More Killer Blues Guitar! 15 Raucous Postwar Obscurities, 1953-1954

Tough, Unrelenting Tracks Issued By Small Record Labels

Earl Hooker (photo by Chris Strachwitz, courtesy of the Arhoolie Foundation)

This second installment of my “Killer Blues Guitar” overview presents the recordings and backstories of fifteen extraordinary postwar guitar performances. Kudos to Klaus Kilian, who originally compiled these recordings for a CD set that was never issued. Thank you, Klaus, for sharing your unassailable taste in raucous guitar playing!

All of these sides were made in 1953 or 1954 and were issued by small independent record labels. Fasten your seat belts, because these guitarists are gonna take you on a wild ride!