Big Walter Horton – Live At The Knickerbocker

It's 1980 and Big Walter undertakes a short tour of the North East. At this stage of his career, he's the King of the Blues Harmonica - Little Walter, the only serious contender for the title had died twelve years earlier. Here he's drawing on at least four decades in the business, having played with the likes of Little Buddy Doyle, Muddy Waters, Eddie Taylor and Johnny Shines.Here he's backed by Sugar Ray Norcia's band and Sugar Ray himself contributes to three tracks.These are quality musicians, on the brink of wider fame. On bass there's 'Mudcat' Ward; on piano, Little Anthony and on drums the phenomenal Ola Dixon. The guitarist is a new kid, Ronnie Horvath, who's starting to get folks talking. Suffice to say he's now known as Ronnie Earl. This is a classic live set - possibly Big Walter's last recording. These tracks feature the seemingly casual brilliance he could display on stage - his speed of thought and execution allied to his prodigious technique were always best heard live. Here is a 'genuine 'Were you there'' moment. Even after more than thirty years, the excitement of that night is as fresh as ever.

A masterclass in interplay and sympathetic playing from Big Walter Horton and Ronnie Earl. Newly re-mixed and now with previously unseen photos of the performances utilised on the new packaging.

Acknowledged as one of the greatest albums of modern blues this was Walter Horton's last session and Ronnie Earl's first! Walter was still at the very top of his ever inventive game and Ronnie was already a fully formed guitar stylist( he was so unknown then that the original release credited him as Ronnie Horvath). The original multi track recordings has been meticulously restored and remixed.   

Track Listing:
1. I Cry For You - 5:26   2. Lord Knows I Tried - 7:56   3. Country Girl - 5:10   4. Walter's Shuffle - 3:34   5. Little Boy Blue - 4:53   6. It's Not Easy - 4:46   7. Two Old Maids - 4:39   8. What's On Your Worried Mind - 7:45   9. Walter's Swing - 7:58

Personnel:
Big Walter Horton (vocals, harmonica) , Sugar Ray (vocals) , Ronnie Horvath (guitar) , Little Anthony (piano) , Ola Dixon (drums)