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".

Livin´Blues-Live ´75 (1975)

Livin' Blues was a famous Dutch blues-rock band whose career, spanning from the late 1960s well into the 21st century, was characterized by its numerous lineup changes. They released a dozen albums that were consistently well-received by blues-rock purists worldwide. Founded around guitarist Ted Oberg and bassist Ruud Franssen, they attracted the attention of Phonogram Records, who secured them a spot as the opening act for bands like Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac in late 1969, a move that brought them significant international recognition. That same year they released their acclaimed debut album, "Hell's Session", and a year later their best-known record, "Wang Dang Doodle", followed by the commendable "Bamboozie" (1972), "Rocking at the Tweed Mill", and "Ram Jam Josey", both from 1973. By this point, the band had experienced a constant turnover of musicians, with Ted Oberg being the only permanent member throughout this period. In 1975, the band released the sensational "Livin' Blues Live '75", a formidable showcase of the combo's live prowess. On this live album, Livin' Blues consisted of vocalist John Frederiksz, guitarist Ted Oberg, bassist Henk Smithskamp, ​​and drummer Cor Van Der Beek. Comprising original songs and covers, this live album is a true delight for fans of powerful mid-70s blues rock, featuring tracks like the frenetic "Black Spider Woman", the hypnotic blues "I'm a Rambler", the rock 'n' roll "Crazy Joe", the heavy hard rock blues "I Wonder", and the expansive southern boogie blues "L.B. Boogie". In the following years, the band continued its pattern of frequent lineup changes, releasing albums such as the interesting "Blue Breeze" (1976), and the commendable "Now" (1987) and "A Blues Legend" (1992).