Blues — In Stock
Our Chicago roots run deep here, with plenty of postwar Chicago blues -- plus delta blues, folk blues, electric blues, pre-war blues, and more!
CDs (137) new/used, Vinyl (222) new/used, LPs (205) new/used, 12-inch (1 used), 7-inch (13) new/used, 78 RPM (3), Magazines (2), All (361)
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Swallow, 1974. Near Mint- ... $16.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
Fat Possum, 1976. Used ... $12.99
Timeless work by Georgia bluesman Cecil Barfield – material recorded in the mid 70s, issued in the 21st Century – but done with a quality that could go back to the 78rpm generation! Barfield has this amazing vocal style – strongly inflected at times, with this warble that makes ... read more CD
(Out of print, CDr release.)
Future Sailor, 2009. Used ... $2.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
Fantasy, 1969. Very Good+ ... $14.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue label pressing.)
Chess, 1972. Near Mint- Gatefold ... Just Sold Out!
Chuck Berry makes the same London move as some of his other Chess Records contemporaries – and the result is one of Chuck's best albums from the later years! The set's not as star-studded as other efforts of this nature – but that's fine with us because Chuck really shines as the lead ... (Soul, Blues) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Orange label pressing. Cover has a cutout hole.)
MCA, 1960s/1970s. Used ... $1.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
ABC/BGO (UK), 1975/1977. New Copy ... $8.99 16.99
A pair of ABC Records classics from Bobby Blue Bland – back to back on a single CD! First up is Get On Down – brilliant later work by Bobby Blue Bland – done with backings that are much fuller than on his earlier albums – a mixture of strings and horns that really expand ... read more CD
Malaco, 1985. Used ... $6.99
A later gem from Bobby Blue Bland – done in a smooth style that fits the later approach of the Malaco label, but with a vocal style that hasn't dimmed a bit over the years! Bobby's still got that incredible rasp in his voice – that approach that easily made him one of the most soulful ... read more CD
Duke, 1964. Very Good- ... $24.99
Beautiful early soul stuff by one of the greatest singers ever. Bobby's young soulful voice is in top form on this set, and the LP includes such great cuts as "Ain't Nothing You Can Do", "I'm Gonna Cry", "Black Night", and "Steal Away". Very cool cover, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Original orange label Duke pressing. Cover has some wear.)
Bobby Blue Bland —
Further On Up The Road – The Duke Recordings 1955 to 1962 ... CD Southern Routes, Late 50s/Early 60s. Used 2 CDs ... $7.99
There's nobody like Bobby Blue Bland on Duke Records – especially during the early years that are featured on this collection! Bland came out of Memphis with a very unique, really amazing sound right from the start – an approach to blues that was a lot more sophisticated than most of ... read more CD
(Still sealed.)
Rounder, 1997. Used ... $3.99
... CD
Inakustik (Germany), Late 80s/1990s/2000s. Used 2 CDs ... $11.99
... CD
(Out of print.)
Route 66 (Sweden), Late 40s/Early 50s. Very Good+ ... $7.99
Wolf (Austria), 1928/1930. Near Mint- ... $11.99
Rare 78s – material recorded in both Memphis and Grafton, Wisconsin! LP, Vinyl record album
Chess/P-Vine (Japan), Early 50s. Near Mint- ... $29.99
One of the only full sets we've ever seen to document the great run of singles cut by Jackie Brenston in the early 50s – work initially done in Memphis, as a real precursor to that city's soul scene – and later cut also in Chicago, with a really hard-wailing approach! The set's titled ... (Soul, Blues) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Japanese pressing, with obi!)
Krazy Kat (UK), Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... $13.99
Alligator, 1979. Very Good+ ... $6.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a cut corner.)
Charly (UK), Late 40s/1950s. Near Mint- ... $9.99
Classic Texas blues from Clarence Gatemouth Brown – with titles that include "Gate's Salty Blues", "She Winked Her Eye", "Just Got Lucky", "You Got Money", "Okie Dokie Stomp", "Just Before Dawn", and "Sad Hour". LP, Vinyl record album
Krazy Kat (UK), Late 40s/Early 50s. Near Mint- ... $9.99
Very rare work from this obscure postwar bluesman – material recorded for the Jay Dee and Joe Davis label – plus many unissued tracks! LP, Vinyl record album
Savoy, Mid 50s. Very Good+ ... $99.99
Great work from this legendary pre-soul figure! Titles include "Love Locks", "Sittin In The Dark", "Doodle I Love You", "Love Baby", "It's Really You", "Pitter Patter", "Land I Love", and "Well Well Well Baby-La". (Soul, Blues) LP, Vinyl record album
(Red label pressing, with deep groove and RVG stamp – very nice! Cover is great too, save for just a small bit of seam splitting in one corner.)
