Sonny Boy Williamson (II) was our Artist of the Week last night on Blues Breakers. All of his songs that we played were recorded in Chicago, in the fifties, at Chess Studios on S. Michigan Avenue and with sidemen that included Muddy Waters, Jimmy Roger and Willie Dixon. We also aired a track recorded at Buddy Guy’s Checkerboard Lounge with the Rolling Stones joining Muddy Waters on a newly released DVD/CD package. And more. It’s all right here.

Tom Marker’s Blues Breakers for 12-3-12

Sonny Boy (Rice Miller) Williamson (II)

(Born December 5, 1899 in Glendora, Mississippi, died May 25, 1965 Helena, Arkansas)

 SONNY BOY (RICE MILLER) WILLIAMSON (II) – DON’T START ME TALKIN’  This was recorded in Chicago in 1955 with Otis Spann on piano, Muddy Waters and Jimmy Rogers on guitars, Willie Dixon on bass and Fred Below on drums.

MUDDY WATERS AND THE ROLLING STONES – HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN  From the newly released CD, Checkerboard Lounge, live, Chicago, 1981.

TAB BENOIT – NIGHT TRAIN  From the album Fever for the Bayou, a 2005 release. Tab will be performing at City Winery this Sunday.

SONNY BOY (RICE MILLER) WILLIAMSON (II) – FATTENING FROGS FOR SNAKES  Recorded in 1957 with the same line-up as “Keep It To Yourself.”

RICK HOLMSTROM with MAVIS STAPLES – OWE YOU EVERYTHING  This song comes from Rick’s new album, Cruel Sunrise. Rick is the guitar player who tours with Mavis. On this album he has the same rhythm section, Stephen Hodges on drums and Jeff Turmes on bass, as he plays with in Mavis’ band, plus Mavis contributes vocals on two songs.

SONNY BOY (RICE MILLER) WILLIAMSON (II) – KEEP IT TO YOURSELF  Recorded in 1957 with Robert Lockwood and Luther Tucker on guitars, Willie Dixon on bass and Fred Below on drums.

CARLOS JOHNSON -  JIMMY REED MEDLEY  This song is from the album, Encore! Live at B.L.U.E.S. On Halsted.  Carlos is appearing with his Serious Blus Band this Friday and Saturday at B.L.U.E.S. (on Halsted). Carlos will be opening for Buddy Guy on January 13. (Buddy Guy ticket info HERE.)

LARRY MCCRAY –  NOT THAT MUCH  Larry is at Kingston Mines this Friday and Saturday. This song is from his 1993 album, Delta Hurricane.

SHARON LEWIS AND TEXAS FIRE – YOU CAN’T TAKE MY LIFE  Sharon and her band will be performing this Saturday at the Harlem Avenue Lounge. This song appears on Sharon’s recent record, The Real Deal. Special guest Dave Specter plays guitar on this track.

BIG RAY AND CHICAGO’S MOST WANTED – 5AM BLUES -  From the new release, Travellin’ Lite.

ROCKIN’ JOHNNY – PARTY THIS CHRISTMAS  This comes from Johnny’s new album, Grim Reaper. Our Blues Breakers Holiday program will be on December 17.  Johnny is playing in Evanston, Tinley Park, and Long Grove this week. See all his show info HERE.