Lightnin' Hopkins – Lightnin' (The Blues Of Lightnin' Hopkins)(200g, Analogue Productions)

"For music once treated so cavalierly by the major labels, the blues yielded numerous magnificent recordings, light years away from the primitive sonic quality of, say, Robert Johnson's pre-WWII sessions. In a similar vein to Muddy Waters' oft-reissued Folk Singer is this superlative acoustic session from rural blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins, from late 1960. Playing guitar and backed by just bass and drums, he delivered ten tracks of which at least half are staples of the genre, timed just as the folk revival was giving the blues a much-needed boost. 'Automobile Blues,' 'Mean Old Frisco,' 'The Walkin' Blues,' — for those who crave unvarnished  authenticity, but with in-the-room presence, this is a tonic." — Sound Quality: 90% - Ken Kessler, Album Choice Hi Fi News, July 2018

“Recorded for Prestige's Bluesville subsidiary in 1960, Lightnin' is among the rewarding acoustic dates Lightnin' Hopkins delivered in the early '60s. The session has an informal, relaxed quality, and this approach serves a 48-year-old Hopkins impressively well on both originals like ‘Thinkin' 'Bout an Old Friend’ and the familiar ‘Katie Mae’ and enjoyable interpretations of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee's ‘Back to New Orleans’ and Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup's ‘Mean Old Frisco.’ Hopkins' only accompaniment consists of bassist Leonard Gaskin and drummer Belton Evans, both of whom play in an understated fashion and do their part to make this intimate setting successful. From the remorseful ‘Come Back Baby’ to more lighthearted, fun numbers like ‘You Better Watch Yourself’ and ‘Automobile Blues,’ Lightnin' is a lot like being in a small club with Hopkins as he shares his experiences, insights and humor with you.” — All Music Guide