Lightnin’ Hopkins’ acclaimed Lightnin’ Strikes is ready to strike a second time with a brand new vinyl version, set for launch by Verve Information’ Acoustic Sounds sequence on January 24, 2025.
Recorded in 1966 for the Verve Folkways label, Lightnin’ Strikes might not have the notoriety as a number of the Texan blues icon’s different albums, however this set backed by Jimmy Bond (Bass), Earl Palmer (Drums) and Don Crawford (Harmonica) is traditional Lightnin’. From the opener, “Mojo Hand” to the ballad, “Woke Up This Morning,” Lightnin’ Strikes showcases traditional blues from among the best there was.
Hailing from Centerville, Texas, Sam ‘Lightnin” Hopkins remains one of the blues’ most pioneering figures. A self-taught musician, Hopkins performed round with the usual 12-bar blues template, however his phrasing was free and unfastened. Lots of his songs had been within the speaking blues type, however he was a strong and assured singer. Lyrically, his songs expressed the issues of life within the segregated South, unhealthy luck in love and different topics widespread within the blues idiom. He handled these topics with humor and good nature and sometimes referred to himself as “Po’ Lightnin’” in his songs when speaking about himself or referring to himself because the protagonist of the music.
Hopkins’ music went on to affect people and Americana stars resembling Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams, Jr., and a era of blues musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan, whose Grammy profitable music “Rude Mood” was immediately impressed by the Texan’s music “Hopkins’ Sky Hop”.
Additionally launched by Verve’s Acoustic Sounds’ sequence in January are two traditional albums by iconic jazz organist Jimmy Smith. Each these titles, The Cat from 1964 and Smith’s much-acclaimed reside album Root Down (the latter that includes the well-known titular music sampled by The Beastie Boys) are out now. All releases in Verve’s Acoustic Sounds sequence are the definitive audiophile variations of traditional jazz recordings mastered by Ryan Ok. Smith at Sterling Sound from the unique analog tapes and launched in remastered 180-gram vinyl editions in deluxe gatefold packaging.
Pre-order the Acoustic Sounds vinyl version of Lightnin’ Strikes.
