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  • GNP Crescendo proudly presents a brand new, never-before-heard recording that is essential listening for any student of the blues. Live In Los Angeles 1954 captures the father of the electric blues, Muddy Waters, at the peak of his powers, in a riveting performance that easily explains an immense reputation that continues to this day.

• Muddy and his band were appearing at one of deejay and impresario Gene Norman’s legendary blues and jazz promotions at the Shrine Auditorium, which drew unprecedented mixed race crowds to hear some of the best talent the black music world had to offer. On this particular occasion, Muddy’s ensemble featured such luminaries as pianist Otis Spann and harmonica legend Little George.

• Their twenty minute set includes the blues classics made famous by Muddy, ‘Hoochie Coochie Man’ and ‘I Just Want To Make Love To You,’ along with exciting romps through ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’ and ‘I’m Ready,’ and there is the bonus of a brief interview with the great man.

• The tape of the performance has lain in the Crescendo vaults for decades, until dusted off for this special issue. The sound quality is sensational for a recording of such vintage, and the package is presented on 10-inch vinyl in a deluxe tip-on sleeve, with art in the mode of the iconic early 1950s Gene Norman Presents releases.