Magic Sam - West Side Soul (1967)

John Belushi, a.k.a. Jake Blues, dedicates the Blues Brothers performance of "Sweet Home Chicago" to the "late, great Magic Sam".  The dedication is earned.

Samuel Gene Maghett came to the city of Chicago in the late 1950's from his native Mississippi. When he arrived he was known as "Good Rockin' Sam", a talented guitarist who learned to play by listening to the Chess Records recordings of Muddy Waters and Little Walter.  At only 19 years old, he was invited to record for Cobra Records.  The subsequent sessions gave birth to the 1957 single "All Your Love" as well as a new stage name, Magic Sam.

This record, released by Delmark in 1967, is pretty much pitch-perfect Chicago blues.  Born of a decades worth of dues paid, both on the road and in the studio.  Technically sound, impeccably produced, with a healthy dose of hard-earned, dance-ready pop licks, it's tough not to gush about this incredibly talented bluesman.

But enough from me, check out Magic Sam starting with the incredible opener "That's All I Need".  Other highlights include "Every Day and Every Night" and "Mama Talk To Your Daughter"