John Lee Hooker - Everybody's Blues (1993)

This compilation of recordings from 1950, '51, and '54 for the Modern and Specialty labels is an intriguing relic from Hooker's past. Many of these sides went unreleased, due to Specialty president Art Rupe's dissatisfaction with the singer-guitarist's crude style. But that's precisely why this CD is a treat for lovers of lowdown blues. Mostly it's Hooker alone--almost always the way he sounds best. Still, there are chances to hear him with horns and a gestational version of what would eventually become his hair-raising "I'm Bad Like Jesse James" (called "I'm Mad") that features fleet piano accompaniment. There's also an early reading of "Backbiters and Syndicators" (named "Odds Against Me") that showcases Hooker's riveting backcountry guitar virtuosity. --Ted Drozdowski