The Hustler

by Bee Houston

Overview

Long before soul and R&B rolled down different paths, they were comfortable cohabitants. Artists like the self-satisfied and energetic Bee Houston contain such elements. Houston can treat his guitar like a T-Bone Walker as quick as he can be a B.B. King. This exhorting and emphasizing vocalist was found suitable as a backing musician for Little Willie John, Junior Parker, Little Johnny Taylor and Bobby Bland. His guitar work is not about flash, but brash support for soul shouting. Familiar with Big Mama Thornton's "Ball and Chain?" Well, Houston backed Big Mama on her classic 1968 recording of that song and Thornton shows up here singing on "Woke Up This Morning." This is a reissue of Bee's only previously issued album (also on Arhoolie) and another previously unissued album. Bee proves himself to be a consummate showman, stellar guitar stylist and creator of a superb, original songbook of blues-and-soul material. ~ Tom Schulte

Product Details

Release Date:	11/18/1997
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297900826
Rank:	83594

Tracks

1. You Think I'm Your Good Thing
2. Busy Bee
3. Be Proud to Be a Black Man
4. The Hustler
5. Break Away
6. Things Gonna Get Better
7. Never
8. Lovesick Man
9. Freddy's Bag
10. Any Time
11. Woke up This Morning
12. When I Go Out
13. Any Time
14. Lovesick Man
15. Charlie's Bag
16. Things Gonna Get Better
17. Don't Take Your Love from Me
18. Blues for Rupez (D Flat Blues)
19. Do It Easy

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bee Houston   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
His High Steppers   Primary Artist
Big Mama Thornton   Guest Artist,Featured Artist,Vocals
Curtis Tillman   Bass
Alex Nelson   Sax (Tenor)
Terry "Big T" de Rouen   Guitar
Charles Givens   Bass
Gus Wright   Drums
Richard Brown   Sax (Baritone)
Fred Cooper   Drums
William Anthony   Trumpet
Everett Minor   Sax (Tenor)
Sonny Campbell   Sax (Tenor)
Chuck Davenport   Drums
Jay Hodge   Sax (Alto),Sax (Tenor)
Nathaniel Dove   Piano
Willie Molette   Vocals
Eddie Jones   Drums

Technical Credits

Wilbert Hemsley   Composer,Composer
Willie Molette   Composer,Composer
Wayne Pope   Cover Design
Barrett Hanse   Producer
Chris Strachwitz   Executive Producer,Producer
Bruce Bromberg   Producer
Bee Houston   Composer
Pete Welding   Producer,Photography
Richard Brown   Arranger
Willie Mae Thornton   Composer
Big Mama Thornton   Performer