Charlie Musselwhite’s The Ace of Harps

According to legend, Charlie Musselwhite came to notoriety by following the same path as many of his predecessors. He was born in Mississippi, raised in Memphis and came of age as a blues player, having followed route 51 north to Chicago like so many others. He hung out with Buddy Guy, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters, lived in the basement of the Jazz Record Mart (Bob Koester’s famed hangout at the corner of State and Grand) and cut his chops playing at Mr. Joe’s.

When Elektra became successful with Butterfield, Musselwhite caught some of the benefit, releasing a much acclaimed album in ’66 called Stand Back! Here Comes Charley (sic) Musselwhite’s Southside Band on Vanguard. Forty years and 20 some albums later, he’s considered a living legend. In addition to continuing to record and perform, he’s appeared on albums by Bonnie Raitt, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Tom Waits’ Mule Variations and INXS‘ Suicide Blonde (that’s him ripping into the harp on the title cut).

This is the one that introduced me to Musselwhite 20 years ago, one I go back to regularly.

Happy Full Album Friday.

Charlie Musselwhite – Hangin’ On
Charlie Musselwhite – Hello, Pretty Baby
Charlie Musselwhite – Kiddeio
Charlie Musselwhite – Leaving Your Town
Charlie Musselwhite – Mean Old Frisco
Charlie Musselwhite – My Road Lies
Charlie Musselwhite – River Hip Mama
Charlie Musselwhite – She May Be Your Woman
Charlie Musselwhite – The Blues Overtook Me
Charlie Musselwhite – Yesterdays