I first came across the music of Samuel John “Lightnin'” Hopkins more than a decade ago, and there is no doubt I have more albums by him than another bluesman. Here is someone who learned his craft from cousins Alger “Texas” Alexander and Frankie Lee Sims and is reportedly the only musician Blind Lemon Jefferson would let play with him. One of the reasons I enjoy his music is the way he uses both electric and acoustic guitars, sometimes with other musicians and others not, but this remastered reissue of his 1961 Bluesville release finds him alone with just an acoustic for company and is all the better for it.
He has long been rated as one of the top guitarists of all time, but what makes him special is the effortless approach, highly musical yet always pushing, and given there are only two tracks to play with we get his vocals in the left channel and guitar in the right making for an experience which makes us feel as if we are with Lightnin’ as he sits on a stool, creating a world now long gone by. True bluesmen are those who have lived experience to use as an emotional well, and his is certainly deep in the way he takes us on a journey. He has been referenced as a major influence by many over the years, but in 2026 I feel he is somewhat forgotten which is a shame as he was the real deal, as this album more than clearly demonstrates. Most of the songs are traditional, a few covers plus his own originals, with “Wine Spodee-O-Dee” showing an upbeat and humorous style which makes me smile whenever I play it, but “Jailhouse Blues” is much more his normal approach, deep and full of pain.
This is a superb reissue, and if you enjoy the blues then this is essential.
Rating: 9/10
Links:
https://craftrecordings.com/