"The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS – Featuring British Artists Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, Chicken Shack, Savoy Brown Blues Band, Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation, Duster Bennett, John Mayall and Eric Clapton, Gordon Smith, Jo Ann Kelly, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, Top Topham of The Yardbirds, Coyne Clague, Jellybread, Key Largo with Guests Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Johnny Almond of The Alan Price Set and Members of Mighty Baby. American Artists include Eddie Boyd, Curtis Jones, B.B. King, Otis Spann, Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Champion Jack Dupree, Johnny Young, Mississippi Joe Callicott, Hubert Sumlin, Drifting Slim, “Little“ Mack Simmons & His Boys, Walter “Shakey“ Horton, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, Bobby Parker and more (October 1997 UK Columbia 3CD Long Hardback DigiBook Presentation Set with Attached Booklet Inside – Reissued June 2006 in a 3CD Jewel Case with Different Cover Artwork - Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon Remasters) - A Review by Mark Barry...

2006 Reissue in a Jewel Case with Different Artwork

Same Tracks, Detached Booklet, 1997 Remasters

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"...The Big Boat... "

Long been one of the loveliest reissues in my collection – there are two variants of "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1". The original October 1997 issue featured a Long Hardback 3CD Digibook presentation whilst the June 2006 Jewel Case Reissue sported different artwork but the same 60-page booklet (now detached, easier to read) and those quality Duncan Cowell and Mike Vernon 1997 Remasters. 

Subtitled 'A Definitive History of the UK's Most Influential Blues Label' - both 3CD sets are sadly now deleted in 2021 (they never did get a Volume 2 out) and vary wildly in prices on the secondhand market (but still within reach I would say). So much to savour, so let's have at the multitudinous details...

UK released 20 October 1997 – "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" by VARIOUS ARTISTS on Columbia 488992 2 (Barcode 5099748899224) offers 70-Tracks Remastered across 3CDs and was originally presented in a Limited Edition Long Hardback Digibook Presentation with a 60-page booklet Attached on the inside. It was UK reissued 12 June 2006 on Sony/Blue Horizon 4889924 (Barcode 828768620823) in a 3CD Jewel Case with different cover artwork, detached booklet and plays out as follows:

CD1 "The Pre CBS Years" (75:14 minutes): 

All Tracks in MONO 

Track 1 is a Previously Unissued Alternate; Track 19 is Previously Unreleased

1. Across The Board - HUBERT SUMLIN

2. Sumlin Boogie - HUBERT SUMLIN 

Track 1 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Newly Edited Version. Tracks 1 and 2 were originally the A&B-sides of a February 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1000 (BH-101) - the label's debut 7" single. A limited edition of 75 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine in Feb 1965 (Issue No. 13)

3. Baby You Just Don't Know - WOODROW ADAMS 

4. Wine Head Woman - WOODROW ADAMS 

Tracks 3 and 4 are an April 1965 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1001 (BH-105) - label's 2nd 7" single release; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through "R&B Monthly" Magazine April 1965 issue  

5. Christmas Time, Part 1 - JIMMY McCRACKLIN 

Track 5 is a September 1965 UK 45-single on Outa-Site 45-501, A-side; a limited edition of 99 copies sold through “R&B Monthly” Magazine, it was originally issued as a 1960 USA 7” single on Art-Tone Records 826

6. Mojo Boogie - J.B. LENOIR 

7. I Don't Care What Nobody Say - J.B. LENORE 

Tracks 6 and 7 are the A&B-sides of a January 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1004 (BH.45-1004) - A limited edition of 99 copies – sold through R&B Monthly Magazine No.23.

