Moon Is Rising
This 14-song collection from Arhoolie Records is an excellent showcase of  Earl Hooker's masterful guitar work. Though not much of a singer, the bluesman made  up for it with some of the best guitar playing to ever come out of Chicago. Hooker was  from Mississippi, and the Delta style substantially influenced his playing as well; this can  be heard throughoutThe Moon Is Rising, especially on the title track, which  opens the collection. Hooker's guitar playing is excellent throughout with a sharp, clean  sound that cuts through the mix and catches the listener's attention immediately. There's  a nice mix of styles and tempos on this CD, from mid-tempo foot-tappers like "Earl's  Blues" and "New Riviera" to slow, almost lazy blues such as "Strung Out Woman Blues"  and "I'm Your Main Man." However, it's on the improvisational pieces--"Dust My  Broom" and "Frosty"--that Hooker really shines, skillfully matching technique with taste.  --Genevieve Williams