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James Cotton: It Was A Very Good Year
ByRecorded September 28, 1967 before a live audience at The New Penelope Café in Montreal, this session has its sound problems. There's no denying, however, that the band had spirit. It's that attitude that gets ya. It was about this same time that Ottawa native Dan Aykroyd "got hooked" on the blues and started experimenting with harp blowing. In Toronto, he enjoyed sessions similar to this one and came up with the ideas that would eventually lead to his Blues Brothers skits on television. A strong tie to blues roots and a youthful air will work every time.
Cotton met Sonny Boy Williamson at age nine. It was more than a mere acquaintance. The youth traveled with Williamson, learning the ropes, and working for tips outside the clubs where the veteran was appearing. Next, he teamed up with Howlin' Wolf while still a teenager and toured the Deep South. Just shy of his 20th birthday, Cotton teamed up with Muddy Waters and stayed with him for twelve years, leaving a year before this recording was made. On his own, the rising star sang the blues and led a band that allowed him to interact with guitar players. It Was A Very Good Year is testimony of what Cotton was doing at that time. Still working today and still making powerful impressions on veteran listeners, James Cotton is proof that this timeless music keeps you young forever.
Track Listing
It Was A Very Good Year; Mystery Train; She's My Baby; One More Mile; How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You); I Can't Quit You Baby; Sweet Sixteen; Midnight Creeper; Hoochie Coochie Man; You're So Fine.
Personnel
James Cotton
harmonicaJames Cotton- harmonica, vocals; Luther Tucker- guitar; Albert Gianquinto- piano; Bobby Anderson- bass; Francis Clay- drums.
Album information
Title: It Was A Very Good Year | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Just A Memory
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Cynthia Sayer