8. Mean Old World - DOCTOR ISAIAH ROSS 

Track 8 is from the December 1965 UK LP "The Flying Eagle" on Blue Horizon LP 1 - the Blue Horizon label's debut UK album

9. Someone To Love Me - T.S. McPHEE [Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs] 

Track 9 is a January 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah 45-3501, A-side - a James "Snooky" Prior cover version

10. I Feel So Good - JO ANN KELLY 

Track 10 is from the October 1968 UK compilation LP "Blues Anytime Vol.1: An Anthology Of British Blues" on Immediate IMLP 014

11. Good Morning Baby - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

12. My Sweet Woman - DRIFTING SLIM [Elmon Mickle]

Tracks 11 and 12 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1005 - reissue of a 1959 US 7" single on RPM Records 370, Ike Turner plays piano and Sunny Blair plays Harmonica

13. Lonely Years - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

14. Bernard Jenkins - JOHN MAYALL and ERIC CLAPTON 

Tracks 13 and 14 are the A&B-side of a June 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3502. Vocals A-side is by John Mayall; B-side is an instrumental by Eric Clapton; A-side features Mayall on Vocals and Harmonica with EC on guitar; B-side is EC on guitar with Mayall on piano only; 500 copies only pressed

15. Superintendent Blues - HOUSTON BOINES 

16. Monkey Motion - HOUSTON BOINES 

Tracks 15 and 16 are the A&B-sides of a 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1006; reissue of a 1952 USA-only 78" on RPM Records 364 featuring Ike Turner on Piano

17. Can't Quit You Baby - SAVOY BROWN'S BLUES BAND 

Track 17 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Tried", 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3503, a Willie Dixon cover

18. Get Your Head Happy - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee 

Track 18 is the Non-LP A-side only of an October 1966 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-1007 - a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

19. Talk All In My Sleep -CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with T.S. McPhee  

Track 19 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording made 23 Nov 1965 in London; also a co-write with Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs, McPhee plays Guitar, Dupree on Vocals

20. Hot Rock - STONE'S MASONRY 

Track 20 is the Non-LP A-side of a December 1966 UK 45-single on Purdah Records 45-3504 - band featured Guitarist Martin Stone of The Action, Mighty Baby and Savoy Brown with Organist Pete Solley of Chris Farlowe & The Thunderbirds, Fox, Paladin, Procol Harum, Snafu and Whitesnake with Keith Tillman of The Bluesbreakers, Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation and Mainsqueeze

21. Christine - HOUND DOG TAYLOR

Track 21 is the A-side of a March 1967 UK 45-single on Outasite 45-504 (99 copies only) - reissue of a 1962 USA-only 7" single originally on Firma Records 626

22. Come Back - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS 

23. Walking Blues - "LITTLE" MACK SIMMONS & HIS BOYS

Tracks 23 and 22 are the A-side (in that order) of a March 1967 UK 4-Track E.P. called "Blues From Chicago" on Outasite OSEP 1 - 99 copies only - both tracks originally a 1959 USA-only 7" single on CJ Records 606  

24. It's So Miserable To Be Alone - EDDIE BOYD

25. Empty Arms - EDDIE BOYD

Tracks 24 and 25 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a May 1967 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 45-BH.1009 - uncredited, both sides feature Peter Green on Guitar and John McVie on Bass of Fleetwood Mac with Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

CD2 "The CBS Years Part 1" (75:04 minutes): 

All Tracks in STEREO except 4, 5, 7, 10, 14, 15 and 23, which are in MONO 

Track 6 is a Previously Unissued Alternate Mix

1. I Believe My Time Ain't Long - PETER GREEN'S FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 1 is the A-side of Fleetwood Mac's debut single from November 1967 on CBS/Blue Horizon 3051. Both the A and B-side ("Rambling Pony") had been non-album at the time of issue (their first LP appearance was on the “The Pious Bird Of Good Omen” compilation in 1969). A-Side is a Jeremy Spencer song with lead vocals sung by him while the B-Side is a Peter Green song with lead vocals sung by him. A few original copies came with a very rare paper picture sleeve. 

