Essential Blues Harmonica is an excellent look at some of the genre's chart-toppers and innovators. Most importantly, it is a healthy dose of harmonica ringing with vocalic beauty from those who heavily defined the blistering blues. It is certainly a touching look back at some of the classic cuts by
Sonny Boy Williamson,
Howlin' Wolf, and
Jimmy Reed, and spots from
Charlie Musselwhite,
Snooky Pryor,
Frank Frost, and
Kim Wilson of
the Fabulous Thunderbirds are just as inviting. A 24-page color book and historic pictures are also included with this double-disc set. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide