John Lee Hooker – That’s My Story: John Lee Hooker Sings The Blues
Hearing a classic R&B song like “Money (That’s What I Want)” originally by Barrett Strong in 1959, the Beatles in 1963 & quirky in 1979 by the Flying Lizards, it’s amazing to hear a bluesy rendition in 1960 by blues-great John Lee Hooker (1912-2001). But here it is. Hooker’s voice is the attraction, with its deep tones & dark storytelling manner. “Come and See About Me” is nearly a whisper, but with John’s presence, it resonates as a tune he could sing personally to you if you’re wearing headphones.
This 12-track studio set was recorded in Feb.1960 as That’s My Story: John Lee Hooker Sings The Blues (Dropped April 3/Craft/Concord/Riverside/44:43) produced by Orrin Keepnews, who also wrote the liner notes. Despite the blues tag, the songs are recorded with a whispery personal application. “I’m Wanderin’” & “Democrat Man” are bluesy narratives, with Hooker accompanying himself on acoustic guitar.
The performances are raw, stripped-down rural country blues. Many have a compelling storyline instead of repetition. On “Gonna Use My Rod,” Hooker uses the type of vocal inflection Muddy Waters carried over into his live performance of “Mannish Boy” with The Band at “The Last Waltz.” It plods along, not like a lazy dog but a quiet python. With Hooker’s colorful manner, it’s predatory under the breath with a threatening delivery.
With “Wednesday Evenin’ Blues,” it sounds like Hooker’s imitating an inebriated man with his slurry lyrics, but he carries with his voice a style that Mick Jagger would adapt years later. It’s not the type of song that can be sung straight because that wouldn’t work. More upbeat is “No More Doggin,’” with its bluesy rock rhythm. Had this been done with more instruments, this could’ve been a chart hit. Good hooks, excellent delivery, & suggestive. I always believed John Lee Hooker had one of the most natural, deep-toned vocals in the genre. He knew how to captivate.
“One of These Days” is filled with ideal words accentuated wisely by Hooker. He doesn’t just sing the song; he feels every phrase, especially when he talks sincerely about his dead mother. For a blues song, it’s different, reflective & despite its sadness, John caresses each word & lets the tune pulsate like a reminiscing heart.
It’s not an LP filled with dirty blues, done him wrong blues, too much whiskey blues, or down on your luck blues – it’s more of an album of everyday life blues. Hooker explores the challenges of the spirit, survival & livin’ the best you can with what you have.
Highlights – “I Need Some Money,” “Come and See About Me,” “I’m Wanderin’,” “Democrat Man,” “Gonna Use My Rod,” “Wednesday Evenin’ Blues,” “No More Doggin’” & “One of These Days.”
Musicians – Louis Hayes (drums) & Sam Jones (bass).
Cover image by Lawrence N. Shustak. CD @ Apple, Amazon + Bandcamp & https://johnleehooker.com/