Audiophile Blues Recordings

Here is a collection of blues guitar albums, most of which have some audiophile pretensions, which are all realized to a greater or lesser degree. In no particular order they are…

Albert Collins-Cold Snap.
This is the Mobile Fidelity remaster of the original 1986 Alligator Records release. It has a few of his best- known songs from his live act.. (‘I Ain’t Drunk-I’m only Drinkin’, and ‘Too Many Dirty Dishes’).

Ronnie Earl-Still River
One of the most respected, but least well known guitar players out there. On the Audioquest label, recorded using a Studer recorder at 30 ips, hooked up with Audioquests finest cables at the time (the silver Diamond Lapis. The reverb unit was lent to him for the session by none other than Leo Fender. Mastering by Bernie Grundman.

Jimmy Rogers-Blue Bird
On the audiophile Analogue Productions label. Also featuring Carey Bell and Jimmy Lane. Recorded on 1/2” two track tape. Mastering by Doug Sax.

Untapped Blues Festival (2004)
Superb and superbly recorded live blues. This disk featured heavily at the 2005 CES show. Features Linda Hornbuckle, Terry Evans and a few others.

Cephas and Wiggins-Bluesmen
This is on the Chesky label. Recorded using Cardas wires, their own proprietary 128x A/D recorder, tube gear built by George Kaye etc. This is a collection of blues standards (‘Little Red Rooster’, ‘Good Morning Little Schoolgirl’…)
Buddy Guy-Blues Singer
Although this isn’t on any audiophile label, this commercial release has amazingly good ‘live in studio’ sound that is minimally miked and produced. Brilliant music, brilliant production.

Blues Guitars for the Homeless
Featuring performers like Joe Bonamassa, Ronnie Earl, Dr John, Odetta, Johnny Copeland, Tab Benoit, Sue Foley etc. Mastered by Bernie Grundman.