Live at Antone's Nightclub

Personnel: James Cotton (vocals, harmonica); Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Luther Tucker (guitar); Pinetop Perkins (piano); Calvin Jones (drums).
Recorded live at Antone's Nightclub, Chicago, Illinois in July 1987. Includes liner notes by Paul Ray.
A nicely recorded souvenir of a 1987 show at the venerable Austin, Texas nightspot, featuring the legendary James Cotton fronting what is, pound for pound, one of the best blues bands ever. Apart from the leader's obviously great singing and his virtuosity on harp, the two-guitar team of Luther Tucker and Matt "Guitar" Murphy lays down some positively lethal rhythm and solo work with an empathy that seems almost telepathic. The rhythm section--especially veteran pianist Pinetop Perkins--is similarly unparalleled.
Fittingly, Cotton trots out several songs by the big influences on his harmonica style, in particular Little Walter (a smokin' version of Walter's signature instrumental "Juke"), and mentor Sonny Boy Williamson (an equally incendiary "Eyesight to the Blind"). Cotton also revisits the scene of one of his greatest triumphs--the live MUDDY WATERS AT NEWPORT--with a powerful take on that album's "Hootchie Cootchie Man," but saves his hottest licks for his closing instrumental "Midnight Creeper." A terrific set.