Livin' Blues - Hell's Session (1969) [2009]

Livin Blues are without doubt the greatest Blues Band to come out of Holland, and to be honest, they deserved greater acclaim. This debut Studio Album (Although a latter release of early Sessions pre-dated this CD) featured Cesar Zuiderduik (Probably spelt the surname wrong) before he joined Hollands undisputed Kings of Rock i.e. Golden Earring. The music will appeal to those who found interest in the late 60s British Blues Boom (i.e. Fleetwood Mac,Savoy Brown,Groundhogs,Climax Blues Band etc). The music is tight, and Nico Christianson's vocals are extremely powerful. His version of "One night Blues" is an utter joy to listen to.Oh, and he is one hell of a Sax player to boot. Ted Oberg (Guitars) is top-drawer also, and really knows how to Boogie in the same manner as Kim Simmonds. Harp Player John LeGrand really added another dimension to the band too. Other highlights are the Title Track (Hells Session). Livin Blues' best Albums were the 1st 3 (Hells Session/Wang Dang Doodle and Bamboozled). Best Rockin' Tracks to listen to from the other 2 CDs are Hitch Hikin/Wang Dang Doodle and LB Boogie to name but 3. The song "Sunrise" is a beautiful slow Blues instrumental a la "Albatross".To those aspiring Blues Guitarist's, check this song out pronto. It is so basic yet totally awe-inspiring.The following Albums with Christianson (Live at Tweed Hill and Ram Jam Josie) were mediocre. When Christianson left in the mid 70s, he was replaced and the music switched to more Rock and less Blues, with Oberg now being the Main-man. Somehow, their appeal diminished. Christianson returned in the late 80s and a couple of albums followed (Snakedance and Live). I believe they are still currently going with only Christianson from the original line-up. Sadly, the latter output is for die-hard LB fans only. Hells Session is a great place to start though.


Tracks:

01. Waitin' on You (King, Washington) 02:47
02. One Night Blues (Christiansen, Oberg) 06:40
03. Bowlegged Woman (Christiansen, Oberg) 02:34
04. Hell's Session (Christiansen, Oberg) 04:53
05. Big Road Blues (Traditional) 02:46
06. Black Panther (Christiansen, Oberg) 03:10
07. Worried Dreams (King) 05:11
08. Big Black Train (Christiansen, Oberg) 04:00
Bonus Tracks:
09. Murphy McCoy 02:54
10. My Sister Kate 02:22
11. You Better Watch Yourself (Sonny Boy) 02:47
12. One Night Blues 04:33