Moon Is Rising

Moon Is Rising

Editorial Reviews
<"b000009q3a7499"> Amazon.com
This 14-song collection from Arhoolie Records is an excellent showcase of Earl Hooker's masterful guitar work. Though not much of a singer, the bluesman made up for it with some of the best guitar playing to ever come out of Chicago. Hooker was from Mississippi, and the Delta style substantially influenced his playing as well; this can be heard throughout The Moon Is Rising, especially on the title track, which opens the collection. Hooker's guitar playing is excellent throughout with a sharp, clean sound that cuts through the mix and catches the listener's attention immediately. There's a nice mix of styles and tempos on this CD, from mid-tempo foot-tappers like "Earl's Blues" and "New Riviera" to slow, almost lazy blues such as "Strung Out Woman Blues" and "I'm Your Main Man." However, it's on the improvisational pieces--"Dust My Broom" and "Frosty"--that Hooker really shines, skillfully matching technique with taste. --Genevieve Williams

<"b000009q3a5540"> Living Blues
The Moon Is Rising includes ten studio and four live cuts, two of each kind being previously unreleased. ...Hooker is the star of the show, and his guitar playing shines on eight solid instrumental tracks.