2. Warning - AYNSLEY DUNBAR RETALIATION 

Track 2 is the Non-LP A-side of a November 1967 UK 45-single on CBS/Blue Horizon 3109; "Warning" was famously covered by Black Sabbath on their 1970 self-titled debut album on Vertigo; both A&B sides ("Cobweb" was the flipside) later appeared on the "In Our Own Way Oldies But Goodies" Blue Horizon compilation sampler LP from 1969 - a few rare copies cam in paper picture sleeves which is pictured on Page 18 of the booklet

3. When My Left Eye Jumps - THE CHICKEN SHACK featuring Stan Webb 

Track 3 is the Non-LP B-side of a January 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3135 (the A-side was "It's OK With Me Baby" by The Chicken Shack featuring Christine Perfect); Stan Webb is on lead vocals; also features Christine Perfect on Piano, Johnny Almond on Sax and Aynsley Dunbar on Drums

4. She Drives Me Out Of My Mind - ARTHUR K. ADAMS 

Track 4 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3136 - both the A and its flipside "Gimme Some Of Your Lovin'" are a reissue of a 1967 USA-only 7" single on Modern 1034 

5. The Big Boat - EDDIE BOYD 

Track 5 is the Non-LP A-side of a May 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3137 - both A&B-sides feature Peter Green, John McVie and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac

6. Black Magic Woman - FLEETWOOD MAC

Track 6 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Rejected Mix without the reverb that appeared on the commercial release. It was originally a Non-LP A-side of a March 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3138 (their second 7" single in the UK). A Peter Green song, its first appearance on LP was the February 1969 US album "English Rose" on Epic Records and then on the August 1969 UK compilation LP "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

7. Prison Bound Blues - ROOSEVELT HOLTS 

Track 7 first issued on his March 1968 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63201

8. Need Your Love So Bad - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 8 is the Non-LP A-side of a July 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3139 (reissued July 1969 on Blue Horizon 57-3157) - a cover version of Little Willie John's 1955 hit on King Records, its first appearance on a UK LP was on the August 1969 UK compilation "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" on Blue Horizon Records

9. How Am I Doing It - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE with Stan Webb (Guitar)

Track 9 is the Non-LP B-side of "I Haven't Done No One No Harm" 45-single released July 1968 in the UK on Blue Horizon 57-3140 - Stan Webb with Chicken Shack

10. Can't Do Me No Good - OTIS SPANN 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3142 - a cover version of a Muddy Waters song. The band featured Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica, Johnny Shines on Guitar, Willie Dixon (of Chess Records fame) on Upright Bass with Clifton James on Drums

11. The Woman I Love - B.B. KING 

Track 11 is the A-side of an October 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3144 - both it and the flipside "Blues For Me" are a reissue of a 1959 USA-only 7" single on Kent 325

12. You Don't Have To Go - CURTIS JONES 

Track 12 from the October 1968 UK LP "Now Resident In Europe" on Blue Horizon 7-63207 

13. Albatross - FLEETWOOD MAC 

Track 13 is a November 1968 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3145; a Peter Green original instrumental, on initial release, both tracks were non-album ("Jigsaw Blues" is the B-side). Made No. 1 on the UK singles charts. First album appearance on the February 1969 US LP "English Rose" on Epic Records, then August 1969 UK on "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen" compilation on Blue Horizon Records. Charted again when it was UK re-released in April 1973 on CBS/Hall Of Fame Hits 8306 (peaked at No. 2) with "Need Your Love So Bad" on the flipside. "Albatross" has been reissued on 7" and CD singles many times since

14. Since My Baby Hit The Numbers - GUITAR CRUSHER/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 14 is the Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3149; Guitar Crusher is Sid Selby

15. Next Time You See Me - GARFIELD LOVE/Jimmy Spruill Orchestra 

Track 15 is a Non-LP A-side of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3150; A is a cover of a Little Junior Parker R&B hit from 1957 on Don Robey's Duke Records 

16. Solid Gold - JOHNNY SHINES 

Track 16 is from the album "Last Night's Dream" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63212 in the UK; issued 1972 in the USA with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4607. Track features Willie Dixon of Chess Records fame with Drummer Clifton James

17. Layin' In My Cell, Sleepin' - SUNNYLAND SLIM

Track 17 from the album "Midnight Jump" issued January 1969 on Blue Horizon S 7-63213 in the UK. It wasn't issued initially in the USA, but was re-issued 1972 with a different cover and name - "Blues Masters Vol.8" on Blue Horizon BM 4608. Features Walter "Shakey" Horton on Harmonica with Willie Dixon and Clifton James on Bass and Drums

