
Fantastic Voyage’s latest archive release is a sweeping retrospective of the best Blues, R&B and Rock N Roll issued on the iconic Chess label between the late 40s and the early 60s.
Titled ‘CHICAGO BOUND’ (after Jimmy Rogers’s classic blues … naturally included), the collection features a massive 86 tracks across 3 CDs. It’s all been put together by Mojo magazine’s Lois Wilson and features all the legendary Chicago label’s big names – Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Etta James, Buddy Guy and Sonny Boy Williamson alongside two of the 20th century’s greatest musical innovators, Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley.
Collectors will be glad to learn that there’s also plenty form lesser-known Chess luminaries – people like Willie Mabon, Bobby Saxton, John Brim, Arbee Stidham and Blue Smitty. Amongst the album’s highlights are Howlin Wolf’s growling version of ‘Wang Dang Doodle’, Sugar Pie DeSanto’s embryonically soulful ‘I Wanna Know’ and a great duet from Etta James and Harvey Fuqua on the blues classic ‘Spoonful’.
Loads and loads of iconic cuts too – stuff like Jackie Brenston’s ‘Rocket 88’ (often cited as the first proper Rock N Roll record), Chuck Berry’s ‘Come On’ (which the Rolling Stones covered for their first single) and Bo Diddley’s ‘Road Runner’ (covered dozens of times by hopeful 60s beat combos).