This quintessential blues bar band, part of the "blue wave" movement of the late '70s, has been knockin' em cold for years. This album exclusive is a stellar example of their early recordings: bare-boned; naked and unashamed, a flip of the bird to anything high-tech, with one foot planted squarely in the Mississippi Delta and the other in the old Chess Studios. Still touring today, the 'Hawks are one of the hardest working units around, and their special brand of energy and "rawness" is highlighted on this disc, which includes a live version of Red Hot Mama, featuring Pinetop Perkins pounding the ivories. Other selections include the writings of Sonny Boy Williamson, Elmore James and Muddy Waters as the 'Hawks rip through the dictionary of blues.
Tracks
1. Nine Below Zero (Sony Boy Williamson) - 3:23
2. Help Me (Sony Boy Williamson, Willie Dixon, Ralph Bass) - 4:00
3. Shake Your Moneymaker (Elmore James) - 3:11
4. Big Boss Man (Luther Dixon, Al Smith) - 3:23
5. Little By Little (Mel London) - 2:35
6. Madison Blues (Elmore James) - 2:52
7. Next Time You See Me (Earl Forest, Bill Harvey) - 3:53
8. That's Alright (James A. Lane) - 4:00
9. Long Distance Call (McKinley Morganfield) - 5:44
10.Red Hot Mama (Elmore James) - 3:35
The Nighthawks
*Mark Wenner - Vocals, Harp
*Jimmy Thackery - Guitar
*Jan Zukowski - Bass
*Pete Ragusa - Drums
With
*Pinetop Perkins - Piano