powerful and unadorned. Brilliant on vocals and guitar, he is well supported by his regular backing band : John Primer, Nick Holt, Earl Howell.
A TRIBUTE TO MAGIC SAM
King
Evidence
1994
HOUND DOG TAYLOR : A TRIBUTE
Alligator
Mid 1990's
Dans cet hommage à Hound Dog Taylor, Slim reprend "Freddie's blues".
In this homage to Hound Dog Taylor, Slim covers "Freddie's blues".
SCUFFLIN'
Blind Pig
1996
Second album pour le label Blind Pig produit par Jerry Del Giudice et Michael Freeman. Après le départ de John Primer, c'est Jake Dawson qui tient la seconde guitare. Une belle reprise du "Think" de Jimmy Mac Cracklin et des compositions personnelles de Slim (la reprise d'un de ses premiers titres "Scufflin'" ou son "I need lovin'") mais aussi celles de Nick Holt ("Room 109" et "I'm gonna get you babe").
Second album for the Blind Pig label produced by Jerry Del Giudice and Michael Freeman. After the departure of John Primer, it is Jake Dawson who holds the second guitar. A nice cover of Jimmy Mac Cracklin's "Think" and Slim's personal compositions (the cover of one of his first tracks "Scufflin'" or his "I need lovin'") but also those of Nick Holt ("Room 109" and "I'm gonna get you babe").
BLACK TORNADO
Blind Pig
1998
Produit par Dick Shurman avec cette fois Michael Dotson en second guitariste derrière Slim. Grâce à une production soignée et une tracklist plus variée, mieux choisie que d'habitude, ce disque se hisse au-dessus de ses livraisons précédentes. "Wake me up early", "Playin' with my mind", "You got bad intentions", "Crazy woman" et l'instrumental "Black tornado" figurent parmi les meilleurs moments de ce disque très consistant.
Produced by Dick Shurman with this time Michael Dotson as second guitarist behind Slim. Thanks to a careful production and a more varied tracklist, better chosen than usual, this record rises above his previous installments. "Wake me up early", "Playin' with my mind", "You got bad intentions", "Crazy woman" and the instrumental "Black tornado" are among the best moments of this very consistent record.
BLUES GUITAR SUMMIT
Charly
1998 ?
Quatre bons titres live de Magic Slim capturés au Buddy Guy's Legends.
Four great live Magic Slim tracks captured at Buddy Guy's Legends.
WHOLE LOTTA BLUES : SONGS OF LED ZEPPELIN
House of Blues
1999
Reprise en deux parties du "When the levee breaks" de Led Zeppelin : une électrique, une acoustique.
Cover in two parts of Led Zeppelin's "When the levee breaks" : an electric, an acoustic.
SNAKEBITE
Blind Pig
2000
Toujours chez Blind Pig, et pour la seconde fois avec le producteur Dick Shurman après la réussite de "Black tornado", ce "Snakebite" se révèle varié et constamment percutant, rempli de compositions abouties et deux remarquables reprises ("Country boy" de Muddy Waters, "Lump on your stump" de Little Milton). Du côté des titres personnels, on retient parmi d'autres "What's wrong", "The man you need", "Snakebite" avec sa slide rageuse ou le slow-blues "Please don't dog me". Un disque superbe, abouti, le meilleur de Magic Slim.
Still with Blind Pig, and for the second time with producer Dick Shurman after the success of "Black tornado", this "Snakebite" is varied and constantly punchy, filled with accomplished compositions and two remarkable covers (Muddy Waters' "Country boy", Little Milton's "Lump on your stump"). As for personal titles, we can point out among others "What's wrong", "The man you need", "Snakebite" with his angry slide or the slow-blues "Please don't dog me". A superb, achieved record, the best of Magic Slim.
BLUE MAGIC
Blind Pig
Dixiefrog
April 2002
Dans cet album produit par Popa Chubby, le son typique de Magic Slim reste intact. Encore une fois très achevé, il récèle d'excellents moments comme "Chicken heads", "Get your business straight", "Evil woman blues", "You got to pay", "I want to see you in the evening", "Goin' to Mississippi". Un disque très consistant qui voit l'indéfectible Nick Holt être remplacé par Danny O'Connor à la basse.
In this album produced by Popa Chubby, the typical Magic Slim sound remains intact. Once again very achieved, it has excellent moments like "Chicken heads", "Get your business straight", "Evil woman blues", "You got to pay", "I want to see you in the evening", "Goin' to Mississippi". A very consistent record which sees the unwavering Nick Holt being replaced by Danny O'Connor on bass.
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
Blind Pig
2005
Album live pour Blind Pig. Pour cette occasion, on note l'arrivée du second guitariste Jon Mac Donald qui accompagnera Magic Slim jusqu'à la fin de sa carrière. Un opus intéressant mais peu original.
