JOHN LEE HOOKER: THE REAL FOLK BLUES (CHESS RECORDS ACOUSTIC SOUNDS SERIES)

Performer: John Lee Hooker, guitar and vocals; Lafayette Leake, piano and organ; Eddie Burns, guitar; S.P. Leary, drums; and others
Artist: John Lee Hooker
Number of discs: 1
Barcode: 0199957307116
Label: Analogue Productions
Format: LP
Genre: Blues & Soul
Year: 2026
Reference: ASLPCHE40905
Available from: 2026-07-01

The Chess Records 75 Series, a new and remarkable collaboration between Chess Records and Acoustic Sounds.

Remastered by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab.

180-gram LP pressed at Quality Record Pressings.

John Lee Hooker’s 1966 album Real Folk Blues is the latest in a series of Real Folk Blues albums from Chess Records to be reissued in 2026 as part of the Chess Records 75 Series, presented by Chess Records and Acoustic Sounds. While the other LPs in the series, dedicated to Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and other artists, were compilations of previously recorded material, Hooker’s album was recorded specifically for the occasion in May 1966 in Chicago. Hooker was captured in all his inimitable and spontaneous style, revisiting some of his earlier songs while improvising new material, accompanied by Detroit guitarist Eddie Burns and Chicago musicians Lafayette Leake and S.P. Leary.

AllMusic critic Stephen Cook stated: “Listeners looking for a comprehensive collection of Hooker’s work may not find it here, but they certainly won’t be disappointed once the stylus hits the grooves of this worthwhile 1966 Chess release from the blues master.” Featuring nine original Hooker compositions, the album is an engaging mix of rowdy, entertaining uptempo numbers and extremely slow-paced classics.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Let's Go Out Tonight
2. Peace Lovin' Man
3. Stella Mae
4. I Put My Trust In You

Side B

1. I'm In The Mood
2. You Know, I Know
3. I'll Never Trust Your Love Again
4. One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
5. The Waterfront