Bargain Audio CDs & Priceless Collection (series)

It Serves You Right To Suffer

by John Lee Hooker

Product Description:

Personnel: John Lee Hooker (vocals, guitar); Barry Galbraith (guitar); William Wells (trombone); Milt Hinton (bass); David Panama Francis (drums).

Recorded in New York, New York on November 23, 1965. Originally released on Impulse (9103). Includes liner notes by Mark Humphrey.

A number of John Lee Hooker CDs have been released over the years, many of them somewhat shoddy compilations of rather dubious-sounding live shows and unlabeled re-recordings of vintage material. This makes the reissue of a classic John Lee Hooker album like 1966's smoking IT SERVES YOU RIGHT TO SUFFER all the more appreciated.

Backed by the sympathetic quartet of guitarist Barry Galbraith, legendary bassist Milt Hinton, drummer David Panama Francis, and trombonist William Wells--whose interjections give the bluesy tunes an unexpected but surprisingly effective '20s jazz feel--Hooker's boogie-style slide guitar sounds right at home. This is possibly the best full-band recording of Hooker's long career, and one of interest even to those who prefer his solo guitar-and-voice records. Highlights include the incendiary title track and the rollicking "Shake It Baby." Though the playing time is a bit short, this is still a richly satisfying listening experience.