John Lee Hooker- Endless Boogie

Label: Beat Goes On

Reissued, Originally released 1971

This 1971 album features John Lee Hooker surrounded -- in some cases, swamped -- by various rock musicians on long, meandering jams that seem to be more showcases for the soloists than for the star of the show. Although Hooker has always had trouble finding bands that could keep up with his idiosyncratic timing, it's not an impossible task, and the musicians on board for this session just seem to be endlessly riffing rather than providing a sympathetic framework for John Lee to work his magic. By the time this session reaches the end, Hooker is far in the background, just letting the band blow, grabbing the paycheck, and scarcely involved. There are lots of John Lee Hooker albums in the bin; pass this one by.

Track listing:

1. (I Got) A Good 'Un
2. Pots On, Gas On High
3. Kick Hit 4 Hit Kix U (Blues For Jimi And Janis)
4. I Don't Need No Steam Heat  
5. We Might As Well Call It Through (I Didn't Get Married To Your Two-Timing Mother)
6. Sittin' In My Dark Room
7. Endless Boogie, Parts 27 And 28