The Chess Box [Box] (CD - 1989)

THE CHESS BOX is a comprehensive box set with a 12-page booklet that includes extensive liner notes (including insights from Willie Dixon himself), and photos from 1941 to 1988.

In 1970, Willie Dixon released an album entitled I AM THE BLUES. It was a brash claim, but if anyone in blues history could stand up to this bit of bravura, Dixon was the man. Over the course of his career, Willie Dixon penned a suitcase full of tunes that defined Chicago blues-easily the most influential strand of the blues in the post-war era. "Hoochie Coochie Man," "Spoonful," "I'm Ready," "Wang Dang Doodle," "Little Red Rooster," "I Ain't Superstitious," and "I Just Want to Make Love to You" are but a few of the dozens of instantly recognizable Dixon classics. With the CHESS BOX, fans now have a nifty introduction to one of the blues' indisputable giants.

Dixon was a great bassist and songwriter but only an average singer. Fortunately, Chess has chosen to represent Dixon's career through others' classic recordings of his songs. With recordings by Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Bo Diddley, and others, the Willie Dixon CHESS BOX is not only a great tribute to Dixon but also a great overview of Chicago blues history. minimize