Live album for Blind Pig. For this occasion, we note the arrival of the second guitarist Jon Mac Donald who will accompany Magic Slim until the end of his career. An interesting opus but not very original.
MIDNIGHT BLUES
Blind Pig
2008
Pour ce nouvel album, Magic Slim est produit par Nick Moss. Répertoire blues plutôt classique mais heureusement le schéma de sa musique est agrémenté par l'irruption d'invités : James Cotton sur "You can't lose what you ain't never had", Lonnie Brooks sur "Spider in my stew". Ceci apporte un peu de variété à une musique souvent monolithique. On trouve une section cuivres emmenée par Gene Barge sur "Loving you is the best thing that happened to me". On peut aussi mentionner "House cat blues".
For this new album, Magic Slim is produced by Nick Moss. Rather classic blues repertoire but fortunately the scheme of his music is enhanced by the irruption of guests : James Cotton on "You can't lose what you ain't never had", Lonnie Brooks on "Spider in my stew". This brings a little variety to an often monolithic music. There is a horn section led by Gene Barge on "Loving you is the best thing that happened to me". We can also mention "House cat blues".
CHAPEL HILL
Marsk
2008
Réunion d'un chanteur danois Nalle, Magic Slim et du guitariste texan Omar Kent Dykes. Production de Nalle & Ivan Sand. Ambiance blues roots acoustique bourrée de feeling et d'une constante atmosphère chaleureuse. Quelques superbes moments comme "Meet me in my own hometown", "Built for comfort", "It's all right", "Country girl", "Can't get no grindin'", "I'm a stranger". Une tracklist composée plutôt de reprises mais bien rendues avec feeling et concision.
Meeting of danish singer Nalle, Magic Slim and texan guitarist Omar Kent Dykes. Production of Nalle & Ivan Sand. Acoustic blues roots atmosphere crammed with feeling and a constant warm atmosphere. Some great moments like "Meet me in my own hometown", "Built for comfort", "It's all right", "Country girl", "Can't get no grindin'", "I'm a stranger". A tracklist composed of covers but well rendered with feeling and conciseness.
I'M GONNA PLAY THE BLUES
Wolf
May 1991 / March 2010
Bandes live issues d'une retransmission radiophonique sur une radio autrichienne (ORF). Beaucoup de reprises de standards mais un programme assez plaisant : "I'm gonna play the blues", "4:59 am", "Think". Son excellent groupe est puissant et compact : Jon Mac Donald, Andre Howard et Brian Jones. Magic Slim, lui, est toujours brillant même si sa voix a faibli quelque peu. A la fin du programme, un titre enregistré en mai 1991 ("Rough dried woman").
Live tapes from a radio broadcast on an austrian radio station (ORF). Lots of standard covers but a rather pleasant program : "I'm gonna play the blues", "4:59 am", "Think". His excellent backing band is powerful and compact : Jon Mac Donald, Andre Howard and Brian Jones. Magic Slim is still brilliant even if his voice has weakened somewhat. At the end of the program, a track recorded in may 1991 ("Rough dried woman").
RAISING THE BAR
Blind Pig
2010
Pour ce nouvel album pour Blind Pig, Magic Slim est produit par son manager Michael Blakemore. Comme d'habitude, beaucoup de reprises mais rendues avec dynamisme et feeling : "Part time love", "Do you mean it", "Shame", "Sunny road blues", "4:59 am". Un album très consistant dans la continuité de ses précédentes livraisons pour Blind Pig.
For this new album for Blind Pig, Magic Slim is produced by his manager Michael Blakemore. As usual, many covers but delivered with dynamism and feeling : "Part time love", "Do you mean it", "Shame", "Sunny road blues", "4:59 am". A very consistent album in the continuity of his previous installments for Blind Pig.
BAD BOY
Blind Pig
Dixiefrog
2012
Dernier album de Magic Slim avec son excellent groupe (Jon Mac Donald, Andre Howard, Brian Jones). Produit par Michael Blakemore et Jerry Del Giudice, on trouve un programme solide et inspiré avec de superbes moments comme le remarquable "Bad boy", "Someone else is steppin' in", "Sunrise blues", "Gambling blues", "How much more long", "Matchbox blues" sans oublier l'instrumental final "Country joyride".
Magic Slim's latest album with his excellent backing band (Jon Mac Donald, Andre Howard, Brian Jones). Produced by Michael Blakemore and Jerry Del Giudice, we find a solid and inspired program with great moments like the remarkable "Bad boy", "Someone else is steppin' in", "Sunrise blues", "Gambling blues", "How much more long", "Matchbox blues" without forgetting the final instrumental "Country joyride".