Walking the Blues
is arguably the finest record
Otis Spann
ever cut, boasting 11 cuts of astounding blues piano. On several numbers,
Spann
is supported by guitarist
Robert Jr. Lockwood
and their interaction is sympathetic, warm, and utterly inviting.
relies on originals here, from
"Half Ain't Been Told"
to
"Walking the Blues,"
but he also throws in a few standards (
"Goin' Down Slow,"
"My Home Is in the Delta"
) that help draw a fuller portrait of his musicianship. Most importantly, however, is the fact that
simply sounds great -- it's some of the finest blues piano you'll ever hear. ~ Thom Owens