18. It's Hard But It's Fair - BOBBY PARKER 

19. I Couldn't Quit You Baby - BOBBY PARKER 

Tracks 18 and 19 are the Non-LP A&B-sides of a February 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3151; both tracks Bobby Parker originals and feature Johnny Almond of The Alan Price set, Mark-Almond and The Keef Hartley Band on Tenor Saxophone

20. Stumbling Block - CHAMPION JACK DUPREE 

Track 20 is from the August 1969 UK LP “ScoobyDoobyDoo" on Blue Horizon Records 7-63214. Issued 1972 USA in different artwork as "Blues Masters Vol. 10" on Blue Horizon BM 4610. Track features Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones on Guitars

21. I'd Rather Go Blind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 21 is the Non-LP A-side of an April 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3153. Christine Perfect (later Christine McVie with Fleetwood Mac) sings lead vocals on this Etta James cover version, her original a 1967 B-side to "Tell Mama" on Cadet 5578.

22. Temperature Is Rising (98.8.F) - OTIS SPANN with Fleetwood Mac 

Track 22 is Non-LP B-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3155 (A-side was "Walkin'"); although it credits 'Fleetwood Mac' on the label, the track itself features only two members of the band - Peter Green on Guitar, Mick Fleetwood on Bass with S.P. Leary filling in on the Drums

23. All Your Love (I Miss Loving) - OTIS RUSH & HIS BAND 

Track 23 is the A-side of an August 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3159; reissue of a 1958 USA-only 7" single on Cobra Records 5032. Both tracks of the UK 45 ("Double Trouble" was the B-side) appeared on the 1969 UK LP "This One's A Good 'Un" on Blue Horizon 7-63222. Ike Turner plays Guitar and Willie Dixon Upright Bass       

CD3 "The CBS Years Part 2" (75:57 minutes):

All Tracks in STEREO except 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12 and 19, which are in MONO

Tracks 2, 3, 4 and 12 are Previously Unreleased; Track 22 is a Previously Unreleased Remixed Version

1. Everything Gonna Be Alright - MAGIC SLIM 

Track 1 from the October 1969 UK LP "Magic Sam: 1937-1969" on Blue Horizon 7-63223; part of the "Post War Masters" Series. The song was originally a January 1958 US 7" single on Cobra 5021 (A-side) and featured Little Brother Montgormery on Piano with Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

2. Hideaway - CHICKEN SHACK

Track 2 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 19 August 1969 (a Freddy King cover version) featuring Guitarist Stan Webb, Pianist Paul Raymond, Bassist Andy Silvester and Drummer Dave Bidwell

3. My Baby's Gone - DAVID 'Honeyboy' EDWARDS 

Track 3 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED recording from 4 January 1969 (Tel-Mar Studios in Chicago) featuring Peter Green and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac (Guitar and Drums), with Buddy Guy on Second Guitar and Willie Dixon on Upright Bass

4. Mandy Lee - COYNE CLAGUE 

Track 4 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED DEMO recording from 12 March 1969 

5. Too Long – GORDON SMITH 

Track 5 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Alternate Mix. The original commercial release was a Non-LP A-side of a July 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3156; "Too Long" is a Mississippi Sheiks cover version that features Bassist Mike Evans and Drummer Roger Powell of Mighty Baby 

6. You Don't Know My Mind - MISSISSIPPI JOE CALLICOTT 

Track 6 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63227

7. Judge Harsh Blues - FURRY LEWIS 

Track 7 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues” on Blue Horizon 7-63228

8. Drifting Blues - BUKKA WHITE 

Track 8 is from the 1969 UK LP "Memphis Hot Shots" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63229

9. Southern Train - LARRY JOHNSON 

Track 9 is from the 1969 UK LP "Presenting The Country Blues" on Blue Horizon 7-63851

10. Tears In The Wind - CHICKEN SHACK 

Track 10 is the Non-LP A-side of a September 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3160; a Stan Webb original 

11. I'm Gonna Wind Up Ending Up Or I'm Gonna End Up Winding Up With You - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 11 is the Non-LP A-side of an October 1969 UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3164; the 1st Blue Horizon single to sport the letter 'S' prior to its catalogue number because it was the label's first STEREO 45

