Blues Master “Muddy Waters”, known for immortalized blues songs such as “Got My Mojo Working” and his rendition of “Spoonful”, released his third studio album “Muddy, Brass & The Blues” in 1966. The album spans just over thirty minutes, throughout ten tracks. The album is a classic blues album, filled not only with the mournful guitar, harmonica, and piano one would expect, but also incredible Brass sections. The bright expressive sound of the brass contrasts the warmer soul of the album’s base of guitar and deep passionate singing.
A twangy guitar followed by a punchy brass section kicks off the album with the first track: “Corine, Corina”, an easy-to listen-to heart-break song. The following tracks create a memorable experience, full of weeping guitar, and bright brass. The next tracks are as follows: “Piney Brown Blues”, “Black Night”, “Trouble In Mind”, “Going Back To Memphis”, “Betty And Dupree”, “Sweet Little Angel”, “Take My Advice”, “Trouble”, and “Hard Loser”.The album is full of soul, harmonica overflowing with anguish and sorrow, and showstopping piano that never gets old.
The second Track, “Piney Brown Blues”, The song, originally written by Big Joe Turner, is full of classic blues motifs, starting with a soulful electric organ, making the song very fun to listen to. “Black Night” brings a very sad, dark feel, made even better by Muddy’s passionate vocals. “Trouble In My Mind”, has some incredibly powerful and emotional harmonica throughout the song, going along on the journey back to Jackson with Muddy Waters, fittingly followed by “Going Back To Memphis”. “Betty And Dupree” brings the electric organ back, supported by the harmonica that fills the album, followed by “Sweet Little Angel”, a hyperbolic love song with incredible piano. Track eight fits right into the album with tons of attitude. Next comes “Trouble” and “Hard Loser”, giving the album a satisfying melancholy yet energetic finish.
Muddy, Brass & The Blues is a wonderful listen for anyone who enjoys the blues.
There are slower, moody songs, and brighter faster songs, both of which stand out as excellent blues, filled with weeping guitar and woeful piano. It’s a good listen for anyone who likes acts such as Buddy Guy, J.B Lenoir, Sonny Boy Williamson II, or any other delta blues classics. After a handful of listens to this album, I can certainly assert it as an essential album for folks exploring blues music.
The two songs that seem to stand out the most are “Black Night” and “Going Back To Memphis”. “Black Night” is filled with the most sorrow and melancholy of the entire album, filled with emotion that sweeps the listener into the song. It’s easy to get lost in, not even realizing that three minutes have passed when the song ends. “Going Back To Memphis” has an addictive horn intro, that repeats throughout the song. The intro is followed by energetic drums, powerful vocals, and incredible guitar, making this song more than memorable.
If you enjoy this album, I recommend that you listen to his 1989 release “The Chess Box”, which consists of many old unreleased recordings compiled into one album. If you enjoy Muddy Waters, I suggest you check out Buddy Guy, Albert King, Luther Alison, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
