Is The Blues

Description

Widely regarded as the leading Chicago Blues pianist of the post-war era, and best known for his extensive work in Muddy Waters’ band, Mississippi-born Otis Spann grew up under the tutelage of Big Maceo Merriweather and mastered the “barrelhouse” piano style Maceo brought with him to Chicago. In his tragically short life, Spann was a member of the Chess Records house band that backed not only Waters, but also Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Little Walter, Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Bo Diddley, and Lowell Fulson, among others. Otis Spann Is the Blues, recorded for the Candid label in 1960, was his debut record as a leader, and features his voice and piano in a duo with guitarist Robert Lockwood, Jr., who also sings on a few tracks.