Live 1986: Up And Down The Highway (2000)

"For this album, harpist/vocalist Musselwhite is joined by an acoustic duo of Bob Hall on piano and guitarist Dave Peabody. The nearly hourlong set is comprised of only eight tracks averaging six minutes each, leaving plenty of space for each member to strut his stuff, with enthusiasm, class, and intensity. Musselwhite in particular is in fine form, whipping off country blues harp solos and singing with a low-key yet committed intensity. Except for "Key to the Highway," the songs are relatively obscure offerings by Lightnin' Hopkins ("Candy Kitchen"), Little Walter ("Everybody Needs Somebody"), Jimmy Rushing ("Hey Miss Bessie"), and Sonny Boy Williamson ("Skinny Woman"). Musselwhite's high-energy harp lines show how dexterous his playing is when he has freedom to stretch out, and the performance exhibits the uncanny synergy he had working with these musicians. It's a resilient and rugged set of blues that proves Musselwhite can hold his own with any legendary blues harmonica player." (Hal Horowitz, Allmusic)