Buddy Guy, Junior Wells – Going Back to Acoustic (180g LP)

The duo of guitarist Buddy Guy and Junior Wells(1934 – 1998) on harmonica get back to acoustics together with their funky Chicago blues. The two shared an inclination toward flippancy, mischievousness, and good-ol’ basic funk and created some of the greatest sounds in the annals of modern blues.

Originally issued in France on Isabel Records 900.510 under the title Going Back, this LP presents one of the best duos in the history of the blues – guitarist Buddy Guy and harmonica player Junior Wells. Over the years, they made many recordings together, but this one is unique. Recorded while on a 1981 tour of Europe, Guy and Wells took a break from their backing musicians and amps to cut this spontaneous, all acoustic set. The results stand in stark contrast to the steamy Chicago blues the duo is best known for. Instead, these recordings are relaxed and personal, with an intimate, back-porch feel. Guy switches between six and twelve string guitars and lays down rootsy acoustic rhythms for Wells’ tasteful harmonica lines. The two share vocal duties on the performances as they pay homage to the rural, country blues roots these modern bluesmen share.

“…These classic songs are matched by an impeccable re-master of the kind of recording which constantly reminds me exactly just why I own a turntable. Fantastic transparency, a jaw dropping presentation of rough hewed vocal dynamic shifts and the kind of inner details that scream ‘intimacy’ recreates the atmospheric roots of the Deep South – making this a must own record from a sonic perspective as well.” Recording = 9.5/10; Music = 9/10

-Reuben Parry, Hi-Fi+, Issue 45

ID: Pure Pleasure Records – PPAN001