Landslide/Alligator, 1984. Used ... $4.99
Route 66 (Sweden), Late 40s/Early 50s. Near Mint- ... $6.99
Although Roy Brown had a slightly softer edge than some of his R&B contemporaries – he could definitely rock and wail when he wanted to, as you'll hear on this set! The set does good job of digging through Roy's work from the late 40s and early 50s, pulling together 15 tracks that mix ... (Soul, Blues) read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover is slightly wavy from moisture.)
Route 66 (Sweden), Late 40s/Early 50s. Near Mint- ... $6.99
Alligator, Mid 80s. Used ... $4.99
Fat Possum, 1968. New Copy ... $13.99 15.99
Astoundingly strong early recordings by Mississippi blues hero RL Burnside – with violence-tinged songs performed with a clearer, though no less tough voice than we heard on the songs that made him a bit more famous in 1990s! Includes RL's takes on traditionals played on acoustic guitar and ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes MP3 download.)
Fat Possum, Early 80s. New Copy (reissue)... Just Sold Out!
An album recorded in the Netherlands, but a set that hits right to the heart of RL Burnside's Mississippi roots – thanks to a beautifully spare, careful presentation of the music! Most numbers feature just Burnside on vocals and guitar – with a vibe that's similar to the field ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(First time on vinyl – includes download! Limited edition Fat Possum Records 25th Anniversary pressing!)
Fat Possum, 2000. New Copy ... $13.99 17.98
Late work from RL Burnside – done in that raw, raspy style that really helped set fire to the second half of his career! The production and instrumentation show a bit of the attention that Burnside was getting from the indie rock world – but at the core of the record, the vocals and ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Arhoolie, 1988. Near Mint- ... $6.99
Features the great CJ Chenier, still going strong on accordion and vocals – with a raw cajun sound and great small combo backing! LP, Vinyl record album
Arhoolie, 1976. Near Mint- ... $14.99
Red hot zydeco work from Clifton Chenier – one in a number of well-done albums for Arhoolie from the 70s – recorded way out at the Studio In The Country in Bogalusa, LA! Clifton's rocking the grooves on accordion on most numbers, and instrumentation in the combo includes tenor sax and ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and a worn corner.)
Arhoolie, Mid 60s. Near Mint- ... $11.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a bumped corner.)
Caillier, 1984. Near Mint- ... $9.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
High Water, 1987. Very Good+ ... $11.99
Titles include "Sloppy Drunk", "In My Bed All Alone", "Just Your Fool", "Call My Landlady", "Stop What You're Doing", and "Too Much Alcohol". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some light wear.)
Class, 1959. Very Good- ... $2.99
Alligator, 1990. Near Mint- ... $16.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a cut corner and light wear.)
Bluebird/RCA (France), Mid 40s. Very Good ... $5.99
A nice French collection – featuring a number of Bluebird and Victor Records 78s by Doctor Clayton with Blind John Davis on piano – plus his "buddy" Albert Luandrew also singing with Davis on piano and Big Bill Broonzy on guitar. LP, Vinyl record album
(Vinyl is great overall, but has a mark that clicks on two tracks.)
Baron, 1970s. Near Mint- ... $0.99
Early (Sweden), 2017. Near Mint- ... $9.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(In the paste-on cover, with insert.)
Alligator, 1981. Sealed ... $9.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Shrinkwrap is shopworn.)
Alligator, 1978. Near Mint- ... $19.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear.)
Alligator, 1985. Near Mint- ... $6.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
Also available Showdown (gold CD) ... CD 24.99
Alligator/Mobile Fidelity, 1985. Used ... $24.99
... CD
Also available Showdown ... LP 6.99(Out of print Gold CD pressing – on Mobile Fidelity!)
Delmark, 1967. Very Good ... $29.99
Mostly just the legendary Arthur Crudup on vocals and guitar – in a much more stripped-down setting than his early material! LP, Vinyl record album
(7 West Grand pressing. Cover has a faint ink stamp and some tape remnants on back.)
