Eddie Boyd - The Complete Blue Horizon Sessions (2006)

Chicago blues pianist Eddie Boyd only released one album for Mike Vernon's Blue Horizon label (7936 South Rhodes), so in addition to those 12 tracks, this reissue scrapes together another four rarities from around the same period (1967-1968) and two from 1960 to expand the song listing to 18. The bulk of this recording was laid down in a single day, a situation that kept the energy flowing in the studio. This was producer Vernon's second session with Boyd two leftover tunes from his 1967 Decca album open the disc so he was acquainted with the bluesman's method of working. The project was originally credited to Eddie Boyd with Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac, and indeed three quarters of that band (Green, Fleetwood, and McVie) provide backing duties for the majority of these tracks. The Mac, which had started to experience their first shot of stardom in the U.K., are in typically fine form with Green's slashing, quicksilver leads a particular treat. There are also vocal similarities between Green (who doesn't sing here) and Boyd, showing that this session was a two-way street. The pianist sounds relaxed and comfortable, especially considering the rushed atmosphere in which the recording was held. While there is nothing as classic as "Five Long Years," there is plenty of quality music as the Mac push Boyd to spirited performances of straight Chicago blues. But arguably the most attractive aspect of this single-disc compilation is not audible. Vernon's extensive, detailed, and captivating liner notes, laid out over 11 pages of small type, explain how the sessions came about, and more specifically Boyd's history and status in the blues world. They are beautifully written, as Vernon shows himself to not only be a fan and friend of Boyd, but someone who understood his importance as a blues artist. Die-hard Eddie Boyd fans who already own the majority of this material (two previously unreleased tracks from 1960 close the disc and four others were only available on hard to find singles) will need this just for Vernon's story. The sound has also been cleaned up, which brings Green's guitar and Boyd's voice even further into the spotlight on this terrific set.