The Real Blues

Adapter: Taj Mahal.The title of Sony Special Products' The Real Blues may not have any real meaning -- after all, this is merely a sampler that features both covers of classic blues tunes and originals -- but the end result in an entertaining collection that highlights Taj Mahal's skills as an interpreter, as well as his easygoing charm. For curious, budget-minded listeners, it's worth checking out. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

top contemporary blues CDs

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band - Paul Butterfield Blues Band +w Personnel: Paul Butterfield (vocals, harmonica); Sam Lay (vocals, drums); Elvin...  read more

2.  Peace...Back By Popular Demand - Keb' Mo' +w 3.  The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble +w 4.  10 Days Out (Blues from the Backroads) - Kenny Wayne Shepherd +w 5.  Back To The Blues - Gary Moore +w 6.  Still Got The Blues - Gary Moore +w 7.  Live Alive - Stevie Ray Vaughan +w 8.  An Anthology: The Elektra Years - Paul Butterfield Blues Band +w 9.  Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down - R.L. Burnside +w 10.  The Collection - Gary Moore +w

top blues CDs

Trouble Hearted Blues: Vintage Guitar Blues 1927-44 - Various Artists +w Includes liner notes by Keith Briggs. Personnel: Otto Virgial, Julius Daniels,...  read more

2.  Barrelhouse Blues & Boogie Woogie, Vol. 1 - Various Artists +w 3.  The Complete Vanguard Recordings [Box] - Big Mama Thornton +w 4.  Blues Breakers With Eric Clapton - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers +w 5.  Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: The Best of the Blues - Various Artists +w 6.  King Of The Delta Blues Singers - Robert Johnson +w 7.  From the Reach - Sonny Landreth +w 8.  A Man And The Blues - Buddy Guy +w 9.  On The Jimmy Reed Highway - Omar Kent Dykes/Jimmie Vaughan +w 10.  Episode 2 - Susan Tedeschi +w