Otis Rush - I Can't Quit You Baby: The Cobra Sessions 1956-1958 (2000)

The title says it all. This is the essential Otis Rush, the singles recorded for Eli Toscano's Cobra label between 1956 and 1958. If Rush had never recorded another note, his legendary status would remain intact based solely on these recordings. With backing from players like Willie Dixon and Little Walter, it's Rush's impassioned vocals and stinging guitar lines that make "I Can't Quit You Baby," "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)," and "Double Trouble" the classics they are. In addition to the A- and B-sides of all eight singles released by Cobra, eight alternate takes are included, four more than the Paula edition of this material released in 1991. Along with a slightly better transfer from the original tapes, this is not only one of the best places to start for someone getting interested in the blues, but a vital part of any blues collection. Outstanding.

Tracklist:

01. I Can't Quit You Baby (3:07)
02. Sit Down Baby (2:20)
03. Violent Love (2:25)
04. My Love Will Never Die (3:06)
05. Groaning The Blues (3:04)
06. If You Were Mine (3:06)
07. Love That Woman (3:00)
08. Jump Sister Bessie (2:34)
09. Three Times A Fool (2:50)
10. She's A Good 'un (2:49)
11. It Takes Time (2:49)
12. Checking On My Baby (2:56)
13. Double Trouble (2:43)
14. Keep On Loving Me Baby (2:20)
15. All Your Love (I Miss Loving) (2:38)
16. My Baby's A Good 'Un (2:40)
17. I Can't Quit You Baby (Alternate Take) (3:36)
18. I Can't Quit You Baby (Alternate Take #3) (3:33)
19. Sit Down Baby (Alternate Take) (2:18)
20. My Love Will Never Die (Alternate Take) (3:07)
21. Groaning The Blues (Alternate Take) (3:48)
22. Groaning The Blues (Alternate Take #3) (2:42)
23. Three Times A Fool (Alternate Take) (2:58)
24. She's A Good 'un (Alternate Take #4) (3:16)
25. Keep On Loving Me Baby (Alternate Take) (1:36)
26. Double Trouble (Alternate Take) (3:35)
27. Double Trouble (Alternate Take #3) (3:37)

Personnel:

Otis Rush - guitar, vocals
Shakey Horton - harmonica
Red Holloway - tenor sax
Lafayette Leake - piano
Wayne Bennett - guitar
Willie Dixon - bass
Al Duncan - drums
Little Walter - harmonica