Rating:
Genre:
Blues
Release Date: 10/12/2004
This imported double CD from
WEA's international division is a real conundrum for
blues fans in general and fans of
the Paul Butterfield Blues Band in particular. On the one hand, the first of its two discs is
The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, the last of what are usually regarded as the classic albums by the band, and a glorious moment in the career of guitarist
Elvin Bishop (aka "Pigboy Crabshaw"), and it's remastered in far better, closer, crisper sound than the extant domestic
Elektra Records CD of the same album, which was transferred digitally more than a decade ago; and it's also got their next album,
In My Own Dream, which generally doesn't appeal to the same listenership, with its more horn-oriented and
jazz-influenced sound; and that album is otherwise available domestically through
Wounded Bird Records (who do such a good job with it that it would be a shame to take any business away from them). Also working against this double-CD is its price -- it's more than twice as expensive at retail as the domestic "Pigboy Crabshaw" album. On the other hand, the sound is really good -- but that's also true of the
Wounded Bird release of
In My Own Dream. So the fans should sort it out for themselves, but suffice to say that the sound on this double-disc set won't disappoint, and the annotation by
Peter Doggett (with help from
Elvin Bishop) is very thorough and enlightening about this tumultuous period in the group's history.
~Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
;)
Listen
