Robert Nighthawk - Live on Maxwell Street
Robert Nighthawk was a bluesman of the road who often traveled to Chicago, playing on Sunday afternoons at the famed open-air market along Maxwell Street. But, his heart belonged in the Mississippi Delta and it continuously called him home where he played in countless juke joints until he passed away in 1967.
In fact, in 1932 Robert Nighthawk played guitar at Muddy Water’s wedding, and the party got so wild the floor fell in.
His recorded output is minimal due to his wandering ways. Nonetheless, Nighthawk is one of the most important figures in blues history in that he bridged the gap between Delta and Chicago blues. Recorded live on the street (you can actually hear cars driving by) in 1964 Nighthawk’s small band captures the excitement of raw, live blues on Maxwell Street in its heyday. Robert Nighthawk’s electric slide guitar playing is gritty, raw and powerful and nighthawk remains a very under-rated member of blues aristocracy.
This reissue on adds five previously unreleased bonus tracks and a thirteen minutes interview that was conducted by Mike Bloomfield. One of my top three live blues albums.
Recording Date 1964
Released on CD 2000
Bullseye Blues & Jazz