Bo Diddley —
16 All Time Greatest Hits ... LP Checker, Late 50s/Early 60s. Very Good ... $14.99
If it were up to us, every song Bo recorded would have been a hit – because they're all so great! This album does a pretty good job of sorting out the best numbers, though – picking 16 tracks from his all-great albums for Chess – with a focus on the tightest and most groove-heavy ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(60s fading blue label stereo pressing.)
Bo Diddley —
Bo Diddley – Chess Box (2CD box set) ... CD Chess, Late 50s/Early 60s. Used 2CD ... $8.99
45 tracks on 2CDs! CD
(Please note that the outer box and large booklet are not included – just the CD's, packaged in three individual jewel cases. Small cutout hole through case and artwork.)
Checker/Universal (Japan), 1960. Used ... $28.99
Forget the silly cowboy costume on the front cover – because this is a heck of a great album! Bo might have gotten saddled (no pun intended!) with a silly gimmick for the title and image of the set – but the album's one of his best from the early Chess years, and features a rip-roaring ... read more CD
(Out of print, 2008 limited SHM-CD pressing with numbered certificate that doubles as a close up of the original LP labels – includes obi!)
Chess, Late 50s. Sealed ... $14.99
Raw, ragged, rough, and ready – killer early work by Bo Diddley, clearly in a class by itself! The Bo Diddley groove isn't blues, isn't soul, and isn't R&B – it's instead a mad blend of rhythm, scratchy guitar, and spontaneously playful vocals that few other singers could ever hope ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(80s pressing, still sealed with some shop stickers.)
Chess, 1967. Very Good ... $29.99
A Chicago blues trifecta – and the first time ever that Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and Little Waters ever worked together! The set's got a raw power that definitely lives up to the title – a wicked mix of raw guitars, rough rhythms, and some wonderfully soulful vocals – all served ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono blue gradient pressing with deep groove. Cover has a cutout hole.)
Willie Dixon —
Peace? ... LP Yambo, Early 70s. Very Good+ ... $19.99
Even though Chicago was a strong blues city in the 70s, there still weren't that many underground recordings of the music – as most of the sessions were in the hands of the bigger (or soon to be bigger) labels, which wasn't really the case with the soul sessions at the same time. This one's ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Mexican pressing.)
Fat Possum, 1969/1971. New Copy ... $13.99 17.98
Rare work from the legendary Honeyboy Edwards – a blues guitarist who was a key force in helping the music make the transition to an electric mode in the 40s – but an artist whose talents were eclipsed by so many others he worked with at the time! This set's got a real back-to-basics ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes download!)
MCA, Late 30s. Very Good+ ... $9.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
Bongo Joe (UK), Late 70s/Early 80s. New Copy ... $26.99
Not the kind of calypso that was issued by the big American labels in the 50s – and instead, sounds that have a sound, style, and overall approach that's maybe a lot more similar to American blues from the rural scene! The tracks here are all pulled from the personal archive of Walter Gavitt ... (Global Grooves, Blues) read more LP, Vinyl record album
Beale Street, 1984. Very Good+ ... $11.99
Lowell Fulsom —
Lowell Fulson – Chess Blues Masters Series ... LP Chess, Mid 60s. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... $11.99
Is it Fulsom or Fulson? We're not going to try and present ourselves as the authority, but what we can tell you is this collection features 27 tracks from the man, mostly raw blues, though a number of cuts are more produced, with full horn section and piano complementing Fulsom's guitar and vocals ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(70s pressing in the textured cover, with a split bottom seam and some aging.)
Georgia Washboard Stompers —
Complete Recordings – Recorded In New York 1934 to 1935 ... CD Jazz Oracle (Canada), 1934/1935. Used ... $9.99
Mod Art, 1976. Very Good- ... $43.99
Rare album of bluesy soul from this obscure Chicago label. There's a weird mix of styles here – Red's got a definite blues sound on his guitar, but the group and the producer are clearly trying to make a funky soul album. Released on the tiny Mod-Art label, and including the tracks "Dis ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(NOTE – Cover is entirely stained and flaky, with most of the top half peeled off. Labels are stained.)
Silvertone, 2015. Near Mint- 2LP Gatefold ... $19.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
Buddy Guy —
Rhythm & Blues ... CD Silvertone, 2013. Used 2 CDs ... $6.99
Buddy blazes brightly on this double dose of Rhythm & Blues – one disc titled Rhythm and the other Blues – and both are prime late-career work from one of the world's foremost electric blues players! The stylistic differences aren't incredibly vast between the Rhythm half and the ... read more CD
Counterpoint/OJC, 1958. Used ... $8.99
Chesky, 2009. Used ... $8.99
... CD
(SACD hybrid version – plays on regular players too.)
