Chicago Blues Stars

John Littlejohn’s - Chicago Blues Stars (Arhoolie Records US 1969) This November 14, 1968, session was recorded in Chicago, co-produced by Chris Strachwitz of Arhoolie Records and Willie Dixon. It’s decent, though journeyman, ’60s electric Chicago blues augmented by a couple of tenor saxes. Littlejohn has a pleasant voice and is a skilled guitarist, but does not have the fire or individuality that leaps from some of the musicians to whom one might compare him. Those might include figures like Buddy Guy, say, or Elmore James’ more fully produced sides, or on something like ”Catfish Blues,” the Muddy Waters approach. Littlejohn did write most of the dozen tunes, interspersed with covers of songs by James, Dixon, Brook Benton (a refreshingly unusual choice for a mainstream ’60s Chicago bluesman), and J.B. Lenoir. Personnel： Rec. November 14, 1968 at Universal Studios in Chicago, IL; John Littlejohn, voc, g; Robert Pulliam, ts, backgr voc; Willie Young, ts, backgr voc; Monroe Jones Jr., g; Alvin Nichols, b, backgr voc; Booker Sidgrave, dr; prod. by Chris Strachwitz and Willie Dixon Original Album Tracks： 01. What In The World You Goin’ To Do 02. Treat Me Wrong 03. Catfish Blues (omit saxes) 04. Kiddeo 05. Slidin’ Home 06. Dream 07. Reelin’ And Rockin’ 08. Been Around The World 09. How Much More Long [uncredited on later LP pressing] 10. Shake Your Moneymaker