Vintage

Recorded in 1966 but not released until 1969 on the Janus label, these sessions capture the earliest-known recordings by American blues-rock band Canned Heat. Produced by Johnny Otis, they find the group right at the start, digging deep into the music that shaped them.

This lineup features Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson on guitar, harmonica and vocals, Stuart Brotman on bass, Henry "Sunflower" Vestine on guitar, and Bob "The Bear" Hite on vocals, with drums handled by either Keith Sawyer or possibly his replacement Frank Cook, who joined circa 1966.

There is a real sense of the band honing their sound here, with authentic recording tributes to blues greats including Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker and Elmore James. A fascinating early document of Canned Heat, and a reminder of just how deeply their roots ran.