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About Best Of The Vanguard Years
The list of superstar blues pianists is a small but illustrious one, and no name shines brighter than that of Otis Spann, the Windy City wonder who was a conspicuous component of Muddy Waters's most legendary bands. Spann, who also recorded classics with Howlin' Wolf, Little Walter, and other blues greats, was a peerless pianist, and this expansive 18-track compilation, complete with three previously unreleased tracks, enjoyably exhibits his keyboard expertise. Spann jumps right in with the rollicking instrumental "Marie," pounding the piano with force and finesse from the first note in a wide-ranging overview of his recorded work as a leader that spotlights his talents in several different contexts, including a rare Hammond B-3 organ instrumental via "Cryin' Time." Spann's signature solos are the main attraction, but his singing also gets ample attention. His wife, Lucille, joins in on several tracks, including two superheated gospel numbers, to further diversify the proceedings. It may not be Spann's most significant work (check out the Muddy Waters box for that), but the collection is definitely his best individual showcase. It's also an unmitigated delight for blues fans tired of guitars but still eager to immerse themselves in the music of the masters. --Michael Point
