The Original Cleanhead

Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson was one of the great saxophone-playing blues shouters. Throughout the 1940s and early 50s, he scored a slew of hits on Mercury and King including 'Old Maid Boogie' and 'Kidney Stew Blues'. By the late 50s he was playing with Johnny Otis and in the late 60s was signed by Bob Thiele to Bluestime.

An all-star line-up of West Coast session players was hired for the album, including Earl Palmer, Joe Pass and Plas Johnson. The album mixed new versions of old classics, such as 'Old Maid Boogie', with newer material. It was the start of a revival for Vinson: the LP and a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival the following year moved him to the top of the international blues circuit.

Reissued for the first time using the original master tapes this package includes the three bonus tracks of Vinson recorded in 1970 at a Carnegie Hall blues concert. They demonstrate what a relaxed and engaging performer he was.