12. She Wants To Rock 'n' Roll - HARMONICA SLIM 

Track 12 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED EDITED VERSION of an early 1969 New York City recording

13. Moaning And Groaning - JOHNNY YOUNG 

Track 13 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Fat Mandolin" on Blue Horizon S 7-63852 in Stereo; features Paul Oscher on Harmonica and Otis Spann on Piano with Sammy Lawhorn on Guitar 

14. Someday You're Gonna Learn (To Treat Me Right) - GEORGE SMITH 

Track 14 is from the January 1970 UK LP "No Time For Jive" on Blue Horizon Records S 7-63856 in Stereo

15. Ridin' The Blinds - TOP TOPHAM [ex Yardbirds]

Track 15 is from the January 1970 UK LP "Ascension Heights" on Blue Horizon 7-63857 in Stereo; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica with Second Guitarist Rick Hayward (Christine Perfect's Band) and Colin Allen of Stone The Crows on Drums

16. Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights) - BACON FAT

Track 16 is from the February 1970 UK LP "Grease One For Me" on Blue Horizon 7-63858; featuring Rod Piazza on Harmonica and Vocals  

17. Rockin' Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu - JELLYBREAD

Track 17 is an April 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon S 57-3174 (Stereo); Huey Smith cover version; band featured Pete Wingfield and Paul Butler 

18. Crazy 'Bout My Baby - CHRISTINE PERFECT 

Track 18 is from her July 1970 UK debut album "Christine Perfect" on Blue Horizon S 7-63860 (Stereo) - reissued 1976 in the USA as "The Legendary Christine Perfect Album" on Sire SASD-7522 with a different cover - Rick Hayward and Top Topham feature on Guitars 

19. Voodoo Rhythm - KEY LARGO 

Track 19 is an October 1970 Non-LP UK 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3178; song written by Bob Savage (Keyboards) and Laurie Sanford (Guitar)  

20. I Want You To Love Me - DUSTER BENNETT 

Track 20 is a November 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3179 (Stereo), B-side of "Act Nice & Gentle" 

21. I'm Gonna Leave You - MARTHA VELEZ 

Track 21 is from the November 1970 album "Fiends & Angels Again" on Blue Horizon 7-63867; features Duster Bennett on Harmonica, Chris Mercer and Johnny Almond on Saxophones; Rick Hayward and Eric Clapton on Guitars, Jack Bruce on Bass with Mitch Mitchell on Drums

22. Blues Feeling - BACON FAT 

Track 22 is a PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED Remixed Alternate Version. Originally a B-side of "Evil", a December 1970 Non-LP 45-single on Blue Horizon 57-3181 - "Blues Feeling" is a Rod Piazza original on which he plays Chromatic Harmonica

Of the 70-Tracks on "The Blue Horizon Story 1965-1970 Vol.1" - 5 are Previously Unreleased, 4 are Remixed Alternate or New Edit Versions and the bulk of the remainder is seeing first-time on CD. Compiled by label boss and Blues lover MIKE VERNON, the attached 60-page booklet within the Long Hardback Digibook is a feast of imagery and details (as you can imagine), though bizarrely for such a studiously researched and presented project, lacks any defined release dates, all of which I've supplied above myself. 

What is fascinating too are the huge Rock names (mostly) hidden in the details – John Mayall of The Bluesbreakers, Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce of Cream, Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Tony McPhee of The Groundhogs and even Drummer Mitch Mitchell of Jimi Hendrix’s Band Of Gypsies. There is also the lesser well known – Colin Allen of Stone The Crows, members of the uber cult band Mighty Baby (formerly The Action), Eighteen With A Bullet Pete Wingfield in Jellybread, Aynsley Dunbar and his Retaliation, Johnny Almond of Mark-Almond and ace-axeman Top Topham of The Yardbirds. The set is also blessed with fabulously clear Audio courtesy of DUNCAN COWELL and original Producer MIKE VERNON – whether it is MONO or STEREO – the Blues Power is amazing across all three jam-packed 75-minute-plus CDs. 

