The 13 tracks on
Magic Sam Legacy (1997) are culled from material initially discarded from his two Delmark studio LPs
West Side Soul (1967) and
Black Magic (1968). The principal caveat being the
John Lee Hooker inspired "I Feel So Good" -- liberally copping
Hooker's "Boogie Chillun" -- and the spirited instrumental "Lookin' Good," both of which date back to 1966. The mid-tempo "Walkin' by Myself" and the indispensable "Hoochie Coochie Man" are among the best of the
West Side Soul related numbers.
Shakey Jake (harmonica) blows powerful harp, perfectly complementing
Magic Sam's (guitar/vocals) nimble fretwork. The guitarist provides blistering yet purposeful interjections setting the standard in terms of emotive Westside Chicago blues. "That Ain't It" is an exceedingly soulful selection revealing
Sam's R&B leanings and underrated vocal prowess. "I Just Want a Little Bit" swings just as solidly as the
Black Magic version, with this rendering sporting a slightly looser reading. The ringing tremolo effect on "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" makes for one of the more interesting outtakes, sporting a few tasty runs from the legendary
Lafayette Leake (piano). His style recalls earlier contributions as a staff musician for Chess Records, where he played a significant role on sessions from
Chuck Berry,
Muddy Waters,
Willie Dixon and
Howlin' Wolf among others. The free-form nature of "Blues for Odie Payne" -- the drummer on over half the material presented here -- gives not only
Sam a perfect platform for his string-bending and fiery fretboard antics, but likewise allows
Eddie Shaw (tenor sax) to interpolate some equally clever melodic support. As the recorded legacy of
Magic Sam was tragically curtailed when he passed in 1969 at the age of 32, any and all titles featuring
Sam as a leader could be considered essential. While recent converts might be best advised to start with either
West Side Soul or
Black Magic,
Magic Sam Legacy (1997) is a perfect companion volume, serving artist and enthusiast exceptionally well. ~ Lindsay Planer