Muddy Waters/Rolling Stones – Checkerboard Lounge/Live In Chicago 1981 – Eagle Vision (2 vinyl discs + video DVD)

by | Oct 27, 2012 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Muddy Waters/Rolling Stones – Checkerboard Lounge/Live In Chicago 1981 – Eagle Vision EV305539 double 180-gram audiophile stereo vinyl (94:32) + DVD (96:12) [9/11/2012] ****:
(Muddy Waters – guitar, vocals; John Primer – guitar; Rick Kreher – guitar; Lovie Lee – piano; Earnest Johnson – bass; Ray Allison – drums; George “Mojo” Buford – harmonica; Buddy Guy – guitar, vocals; Junior Wells – harmonica, vocals; Mick Jagger – vocals; Keith Richards – guitar; Ron Wood – guitar; Ian Stewart – piano; Lefty Dizz – guitar, vocals; Nick Charles – bass)
Earlier this year, Eagle Rock released a CD + DVD reviewed here, re-mastering of a Muddy Waters 1981 concert in Chicago. What made the evening memorable was the addition of blues giants like Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. But the icing on the cake was the guest appearance by members of The Rolling Stones, and in particular Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The festive performance shined a light on the legacy of blues music and subsequent influence on rock and roll.
Now there is a two-disc vinyl release (that includes a DVD) of this historic night. [This is a first; we have no section for Vinyl+DVD. so I’m putting it in this one…Ed.] The set list has not changed, and the audio quality is exemplary, possibly better than the digital CD. This analog technology has a warmer texture, but still captures the raw sensation of live blues music. The separation is excellent, even with multiple guitar parts. Muddy’s breathy vocals and verbal banter are clear. All of the background instrumentation is discernible, and the intermittent club noise (especially the audience) reminds the listener what this night is all about. Plus, the white vinyl disc of the two is tantamount to a holiday gift for any collector.
TrackList (LP):
Side A: Sweet Little Angel; Flip Flop And Fly; Introduction (Instrumental); You Don’t Have To Go; Country Boy
Side B: Baby Please Don’t Go; Hoochie Coochie Man; Long Distance Call
Side C: Mannish Boy; Got My Mojo Working; Next Time You See Me
Side D: One Eyed Woman; Baby Please Don’t Go (Instrumental); Clouds In My Heart; Champagne And Reefer
TrackList (DVD), Same as LP:
—Robbie Gerson

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