The legendary bluesman Magic Sam’s nine singles released on Cobra, Chief, and Crash Records between 1957 and 1966, prior to the release of his landmark debut album West Side Soul on Delmark in 1968, are faithfully reproduced in their original form and brought together in this unprecedented 9 x 7-inch singles box set!
A legendary Chicago bluesman whose life was tragically cut short at just 32, Magic Sam left behind a remarkably influential body of work before his untimely death in 1969.
For those discovering his music, his two celebrated Delmark albums—West Side Soul (1968), one of the undisputed masterpieces of blues history, and Black Magic (1969)—are essential listening. But Magic Sam’s earlier singles for Cobra, Chief, and Crash Records reveal another, equally fascinating side of his artistry, and in many ways offer an even fresher and more diverse portrait of the artist.
His 1957 debut single “All Your Love”, originally released on Cobra and later revisited on West Side Soul, immediately showcases the signature tremolo guitar that would become one of Magic Sam’s trademarks. The youthful energy of both his guitar playing and vocals gives the original recording a freshness that is absent from the later Delmark version.
The Cobra sessions also produced superb slow blues such as “Easy Baby”, while the B-sides reveal a more dance-oriented and rocking side of Magic Sam. Tracks including “Love Me With A Feeling” and “21 Days In Jail” showcase his infectious rockin’ blues style, with Sam delivering vocals while playing guitar—often fingerpicked—with astonishing ease.
His Chief Records recordings expand the palette further, featuring a strong R&B influence and a number of highly danceable tracks, including recordings released under the name Magic Sam with the Ammons Sisters. Particularly outstanding is his 1961 interpretation of “Every Night About This Time,” a dramatic reworking of the Fats Domino classic. Far removed from the laid-back feel of Domino’s original, Magic Sam’s version is tense, urgent, and emotionally charged.
Finally, the two singles released on Crash Records in 1966, recorded after his first Delmark sessions, capture Magic Sam at another creative peak. The deeply moving slow blues “Out Of Bad Luck” is widely regarded as one of his finest recordings, while the funky “She Belongs To Me” bristles with attitude and raw energy.
With their powerful sound, hard-driving grooves, and floor-ready dance numbers, these early singles have long appealed not only to blues collectors but also to DJs and rare-groove enthusiasts. This box set brings together these essential Cobra, Chief, and Crash singles, faithfully reproduced in their original form—a definitive collection showcasing the raw, youthful, soulful, and highly danceable side of one of Chicago blues’ most extraordinary talents.
