"The London Muddy Waters Sessions" is a captivating studio album by the legendary Muddy Waters, released in 1972. This album is a unique blend of American blues and British rock, featuring Muddy Waters alongside a stellar lineup of British and Irish musicians, including Rory Gallagher, Steve Winwood, Rick Grech, and Mitch Mitchell. The concept behind this album was to capitalize on the growing popularity of traditional blues in Britain, following the success of the previous year's "The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions."
The album showcases Muddy Waters' signature style, with his powerful vocals and masterful slide guitar playing taking center stage. The tracklist includes classic blues numbers such as "Blind Man Blues," "Key To The Highway," and "Walkin' Blues," as well as lesser-known gems like "Young Fashioned Ways" and "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town." The album also features two unique 1972 versions of "I'm Ready" and "Sad Sad Day," offering a fresh take on these beloved songs.
Despite its stellar lineup and high-quality performances, "The London Muddy Waters Sessions" is often overlooked in Muddy Waters' discography, as it failed to chart on either side of the Atlantic. However, this album is a hidden gem for blues and rock fans alike, offering a unique fusion of styles and a rare opportunity to hear Muddy Waters collaborate with some of the most talented musicians of the era.
With a running time of just over 36 minutes, this album is a concise yet powerful collection of blues and blues-rock tracks that showcase the best of Muddy Waters' talents. Whether you're a longtime fan of Muddy Waters or a newcomer to his music, "The London Muddy Waters Sessions" is an essential addition to any blues or rock collection.
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