Livin´Blues-Hell´s Session (1969)

The Dutch band Livin' Blues is one of the most formidable groups in their country, considered a leading force in the genre across Europe. The constant turnover of members under the guidance of guitarist Ted Oberg, the only constant member throughout the band's career, has been a defining characteristic of Livin' Blues. Two years after their formation, they signed a contract with Phonogram Records and released their debut LP, "Hell's Session". This acclaimed album of powerful blues quickly established the Dutch band as a rival to contemporary British acts like Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac, and John Mayall and his Bluesbreakers. The first official lineup of Livin' Blues consisted of Ted Oberg (guitar), Nicko Christiansen (guitar and vocals), Henk Smitskamp (bass), and Cesar Zuiderwijk (drums). Produced by Jaap Eggermont and distributed by the Dutch subsidiary Phillips, this debut album is a fantastic example of the Dutch blues movement of the late sixties. Incendiary songs like "Waitin' On You" contrast with folk-blues tracks such as "Big Black Train" and "Bowlegged Woman", the boogie-blues "Hell's Sessions", and the rhythmic, slow blues numbers "One Night Blues", "Black Panther", and "Worried Dreams".