While the big boys like Fleetwood Mac and Chicken Shack thrill with the instrumental magic of "Albatross" (the Beatles referenced it on Abbey Road) and the Etta James misery of "I'd Rather Go Blind" (Christine McVie nailing it) – it is those forgotten-names and so rarely heard rarities that amaze. Discoveries crop up on each CD. Who would have thought there would be an unreleased recording in the can featuring Tony McPhee and Champion Jack Dupree? 

The Eddie Boyd stuff too with Peter Green and his crew ably supporting – what a Blues Rock combo they made. Darling of female Blues Players Jo Ann Kelly is here, Martha Velez giving it some welly with EC and the boys backing her up. The unexpected loveliness of Johnny Young and his Mandolin, Rod Piazza's incendiary Chromatic Harmonica playing in Bacon Fat, the pauper's misery of Curtis Jones as he nurses a weeping piano born of real life hardship. And on it goes...

If you are going to invest, I much prefer the original long book version to the rather ugly and squat jewel case reissue with that dullard artwork. 

Truth be told, you could essay the crap out of this 1997 Book Set and still not get to the end. But man what a listen, influence and ultimately – what a legacy. Moaning and groaning never sounded so good, and isn't that the greatest compliment of them all when it comes to the Blues and its myriad Horizons...

"Blues Jam In Chicago Volume One" by FLEETWOOD and CHESS PLAYERS (12 July 2004 Columbia/Blue Horizon 'Expanded Edition' CD Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

"…I Get A Real Good Feeling Talking To You…"

Fleetwood Mac's 4th British vinyl outing was a double-album called "Blues Jam At Chess" issued on Blue Horizon Records S 7-66227 in the UK and Blue Horizon BH 3801 in the USA (both December 1969). 

Recorded in one day (4 January 1969) and reluctantly it seems released at the end of the year (probably trying to capitalise on the September 1969 issue of "Then Play On" with its "Oh Well Part 1 and 2" monster single) - "Blues Jam At Chess" (aka "Fleetwood Mac In Chicago") was produced by MIKE VERNON and MARSHALL CHESS at the Chess "Ter-Mar" Studios in Chicago. 

The artists involved were FLEETWOOD MAC, OTIS SPANN on Piano, WILLIE DIXON on Bass, WALTER "SHAKEY" HORTON on Harmonica, J.T. BROWN on Tenor Sax, GUY BUDDY on Guitars (Guy Buddy is a pseudonym for Buddy Guy), HONEYBOY EDWARDS on Bass and S.P. LEARY on Drums.

A word first about the less than exciting UK and US original artwork and why none of it been used on these 2 reissues (see photos above). The original UK double-album had a wavy backdrop and titled sleeve (no real effort in the art department) - while the original US copy didn't fare much better either. Credited as "Fleetwood Mac - In Chicago", it was issued in a dull plain red cover (5 December 1969). However it was reissued again in June and September 1970 in the USA as two separate volumes - "Blues Jam In Chicago, Vol.1 and Vol.2" on BH 4802 and BH 4803 respectively (to confuse matters further the 2LP-set charted Stateside 3 July 1971 as "Fleetwood Mac In Chicago" on Blue Horizon BH 3801 with yet more different artwork - the title on the side door of a blue car). And it is these two individual volumes with their far prettier colour-photos-of-the-session artwork that were used for "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions 1967-1969" 6CD Box Set issued in November 1999 and are now individually issued again here in July 2004 as these much extended editions. Let's get to the South Indiana details…

UK released 12 July 2004 - "Blues Jam In Chicago Volume One" by FLEETWOOD MAC, OTIS SPANN, J.T. BROWN, GUITAR BUDDY, HONEYBOY EDWARDS and S. P. LEARY on Columbia/Blue Horizon 5164462 (Barcode 5099751644620) is an Expanded Edition Reissue and Remaster offering up Sides 1 and 2 of the December 1969 "Blues Jam At Chess” double-album and plays out as follows (68:24 minutes):

Also, in order to show the musical differences, I've detailed the vinyl first, then the extended CD (Volume Two is Side 3 and 4 of "Blues Jam At Chess" - see separate review):

ORIGINAL VINYL:

Side 1:

