Various Artists: Bear Traces: Nuggets from Bob’s Barn

Various Artists
Bear Traces: Nuggets from Bob's Barn
Sub Rosa

Like a previous release in the “Dr. Boogie Presents” series, this disc compiles 78 records from the collection of Canned Heat founder and vocalist Bob Hite. Hite gathered an enormous set of records through the 1960s and saved much music that would otherwise be forgotten. The set chosen here hints at the sound that influenced Canned Heat in its early years, when the band had more of a boogie-influenced sound. Not all of the cuts here fit that mold, but nearly all of them are entertaining. Despite the appeal of the obscure artists gathered, Lightnin’ Hopkins provides the stand out performance with “Move on out Boogie”, a relatively early and crazed cut. The disc might honor Hite’s musical tastes, but it probably says as much about the ability of Dr. Boogie (or Walter De Paduwa) to pick out the gems.

RATING 7 / 10