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Chicago Blues can get pretty intense. There are some great albums that would be great for a beginner listener to start with. We list a few here:
“Hoodoo Man Blues”, “West Side Soul”, Born Under a Bad Sign:” “Fathers and Sons”, “The Paul Butter- field Blues Band”, “I Am the Blues”, “Live at the Regal”, “Folk Singer”,” Southside Blues Jam”, and “Cheaper to Keep Her” are all good albums for a beginner to listen to.
“Hoodoo Man Blues” by Junior Wells Chicago Blues Band (1965) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning listener.
This album is essential; for its authentic representation of the Chicago blues sound..
Junior Wells’s harmonica and vocals, combined with Buddy Guy’s guitar work, create a definitive blues experience.
You can order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4chWaLR
“West Side Soul” by Magic Slim (1967) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
Magic Sam’s guitar virtuosity and soulful vocals shine in this album.
It’s a perfect blend of Chicago blues with elements of soul and rock, making it accessible to a wide range of listeners.
You can order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3VkYfRf
“Born Under a Bad Sign” by Albert King (1967) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
King’s influence on the Chicago blues style is evident In this album.
It’s a fusion of soulful vocals and blues guitar and the album has been a major influence on many blues and rock musicians.
You can order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4axS54T
“Fathers and Sons” by Muddy Waters (1969) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
This album is a bridge between the classic Chicago blues sound of Muddy Waters and the then-new generation of blues musicians.
It’s a great way to hear the evolution of the blues.
You can order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3TdOa62
“The Paul Butterfield Blues Band” by The Paul Butterfield Blues Band (1965) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
Featuring a mix of Chicago blues and psychedelic rock, this album was pivotal in ringing blues to a broader audience.
Butterfield’s harmonica and the band’s energetic performance are standout features.
You can download this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4cjHo7G
“I Am the Blues” by Willie Dixon (1970) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
As a songwriter and musician, Willie Dixon was a key figure in the Chicago blues scene.
This album showcases many of his best-known compositions, performed by the man himself.
Order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4ct7HIC
“Live at the Regal” by B.B. King (1964) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
Recorded live in Chicago, this album is a masterclass in blues performance.
B.B. King’s expressive guitar playing and powerful vocals make it a timeless record.
You can download this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/43jp2zj
“Folk Singer” by Muddy Waters (1964) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
This acoustic album is a departure from the electrified Chicago blues sound but is a critical part of the genre’s history.
It highlights Muddy Waters’ deep blues roots and is renowned for its intimate and raw sound.
You can download this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3v4InYD
“Southside Blues Jam” by Junior Wells (1970) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
This album captures the essence of a live blues jam session.
It’s a great example of the communal nature of the blues and features extended instrumental improvisations,
You can order this album from Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3Tm34qQ
“Cheaper to Keep Her” by Buddy Guy (1972) is a Good Chicago Blues Album For a Beginning Listener.
Buddy Guy, one of the greatest blues guitarists, showcases his fiery and emotive playing style in this album.
It’s a blend of traditional blues with more modern, rock-influenced sounds.
I could only find this available as individual track mp3s. They are available fro Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3Ti9reQ
Conclusion
These albums offer a comprehensive introduction to the Chicago blues, showcasing its evolution, its key artists, and its varied styles.
Whether you’re drawn to the soulful vocals, the masterful guitar work, or the harmonica’s wail, these records provide an excellent starting point for exploring this influential genre.