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Tracklisting & More Information
Founded in 1928, The Standard School Broadcast was a groundbreaking educational program sponsored by Standard Oil (later Exxon). Dedicated to music appreciation and American history, the series reached schools across the Western United States via the NBC network and specialized in creating custom vinyl LPs for classroom use. In one of its many explorations of musical genres, the program invited John Lee Hooker to represent the blues, resulting in an unforgettable studio session at San Francisco's Coast Recorders.
Hooker was joined by his trusted rhythm section of bassist Gino Skaggs and drummer Ken Swank, along with his 20-year-old son, Robert Hooker, on piano. Over the course of the session, the group recorded eight tracks, only three of which were ever broadcast. The remaining five tracks have remained unheard — until now.
This newly released collection showcases Hooker's unfiltered genius, recorded live with no overdubs, edits, or significant mixing. It captures a moment in time when Hooker's music was at its most personal and profound, reflecting both his deep connection to the blues tradition and his willingness to innovate within it. The set features reimagined versions of Hooker classics such as "Sally Mae" and "Hard Times" alongside spontaneous creations and medleys that exemplify his unique approach to storytelling through song.
"I just go by the natural blues. I just play it as I feel it," Hooker once said. That philosophy is evident throughout the session, where free-form slow blues intertwine with bursts of raw emotion and improvisation. The music transcends entertainment, functioning as exorcism, prayer, and self-revelation. Themes of regret, redemption, and resilience permeate the lyrics, offering listeners an intimate portrait of a man wrestling with his own humanity.
Hooker's son, Robert, delivers a standout performance on piano, seamlessly complementing his father's voice and guitar. Whether laying down a deep groove or providing delicate flourishes, Robert's intuitive playing is a testament to his deep musical connection with his father. Together with Skaggs and Swank, the ensemble creates a sonic landscape that is both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly moving.
Side A
1.Bad Boy
2.Hard Times
3.Rock With Me
Side B
1.Should Have Been Gone
2.I Hate the Day I Was Born
3.When My First Wife Left Me / Hobo Blues
LP RECORD
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