The Best of Little Walter 1957 US 1st Press VG/VG+

LITTLE WALTER - THE BEST OF LITTLE WALTER

Own an essential, historical foundation of urban electric blues with The Best of Little Walter. Chronicling the legendary bandleader's definitive run of mid-1950s singles, this landmark Chess compilation stands as a definitive masterclass in ensemble arrangement, structural songwriting, and pioneering instrument performance. The twelve-song tracklist cuts through a legendary run of rhythm-and-blues chart successes, transitioning from the historic, driving instrumental groove of "Juke" to the gospel-infused cadence of the Willie Dixon-penned anthem "My Babe" and the melancholic slow-blues storytelling of "Last Night" and "Blues with a Feeling." Supported by collaborative work from iconic Chicago blues instrumentalists and legendary sleeve notes written by esteemed historian Studs Terkel, this record captures the moment the harmonica was elevated into a leading, revolutionary voice. Complete with its classic, expressive portrait cover art by Don Bronstein, this essential LP is a mandatory cornerstone for any serious blues archivist, rock-and-roll historian, or foundational music collector.

1957 US release by Chess, catalog # LP 1428.  First pressing with Blue Chess Labels variant.  Compilation pressed in mono.

Sleeve grades VG+.  Heavy cardboard has held up nicely over the years.  Corners are dinged but maintain shape, great color/finish, clean back except for a name written in upper left, minimal edgewear.

Vinyl grades VG.  The disc plays beautifully.  There are a few spots with a touch of crackle behind the music or light clicks, but it really plays close to VG+.  The vinyl surface is definitely VG however with evident surface marks and light scratches.  They don't seem to have much if any impact on playback, but they're there.  Disc has been ultrasonically cleaned.