Latest releases reviewed

T-BONE WALKER
The Best of the Black & White and Imperial Years 
Metro Blue Records  
*****T-Bone Walker is generally accepted as one of the fathers of the electric blues guitar. However, it was this Texan's luck that he peaked during the 1940s, before being eclipsed by the rock 'n' roll generation, and before the blues had spread its audience outside the black community. He died in 1975, aged 65, but his influence lives on. Walker can be heard in the playing of B.B. King, Chuck Berry and, indeed, Eric Clapton. He had a cool, after-midnight voice and a beautifully measured and fluent style of playing. His music was inspired by the rough street life he lived, but it was sophisticated blues with swing and style. His best recordings were with the Black & White and Imperial labels, including the classic Call It Stormy Monday, and suffice it to say that there is not a dud among these 19 tracks. www.rhythmandtheblues.org.uk

SONNY LANDRETH 
Grant Street
Sugar Hill Records 
****

The title refers to the venue in Lafayette, Louisanna, where this excellent American blues guitarist steamed his way through a mighty set in April last year. Landreth is the product of a rich mix of influences, from slide guitar genius Elmore James to zydeco king Clifton Chenier, with whom the young Landreth played for many years (he also played with John Hiatt, among others). Supported well by David Ranson (bass) and Kenneth Blevins (drums), Landreth showcases his driving, all-action style, coloured with technical flourishes, on the 11 self-penned tracks. He paces the music well, easing up at the right times but always ready to deliver the killer hook. Sounds like a great gig - well, actually two nights shrunken into one.

www.sonnylandreth.com