Sundown (UK), 1950s. Near Mint- ... $6.99
A split album – as side one features 50s material recorded by Peppermint Harris in both LA and Houston – and side two features early 50s sides recorded by Elmore Nixon in Houston! LP, Vinyl record album
Geffen/Mobile Fidelity, 1994. Used ... $18.99
... CD
(Out of print Gold CD pressing on Mobile Fidelity!)
Arista, 1988. Near Mint- ... $6.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes the printed inner sleeve.)
Kent, Early 50s. Very Good+ ... $7.99
Titles include "Low Down Blues", "I Wonder", "Worrying Mind", "When The Sun Goes Down", "She's My Baby", "No Matter What You Do", and "I Want My Baby". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some light wear, but is nice overall.)
Arhoolie, Early 50s/1969. Very Good+ ... $19.99
A great set that features some early Memphis recordings by Earl Hooker – plus some later Chicago and Berkely material from the last year of his life – including some cuts on that cool double-necked guitar of his! LP, Vinyl record album
(Nice heavy Arhoolie pressing! Cover has completely split seams, light surface wear, and some aging.)
Arhoolie, 1969. Very Good ... $29.99
A killer late 60s Chicago blues set from Earl Hooker – one of his best! Earl is one of the great blues slide guitarists, and his tone is captured so incredibly well here – songs recorded at Chicago's Sound Studios with impeccable players. Earl sings on "Anna Lee" and "Yo ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Red label pressing. Cover has some wear and a split top seam.)
Vee Jay, Early 60s. Very Good+ ... $29.99
John Lee Hooker takes a step or two into the bluesy soul sound of the early 60s on this sweet set on Vee Jay – while style flaunting his true blues pedigree really, really well! The grit of his voice is as heavily emotive and unshakable as ever – backed by a crack combo on drums, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Later black label stereo pressing, with the extra track)
John Lee Hooker —
Folk Lore Of John Lee Hooker (Vinyl Lovers) ... LP Vinyl Lovers, 1961. Sealed ... $14.99
Hardly a folk album, despite the title – and instead a wicked batch of raw bluesy numbers from the mighty John Lee Hooker! Two of the album's tracks were recorded live at the Newport Folk Fest, but the rest were done back in Chicago – with lots of gritty vocals and guitar from Hooker, ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(180 gram Vinyl Lovers pressing.)
Chameleon, 1989. Near Mint- ... $89.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(200 gram Classic pressing. Cover has clear tape on the top seam.)
Chess, Early 50s. Sealed ... $16.99
A rootsy cover, and some rootsy blues to match – a fairly stripped down session from John Lee Hooker –- and one that mostly just features vocals and guitar, plus some occasional added guitar and piano! Most of the recordings here are from the early 50s, pulled together in a full LP at ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(180 gram vinyl. Shrinkwrap has some old shop stickers.)
Up Front, Late 60s. Very Good+ ... $11.99
Titles include "Baby Lee", "Trouble Blues", "Drug Store Woman", "Frisco Blues", "I'm In The Mood", and "Hobo Blues". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has a split top seam, some wear, and aging.)
Vee Jay/Shout Factory, 1959. Used ... $2.99
Classic Chicago blues issued on Vee Jay – recorded by John Lee Hooker in a handful of sessions over the second half of the 50s – an incredible document of Hooker's lonely roots as well as a benchmark for the band based live blues scenes in the years to come! I'm John Lee Hooker was ... read more CD
Riverside, 1960. Near Mint- ... $14.99
Great rootsy blues from John Lee Hooker – and an unusual session that has him getting backup help from jazz players Sam Jones on bass and Louis Hayes on drums! Jones and Hayes only play on a handful of tracks, and most of the focus is on Hooker's damn-great vocals, and acoustic guitar – ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Recent 180 gram WaxTime pressing.)
John Lee Hooker —
That's Where It's At! ... LP Stax, 1969. Good+ ... $16.99
A fantastic pairing of soulful talents – the legendary John Lee Hooker on the mighty Stax Records – in a set that's a real standout in the career of both! The vibe here is different than the usual sound of Stax – not a Memphis-ized John Lee Hooker, but instead the kind of ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Hard to find! Cover has some light wear, but is nice overall.)
