"This was recorded the same day as the Stone Crazy album in the same studio with the same band plus Jr. BUDDY GUY plays a more supportive role instead of burning like he does on Stone Crazy but he and the band still groove behind Jr.'s soulfull voice and tasty harp. My favorite Jr. Wells CD since Hoodoo Man."
An excellent Album For All Blues Fans
FloridaDude_91 | Florida | 10/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 1979 French Session is indeed one of the BEST Junior Wells album since 1965's Hoodoo Man Blues. Backed by The Philip Guy Band, this recording pairs Junior Wells & Buddy Guy up in a fasion that probaly have not been seen by any two musicians.
The chemistry of the two is like no other. This album opens up with the 7 minute, title track, followed by It Hurts Me Too.
The fourth track, I'll take care of you, is not only a great song, but shows how great Wells & Guy work together with Wells & Guy trading licks back and forth.The Album ends with the 8 minute James Brown-influenced Funky Blues tune "I Smell Something," a Tune where Every Band Members gets a solo. This is one of the greatest Buddy Guy/Junior Wells of that or anytime period. A MUST HAVE FOR ANY BLUES FAN!!!!!!!"
Very good - not great
Patrick Henry | Boston | 11/04/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is ok. Much prefer "Alone and Accoustic" or "Houdoo Man". The couple of James Brown style funk songs are not my cup of tea but the rest of the CD is great. In all fairness, the mixing and sound guality is much better on this CD than the other two."
14 Years After It's Release, It Is Now Available In The US!
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 12/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pleading The Blues was originally recorded on Buddy Guy's French Label, Isabel Records in 1979 and was not released in the US until Evidence Records acquired it's distribution rights in 1993. The CD features Buddy Guy on lead guitar, Buddy's brother, Phil Guy on rhythm guitar, Ray "Killer" Allison on drums, J.W. Williams on bass and Junior Wells on harmonica and vocals. The sound quality is pristine throughout the entire 48 minutes and, for the most part, the CD sounds as though it was released only yesterday. The two exceptions are "Cut Out The Lights" and "I Smell Something" which sound as though they were lifted off of a 70's James Brown release complete with funky music and some grunting and groaning that would make JB breakout in a cold sweat. Outstanding tracks include the 7:41 minute title track featuring some outstanding, although understated, lead by Buddy and the harp and guitar laden, 6:57 minute track "I'll Take Care Of You". A valuable addition to any collector of Juniors material."
One of junior's best, strong bass line. buddy guy on guitar
deepbluereview | 02/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"real up tempo blues with a one of the best bass lines i've ever heard"