Lightnin' Hopkins - Lightnin'

Hi-fi News Album Choice July 2018!

Available for wholesale sales beginning 5/19/2017

Part of the ultimate audiophile Prestige stereo reissues from Analogue Productions — 25 of the most collectible, rarest, most audiophile-sounding Rudy Van Gelder recordings ever made. All cut at 33 1/3 and also released on Hybrid SACD

All mastered from the original analog master tapes by mastering maestro Kevin Gray. 180-gram LPs pressed at Acoustic Sounds' state-of-the-art pressing plant, Quality Record Pressings, plated by Gary Salstrom

Tip-on jackets on thick cardboard stock

First 250 LP copies of each title will be numbered editions and will only be available to series subscribers

"For music once treated so cavalierly by the major labels, the blues yielded numerous magnificent recordings, light years away from the primitive sonic quality of, say, Robert Johnson's pre-WWII sessions. In a similar vein to Muddy Waters' oft-reissued Folk Singer is this superlative acoustic session from rural blues legend Lightnin' Hopkins, from late 1960. Playing guitar and backed by just bass and drums, he delivered ten tracks of which at least half are staples of the genre, timed just as the folk revival was giving the blues a much-needed boost. 'Automobile Blues,' 'Mean Old Frisco,' 'The Walkin' Blues,' — for those who crave unvarnished  authenticity, but with in-the-room presence, this is a tonic." — Sound Quality: 90% - Ken Kessler, Album Choice Hi Fi News, July 2018

“Recorded for Prestige's Bluesville subsidiary in 1960, Lightnin' is among the rewarding acoustic dates Lightnin' Hopkins delivered in the early '60s. The session has an informal, relaxed quality, and this approach serves a 48-year-old Hopkins impressively well on both originals like ‘Thinkin' 'Bout an Old Friend’ and the familiar ‘Katie Mae’ and enjoyable interpretations of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee's ‘Back to New Orleans’ and Arthur ‘Big Boy’ Crudup's ‘Mean Old Frisco.’ Hopkins' only accompaniment consists of bassist Leonard Gaskin and drummer Belton Evans, both of whom play in an understated fashion and do their part to make this intimate setting successful. From the remorseful ‘Come Back Baby’ to more lighthearted, fun numbers like ‘You Better Watch Yourself’ and ‘Automobile Blues,’ Lightnin' is a lot like being in a small club with Hopkins as he shares his experiences, insights and humor with you.” — All Music Guide

 

Side 1

Automobile Blues

You Better Watch Yourself

Mean Old Frisco

Shinin' Moon

Come Back Baby

Side 2

Thinkin' 'Bout An Old Friend

The Walkin' Blues

Back To New Orleans

Katie Mae

Down There Baby

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 4 person(s) rated this product.

Outstanding Again posted on 04/03/2024 5 Stars Reviewer: GRB The music is wonderful. Lightnin' Hopkins has that syrupy smooth delivery on guitar and the Texas drawl vocals. The pressing is stunning. Dead quiet and Lightnin' Hokins sounds as if he was sitting in the room with me.

Stunning posted on 11/28/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: Gsal Great songs and yet another fantastic pressing! Oh my!

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