How often do you receive an opportunity of listening to two albums with the same name? ‘Hooker N’ Heat’ is one rarity where the original collaboration between John Lee “Hooker” and Canned “Heat” worked so well in 1971 that they recorded another album with the same name in 1978 (until Peter Gabriel released a self-titled debut in 1977, and followed it with three more albums with the same name).

This album is a live recording of the artists’ gig at the Fox Venice Theatre, California, where they hoped that the warmth of their previous partnership would continue which, for this writer, it did, as the evening (which apparently ran until 3:30am) became a little more memorable as the two featured vocalist here, Hooker and Canned Heat's Bob Hite, had since passed away.

While the line-up of Canned Heat underwent a change between the initial live recording and this sequel, it matters little as even the fresh talent works so well throughout the entire set, covering virtually every popular genre of that era including rockabilly (Strut My Stuff), blues (Hell Hound, Open Up Your Back Door, It Hurts Me Too, Tease Me Baby, Serve Me Right To Suffer, ) rock ‘n’ roll (medley: Let's Work Together/Going Up The Country), boogie (Nobody Else But You), boogie woogie (House Of Blue Lights), and even R&B (Wrapped Up).

Hite’s clear vocals are a joy listening to, but it is the tracks that feature Hooker (Tease Me Baby, Serve Me Right To Suffer, Nobody Else But You) that are especially distinctive on account of his raspy singing, energetic guitar work, and a well-deserved commanding presence sounding ages away froma career twilight.

This album is dedicated to Canned Heat’s Bob 'The Bear' Hite, whose idea it was to record this performance with his band’s well-wishers: John Lee Hooker, and The Chamber Brothers – Lester, George, Willis, and Joe –  although the presence of the family as backing vocalists really was not necessary due to the other superbly competent musicians. Nevertheless, ‘Hooker N’ Heat: Recorded live at the Fox Venice Theatre’ is essential listening, both for fans of John Lee Hooker and Canned Heat, as well as for those interested into discovering the colourful music world of blues!

Released on: 1981 (on Rhino Records)

Recorded: 1978

Duration: 53.26

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Parag Kamani

Parag Kamani has been part of the media and entertainment industry across 35 years, having worked for licensors such as Warner Music and EMI/Virgin in music, as well as Warner Bros, Universal Pictures, and Paramount Pictures in the field of films. Parag continues pursuing his passion as a profession.