Modern Harmonic, 1969. New Copy (reissue)... $23.99 24.99
One of the more obscure Lightning Hopkins albums of the 60s – a very spare session recorded in Los Angeles for the Vault label – but done with a vibe that's like some of Hopkin's earliest material from the 78rpm generation! The only difference is that the recording quality is superb ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
("Root Beer" vinyl pressing!)
Fantasy, 1962. Very Good+ 2LP Gatefold ... $24.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(80s pressing.)
Up Front, Late 50s. Very Good+ ... $11.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has ring and edge wear.)
Score/Third Man, Early 50s. New Copy (reissue)... $16.99 21.99
A late 50s collection of earlier 78rpm singles issued by Aladdin Records – material that's far rawer than the "strums" in the title might imply! At a time when other blues musicians were fleshing things out a bit – sometimes adding in larger backings, horns, and a bit of ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Chess/Traffic, Late 50s/Early 60s. New Copy ... $8.99 14.98
Almost a decade's worth of great work from Howlin Wolf – late 50s and early 60s recordings done for Chess Records in Chicago, nicely packaged up here in an archival series album with full notes on the sessions and music! Nearly all tracks are originals by Wolf – aka Chester Burnett ... read more CD
Also available Change My Way ... CD 2.99
Chess/Traffic, Late 50s/Early 60s. Used ... $2.99
Almost a decade's worth of great work from Howlin Wolf – late 50s and early 60s recordings done for Chess Records in Chicago, nicely packaged up here in an archival series album with full notes on the sessions and music! Nearly all tracks are originals by Wolf – aka Chester Burnett ... read more CD
Also available Change My Way ... CD 8.99
Chess, Late 50s/Early 60s. Very Good+ ... $11.99
The title definitely gets it right – as this 70s collection brings together most of the best Chess Records material by Howlin Wolf from the late 50s and early 60s – almost all of them small combo sides that present the man in all of his raspy, growling glory! The tracks span a space ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(80s pressing.)
Howlin Wolf —
Howlin Wolf Album ... LP Cadet/Get On Down, 1968. New Copy (reissue)... Just Sold Out!
A killer album of funky blues – recorded by Howlin Wolf during the period when Chess/Cadet was backing its older artists up with some of the newer funk musicians it had working in its studios! The overall sound works quite well – and although purists at the time moaned at the way ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
Flair, Early 50s. Used ... $5.99
Postwar work for the Modern/RPM label! CD
(Out of print. Back artwork has a small crease, but is otherwise fine.)
Chess, 1950s/Early 60s. Used ... $4.99
2 blues classics from the great Howlin Wolf – back to back on a single CD! First up is the self-titled Howlin Wolf – a record that has Wolf tightening it up a bit from his earliest years at Chess, and moving into a groove that would forever make him one of the key artists to record for ... read more CD
Howlin Wolf —
Howling Wolf Sings The Blues ... LP Crown, Early 50s. Very Good ... Just Sold Out!
Howlin Wolf sings the blues, and comes across in a way that influences an entire generation too – with that raw, raspy sound that made the singer a perfect blend of delta roots and contemporary sounds that were bubbling up in the postwar years! These tracks have a spare, simple, stark style ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(Grey label pressing. Cover has light wear, a split top and split spine.)
DRG, 1934. Near Mint- Gatefold ... $3.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(Red label pressing.)
Riverside, 1961. Sealed ... $12.99
Two great female blues talents, recorded at a time when they were still alive and well in Chicago – Alberta Hunter on vocals, and Lovie Austin on piano! LP, Vinyl record album
(Sealed OBC pressing, with review sticker. Cover has a cut corner.)
Prestige/Bluesville, 1961. Near Mint- ... $11.99
Raw, rootsy blues – recorded by a trio of gals who are definitely old enough to have taught your mom a few songs! The set's got a mixed blues/jazz vibe – that sweet 20s/30s mode when the two genres would often blur nicely together – and players include Sidney De Paris on tuba, JC ... read more LP, Vinyl record album
(OBC pressing, still in the shrink, with hype sticker.)
Case Quarter, 1970s. New Copy ... $13.99 14.98
Really raw work by Reverend Charlie Jackson – gospel in subject, but delivered in a style that's much more blues overall – thanks to a stripped-down presentation, and lots of electric guitar from the man himself! The Rev comes across here like some cat recorded out at a juke joint in ... read more CD
(2018 edition features new remastering – and a newly-unearthed song, too!)
