Track Listing

1. Marie
2. Burning Fire
3. S.P. Blues
4. Sometimes I Wonder
5. Spann's Stomp
6. Home To Mississippi
7. Blues Is A Botheration
8. You Said You'd Be On Time
9. Cryin' Time
10. Blind Man
11. Some Day
12. Twisted Snake
13. Green Flowers
14. The New Boogaloo
15. Mule Kicking In My Stall
16. Blues Jam
17. He's Got The Whole World In His Hands
18. My God

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #65796 in Music
• Released on: 2008-08-05
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Best of
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

From Amazon.com
The list of superstar blues pianists is a small but illustrious one, and no name shines brighter than that of Otis Spann, the Windy City wonder who was a conspicuous component of Muddy Waters's most legendary bands. Spann, who also recorded classics with Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and other blues greats, was a peerless pianist, and this expansive 18-track compilation, complete with three previously unreleased tracks, enjoyably exhibits his keyboard expertise. Spann jumps right in with the rollicking instrumental "Marie," pounding the piano with force and finesse from the first note in a wide-ranging overview of his recorded work as a leader that spotlights his talents in several different contexts, including a rare Hammond B-3 organ instrumental via "Cryin' Time." Spann's signature solos are the main attraction, but his singing also gets ample attention. His wife, Lucille, joins in on several tracks, including two superheated gospel numbers, to further diversify the proceedings. It may not be Spann's most significant work (check out the Muddy Waters box for that), but the collection is definitely his best individual showcase. It's also an unmitigated delight for blues fans tired of guitars but still eager to immerse themselves in the music of the masters. --Michael Point