1956-1958 Cobra Recordings
These are classic sides of groaning Chicago blues. Otis Rush began his career on the heels ofMuddy Waters's success. The blues had become electrified and developed from a solo player's medium into the modern band sound. With these debut recordings, Rush pushed the envelope. He creates an altogether more urban sound, built around his stinging guitar runs. He is backed by Chicago greats likeWillie Dixon,Louis Myers, and Fred Below. This isn't a light or joyous music, but it's a gripping and compelling experience. When Rush titles a song "Groaning the Blues," you know why. "Double Trouble" is doomy and stirring. Several tracks are producer's attempts at more commercial sounds for Rush, and though they are nowhere near as good, they're a welcome reprieve. You'll listen to this repeatedly. --Robert Gordon