"Buy this two-disc set not because it is an essential link between past legends and present practitioners of Chicago Blues as the folks at Raisin Music would like you to believe, but because it passes a simpler litmus test : the songs will make you want to sing or dance or nod your head or howl at the moon (or maybe all of those at once)."
History can be dry and dusty, mere examination of things past. Or it can be vibrant, full of life, a celebration of that which continues to connect us despite technology and trends. Studied carefully, this collection yields some profound insights into the growth of one of the world’s most significant musical forms. But again, the blues are about feel, not scholarship, and rarely are lessons as lively and exciting as this. Highly recommended – on every level!
"There hasn’t been a Chicago blues collection this cool since Alligator did a documentary series over 20 years ago.... a fine collection that gives the classics their due and brings them forward so they won’t be forgotten or disregarded. It’s a fine way to get you into the history of the blues without feeling like you are going to school."
"Outstanding...A glorious Blues collection. As long as blues progenies like Lurrie Bell, Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer and Billy Branch continue to carry the blues spirit, Chicago's rich musical legacy will continue on in timeless fashion for generations to come."
"This is a must-own 2-disc set for any fan of Chicago blues. "
"First Rate. Their performances escort the genre into the future."
"Audacious....Fans of the traditional electric blues, especially of the Windy City variety will find a lot to like on this collection as it features some of the city's top musical talent coming together to keep the music alive and moving forward."
"This CD is a must have...Get It!"
"The overall scope of this project would have been too large for some, but not for producer Larry Skoller, whose love for this music and it performers is obvious. I'm not sure how many copies of this set were made, but if you're reading this you better get one."
"Chicago Blues - A Living History" is just that, and it's a must have for lovers of Chicago blues, lovers of blues in general for that matter. It doesn't come any better than this."
"One day someone had to have the idea to produce a tribute to the Chicago Blues that it deserves, and history will show that without a doubt it was Larry Skoller who was one of them to not only think about it, but to do it and do it right."
..."Nothing else to say except, thank you." - (5 Stars - Highest Rating)
"Selection"
"A rare and historic tribute to the Chicago Blues."
"This double-CD is quite simply and without doubt a "must-have". The idea to pay tribute to the history of Chicago Blues from 1940 to the present with these artists is a total success. Indispensable!"
"A magnificent double-CD. This group has no faults"
"This magnificent and unprecedented CD pays a vibrant tribute to the architects and innovators of the Chicago Blues Sound!"
"Beautifully Orchestrated and flawlessly performed...a delightful tribute to the music and should be added to the collections of everyone who considers himself (or herself) a lover of Chicago Blues."
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"...Chicago Blues: A Living History is as close to the glory zone as we’re going to get these days, when so many of the style’s creators have gone on to higher ground. Luckily for us, that’s close enough."
"...It's required listening for Blues 101, and a complete urban blues primer for blues fans new and old."
"...A perfect production. Highly recommended."
"...An excellent selection."
"We cannot go back to 1940 and re-create the recording of “My Little Machine” but when you pop disc one in your player and hear Billy Boy Arnold and Johnny Iguana at the piano, you’ll realize this may be the next best thing...all the songs sound amazingly fresh."
"This is one fantastic collection that any fan of Chicago Blues will love. "
"Triumphant...Astonishing. Their time travel not only reveals such evolutionary trends as harp methodologies, the extended solo, and the transition of power from piano to guitar. It is genuine Living History."