featuring: Albert Collins, Ry Cooder, Robert Cray, John Hammond, Charlie Musselwhite, Bonnie Raitt and Others

John Lee Hooker is one of the few legendary bluesmen to crack the MTV barrier. He has recorded and performed with a host of contemporary pop stars. John Lee's music hasn't changed but the accompanying musicians have. This 60 minute video presents John Lee performing with many of his friends from 1984 to 1992. Ry Cooder duets on three tracks. Robert Cray burns up the fretboard on Mr. Lucky, John Hammond plays slide behind Father Was a Jockey and Bonnie Raitt cajoles and teases on I'm In The Mood.

Titles include: Baby Lee, When My First Wife Left Me, Maudie, Same Old Blues, I'm Bad Like Jesse James, I'm In The Mood, Father Was a Jockey, Crawlin' Kingsnake, Mr. Lucky, The Boogie.

Running Time: 60 minutes

Review: The 58 minutes of music on John Lee Hooker & Friends kicks off with the video's weakest segment, three 1984 performances on which Hooker is backed by his generic boogie/blues band from the period. While the rhythm section lays down a solid beat, lead guitarist Mike Osborn plays with a rock sensibility and overwhelms Hooker's guitar work throughout. What follows though, is pure bliss. On the next five songs, filmed in 1991-'92, Hooker is joined, in turn, by Ry Cooder (Same Old Blues, I'm Bad Like Jesse James, and Crawlin' Kingsnake), Bonnie Raitt (I'm In The Mood), and John Hammond (Father Was a Jockey). Raitt's slide guitar is impeccable and her personal connection with Hooker causes Hooker to respond with a gently swinging, erotically charged vocal performance. Cooder's three songs with Hooker are nearly as strong; the understated guitarist pushes Hooker from behind rather than pulling him, and Hooker responds with guitar salvos rarely heard from him these days. Hammond's duct with Hooker is frustrating, however-while technically correct, his guitar work seems more studied than heartfelt, and Hooker appears to be less than engaged in the proceedings

Mr. Lucky and The Boogie close down the video with the obligatory mass jam crowding the stage, in various combinations and in addition to Raitt and Hammond, are guitarists Albert Collins and Robert Cray, harp man Charlie Musselwhite, and keyboard veteran Johnny Johnson. Leading a tight, three-piece rhythm section behind the front lines is neo-slide master Roy Rogers. Everybody gets a chance to solo, and Hooker puts down his guitar, leading the audience in applause for each of his guests. – Peter R Aschoff/Living Blues