Little Willie Anderson — Swinging the Blues (1981) @@@

[concert_goer]

Little Willie Anderson (1920–1991), often referred to as Little Walter Jr., earned that nickname by trying to mirror Walter's distinctive style while also serving as the legendary harp master's valet and chauffeur. This CD is a reissue of the original vinyl album released on Bob Corritore's Blues over Blues Records label back in 1981. The recordings were made in July 1979 at Birdland Recording Studio in Chicago. Willie is backed by a tight band; notable players include Robert Jr. Lockwood on guitar and Fred Below on drums. Pete Haskin contributes saxophone on a take of Lester Young's Lester Leaps In, and the traditional tune Been Around carries a similarly jazzy feel. The remaining tracks are Chicago-style blues. The only Little Walter cover here is Everything Gonna Be Alright, while everything else is credited to Willie himself. His harmonica playing is top notch, and the compositions are good, though none particularly stand out, much like his vocals. Still, this is a compelling historic session and the lone entry in Little Willie Anderson's discography.