Personnel: Magic Sam (vocals, guitar); Sam Lay (drums).
Liner Note Authors: Mark A. Humphrey; James Austin.
Recording information: Mandrake's, Berkeley, CA (07/11/1969).
Photographers: Diane Allmen; Jim O'Neal; Letha Jones.
"Raw" is not an understatement. The audio on RockBeat's 2012 release Raw Blues: Magic Sam 1969 is muddy and ragged, sounding like a bootleg because that's essentially what it is: an audience tape from December 1, 1969, recorded just five short months before Magic Sam's death. It may be raw -- some may find it too murky to listen to over an extended period -- but Magic Sam is in fiery form and his guitar pierces through the gunk, sounding limber, alive, and electric. And considering that there are not so many official recordings left behind by Magic Sam, this warts-and-all live set is worthwhile for the devoted. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
