This multi-instrumentalist emerged from the Houston blues scene in the late-'40s. Over the decades Brown earned his reputation as an unusual musical figure by developing a style that draws equally on Louisiana rhythms, classic jazz, gutbucket blues, and Texas swing. All these elements are on display on this remarkable album. Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Working" is set to a percolating New Orleans beat. And Gate swings on piano and guitar in "Cool Jazz," then goes swampy Creole for "Louisiana Zydeco" before espousing in his earthy voice on his Texas-Louisiana upbringing's musical benefits in "Born in Louisiana." This 1989 album is the strongest showcase for Brown's virtuosity since his early days with the Texas-based Peacock Records, when he began his career with the guitar-fired hits "Okie Dokie Stomp," "Dirty Work at the Crossroads" and "Just Before Dawn."
- 1988
- Billy Branch, Carey Bell, James Cotton & Junior Wells
- Albert Collins, Robert Cray & Johnny Copeland
- Duke Robillard & Ronnie Earl
- William Clarke
- Lonnie Brooks
- Charlie Musselwhite