1. Watch Out [Peter Green song]

2. Ooh Baby [Chester Burnett aka Howlin' Wolf cover]

3. South Indiana - Take 1 [Walter `Shakey' Horton cover]

4. South Indiana - Take 2 [Walter `Shakey' Horton cover]

5. Last Night [W Jacobs cover]

6. Red Hot Jam [Peter Green Instrumental song]

Side 2:

1. I'm Worried [Elmore James cover]

2. I Held My Baby Last Night [Elmore James/Jules Taub cover]

3. Madison Blues [Elmore James cover]

4. I Can't Hold Out [Elmore James cover]

5. I Need Your Love [Jimmie Rogers cover]

6. I Got The Blues [Walter `Shakey' Horton cover]

EXTENDED CD (68:24 minutes):

Tracks 1 to 5 are the same as the LP above

Track 6 is "Red Hot Jam" [Take 1 with Studio talk - An Inserted Previously Unreleased Track]

Track 7 is "Red Hot jam" [Take 2 - The Master Version, Track 6 on the LP]

Tracks 8 to 11 are "I'm Worried" through to "I Can't Hold Out" and are as per the LP

Track 12 is "Bobby's Rock" which is an inserted Previously Unreleased cover of an Elmore James song

Track 13 is "I Need Your Love" (same as the LP)

Track 14 is "Horton's Boogie Woogie [Take 1 with Studio Chatter - an Inserted Previously Unreleased Version]

Track 15 is "I Got The Blues" is the Master but with inserted Previously Unreleased False Start

The tapes have been digitally remastered to STUNNING SOUND QUALITY - as fresh as a politician's new excuses and the inlay is a foldout three-leaf affair that simply duplicates the MIKE VERNON liner notes from the 6CD set, "The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions 1967-1969". The players were...

FLEETWOOD MAC were:

PETER GREEN – Lead Guitar and Vocals (Tracks 1, 2 and 5), Guitar Only (Tracks 3, 4, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15)

DANNY KIRWAN – Guitar (Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 15)

JEREMY SPENCER – Guitar and Vocal (Tracks 8, 9, 10 and 11), Guitar Only (Track 12)

JOHN McVIE – Bass Guitar

MICK FLEETWOOD – Drums

GUESTS:

WALTER HORTON plays Harmonica on CD tracks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14 and 15

BUDDY GUY, HONEYBOY EDWARDS and WILLIE DIXON are on 6 and 7

JEREMY SPENCER replaces Peter Green on Guitar and Vocal for 8, 9 10 and 11 - these tracks also feature J.T. BROWN on Tenor Sax with WILLIE DIXON on Upright Bass

OTIS SPANN plays Piano and S.P. LEARY plays drums on 13, 14 and 15

Fans greet the album itself with equal amounts of affection and disdain because at times it sounds like one long rehearsal - and a slightly uninspired and dull one at that. It's not that Blues Jam At Chess is bad - it just isn't red hot like you'd think it should have been. Highlights, however, include the lovely shuffle of "Watch Out", the harmonica driven slow blues of "Last Night" and the slashing Elmore James riffs in "I Can't Hold Out" (lyrics above). "Bobby's Rock" is a rubbishy extra, but Take 1 of "Horton's Boogie Woogie" is fantastic - alive and kicking and worth the price of entry alone. I play it a lot and it picks me up every time. And for me who once thought some parts of the session was only workmanlike, the added stuff and cool extra songs has made me love this strange double-album beast even more – brought a vitality to it that I'm sure will thrill newcomers too...

To sum up then - this is a 5 star presentation of a rare moment in Blues Rock history. And it has enough magic in its obscure grooves to not just recommend it, but make both volumes of "Blues Jam In Chicago..." a necessity for Blues Rock and Fleetwood Mac fans alike. Jump in I say and boogie...

PS:

See also my reviews for the other five July 2004 Extended CD versions of Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green years with the Blue Horizon label - "Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac", "Mr. Wonderful", "The Pious Bird Of Good Omen", "Blues Jam In Chicago Volume Two" and "The Original Fleetwood Mac" – all fab in their own 60ts Blues-glorious way...