Lightnin' Hopkins: Lightnin'

Lightnin' Hopkins (Samuel John "Lightnin'" Hopkins) was not only an American country blues singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from the great state of Texas, he was also one of the most influential blues artists and guitarist of his time. Rolling Stone magazine ranks him in the top 100 greatest guitarists of all time.

Musicologist Robert McCormick referred to Hopkins as "the embodiment of the jazz-and-poetry spirit, representing its ancient form in the single creator whose words and music are one act". Hopkins has influenced legendary guitarist such as Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams, Jr., and Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose Grammy winning song "Rude Mood" was directly inspired by the Texan's song "Hopkins' Sky Hop".

Lightnin' is an album of acoustic performances from the then 48-year-old Hopkins. On Lightnin', Hopkins succeeds at bringing the feel of his small club live performances to vinyl.

Finding great recordings of artists like Hopkins is difficult at best. At the time of these and other recording of artists of the era, such as Howlin' Wolf, record labels were not giving the blues the respect it was due. As such, artists were forced to sign with labels that may have utilized less than state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

Given the limitations of master recordings, Analogue Productions pulled a rabbit out of a hat with this release of Lightnin'. The vinyl is quiet and Hopkins guitar and voice sound and feel as if he is in the room with you. The quality of the vinyl, packaging, and pressing is second to few.

If you're a Hopkins fan, a fan of the blues, or simply a fan of great recordings, this is one record worth the investment and certainly one to acquire!💰

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