Henry Gray - Direct-To-Disc Sessions [Vinyl] (2001)

Recorded October 12, 2000 at Blue Heaven Studio.

The lustrous Chicago blues scene of the 1950's was predominated by great pianists. Otis Spann, Henry Gray, Johnnie Jones and Sunnyland Slim were among the era's very best. Henry's rolling two-fisted keyboard work graced countless Chicago blues recordings during the '50s for leading labels. Unlike most of his contemporaries there, he was from Louisiana rather than Mississippi-and since 1968, he's been living at his boyhood home just outside of Baton Rouge once again, a stalwart on the swamp blues circuit.

Born in Kenner, Louisiana, Henry arrived in Chicago in 1946, fresh from a stint in the Philippines during World War II. Strongly influenced by ivories master Big Maceo, Henry's rapidly escalating talents were soon in heavy demand. After starting out with Little Hudson's Red Devil Trio, Henry appeared on classic sides by Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Jimmy Rogers, Little Walter, Billy Boy Arnold and Morris Pejoe before joining Howlin' Wolf's combo in 1956 for a 12-year run.

Although Henry's ability on the 88s is renowned worldwide, his warm expressive vocals may come as something of a revelation. There's more than a hint of Henry's Louisiana roots in his music. The brilliant piano style of Henry Gray once represented the very best Chicago had to offer. You know, some things never change. Henry cut 5 songs solo on this direct-to-disc. He plays a Steinway Concert Grand 9' model D.