Taken from the high-energy harpist's first three albums for Verve following his split from
Muddy Waters (including the entirety of his fine eponymous 1967 debut), this 20-track anthology is a fine spot to begin any serious
Cotton collection. In those days,
Cotton was into soul as well as blues -- witness his raucous versions of "Knock on Wood" and "Turn on Your Lovelight," backed by a large horn complement. Compiler
Dick Shurman has chose judiciously from his uneven pair of Verve follow-ups, making for a very consistent compilation. ~ Bill Dahl, All Music Guide