Magic Sam Live


Magic Sam Live is a live album by the American blues musician Magic Sam, recorded in Chicago in 1963/63 and at the first Ann Arbor Blues Festival in Michigan in 1969, that was released by the Delmark label in 1981.

Reception

reviewer Al Campbell stated "While the sound quality leaves something to be desired, fans of electric Chicago blues should hear Magic Sam Live. Recorded at two separate locations... this disc captures the raw energy not only of the musicians, but the crowds' tremendous response to them.... Ignore the rotten sound quality, this is raw blues power and provides a priceless document of Sam Maghett's vital showmanship". The [Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings] said "The gig tapes... are of indifferent quality but they can't mask the energy coming from the bandstand. Sam was a talented guitarist but that was merely an adjunct to the forceful personality projected on his vocals... Sam sweeps all before him, accustomed to leading from the front and grateful if musicians keep up".

Track listing

All compositions by Magic Sam except where noted
Disc One: At the Alex Club, 1963/64
  1. "Every Night About This Time" − 3:44
  2. "I Don't Believe You'd Let Me Down" − 4:19
  3. "Mole's Blues" − 4:49
  4. "I Just Got to Know" − 4:22
  5. "Tore Down" − 3:18
  6. "You Were Wrong" − 5:14
  7. "Backstroke" 3:48
  8. "Come On in This House" − 4:07
  9. "Looking Good" − 3:17 Omitted from single CD reissue
  10. "Riding High" − 1:41
Disc Two: At the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, 1969
  1. "San-Ho-Zay" − 2:31
  2. "I Need You So Bad" − 4:15
  3. "You Don't Love Me" − 4:04 Omitted from single CD reissue
  4. "Strange Things Happening" − 4:10
  5. "I Feel So Good " − 4:54
  6. "All Your Love" − 4:55
  7. "Sweet Home Chicago" − 3:28
  8. "I Got Papers On You, Baby" − 3:30 Omitted from single CD reissue
  9. "Looking Good" − 3:33
  10. "Looking Good " − 1:46