Rhino Records issued another of its fine Blues Masters series, The Very Best of Johnny “Guitar” Watson.

Although Watson is primarily known for his 70’s forays into funk, he was a ground-breaking performer in the Blues field in the 50’s and early 60’s.  His guitar work of the early 50’s (including “Space Guitar”, featured on this collection) was years ahead of it’s time.

In addition to his formidable guitar and vocal gifts, this compilation also displays his talent on piano (He started performing on piano and played it on the first version of “Motorhead Baby”, recently covered by Jimmie Vaughan).  Most of his other Blues hits are here as well, including two versions of “Motorhead Baby”, “Hot Little Mama”, “Too Tired”, “Three Hours Past Midnight”, “Lonely Lonely Nights”, and, of course, “Gangster of Love”.  This is a fine collection from an underrated Bluesman.  (Rhino Records)