As comfortable as a big old easy chair, this tasty 1993 live set celebrates the longtime partnership of guitarist Buddy Guy and recently departed harp great Junior Wells. Instead of the searing electric blues of their classic '50s records, Last Time Around is an easygoing acoustic romp that finds 'em in a frisky mood, clearly enjoying each other's company on a collection of standards. There's nothing the least bit surprising about the Jimmy Reed medley or Big Bill Broonzy's "Key To The Highway," but the loose, unforced interplay of these two masters is a pleasure to behold.
From the greasy reading of Junior Parker's "Feelin' Good" to Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" to Ray Charles's rousing "What'd I Say," Buddy and Junior trade vocals with gospel fervor; shouting, growling, howling, and generally having a grand time. Just as Guy's "I've Been There" immortalizes the likes of John Lee Hooker and Lightnin' Hopkins, these esteemed gents deserve the same veneration.
