This 1971 date by New Orleans guitarist
Snooks Eaglin was recorded in the Crescent City and produced -- insofar as such a thing exists on a solo date like this -- by Samuel Charters, who has written new liner notes for the
Sonet Blues Story series -- he produced the entire range of blues sessions for the European label in the early '70s. These 15 cuts capture
Eaglin and his considerably understated and under-appreciated artistry --
Eaglin was a guitarist's guitarist and could play jazz, blues, rhythm & blues, and soul with equal acumen. The high points here are his originals such as "Who's Lovin You Tonight," "&Funky Malaguena" and "That Same Old Train." However, his covers, especially of
Phil Spector's and
Doc Pomus' "Young Boy Blues," and Charles E. Calhoun's "Shake, Rattle and Roll," are also high points -- the latter of which is one of two bonus cuts included here. Sound is spectacular, and remastered in 24-bit sound.
Eaglin's soulful voice is every bit as attractive and compelling as his guitar playing. One listen to "Little Girl of Mine," or
Sam Cooke's "Win Your Love for Me," (another bonus track) is enough to make any blues fan sit up and take notice. This is one of the brightest volumes in the
Sonet Blues Story series. ~ Thom Jurek