{"title":"Chess","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased in Chicago, Illinois, Chess was one of the premier blues labels of the 1950s and 60s. They released records by every major blues artist in Chicago, including John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Little Walter and many others. Founded by brothers Leonard Chess and Phil Chess in 1950, they started out as a small R\u0026amp;B label called The Aristocrat Of Records before changing their name to Chess. In 1969, the label was sold to General Recorded Tape for $6.5 million. Leonard Chess passed away later that year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe label also released music in other genres such as R\u0026amp;B, soul, jazz, gospel and rock. Over the years they had various associated publishing companies like Arc Music Corp., co-founded by Leonard Chess in 1953.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout its history, Chess went through different label designs for their first pressings with variations in color and design elements like chess pieces or vertical letters spelling \"Chess\". Some releases even had red vinyl issues.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"koko-taylor","title":"Koko Taylor","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eKoko Taylor\u003c\/i\u003e is the 1969 debut album by American blues singer Koko Taylor, released on MCA\/Chess Records. It has received positive critical reception.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe editorial staff of AllMusic Guide gave Koko Taylor 4.5 out of five stars, with reviewer Bill Dahl commenting that it \"is one of the strongest representations of the belter's Chess days available\".\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":50435047194955,"sku":"2023080","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"2LP - Black (Acoustic Sounds Version)","offer_id":57937856594251,"sku":"R2692-6867","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Koko_Taylor_Remastered_c48ce2ae_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726899069"},{"product_id":"the-blues","title":"The Blues","description":"\u003cp\u003eA collection of rare and unreleased recordings of Rory Gallagher playing strictly blues material. It ranges from previously unheard \/ unreleased tracks from Rory’s archive, special guest sessions that with legendary blues artists (Muddy Waters \/ Albert King), lost radio sessions and more. \u003ci\u003eThe Blues\u003c\/i\u003e follows in a similar vein to recent successful collections by The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3CD - Deluxe 36-track 3CD version covering Rory playing electric, acoustic and live blues.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCD - Standard 14-track CD \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2LP - Double 14 Track Double LP Set.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP | x2","offer_id":50462454284619,"sku":"1062085","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Blue | LP | x2","offer_id":50462450876747,"sku":"1080961","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD | x3","offer_id":50462451990859,"sku":"1062084","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50462457397579,"sku":"1062083","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/882fb0b6-39ab-4a85-b01a-c8f623c5f4f6_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727257421"},{"product_id":"at-last-chess-75","title":"At Last (Chess 75)","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eChess Records was more than the home of guitar-driven blues; their Argo imprint was the longtime home of Etta James , whose powerful voice remains a gold standard for pop and soul’s most impassioned belters. 1960’s \u003cem\u003eAt Last\u003c\/em\u003e  – bolstered by renditions of “Stormy Weather,” “A Sunday Kind of Love,” “I Just Want to Make Love to You” and the immortal title track, which became her signature song – is perhaps the purest essence of Etta’s craft pressed onto vinyl. Bring home the sound of America’s greatest blues label in high fidelity with the \u003ci\u003eChess Records 75th Anniversary Series\u003c\/i\u003e. These audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53451169857867,"sku":"R4380-7087","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/EttaJames_Cover.jpg?v=1758571721"},{"product_id":"the-best-of-little-walter-chess-75-series","title":"The Best of Little Walter (Chess 75 Series)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA prominent member of Chess’ house band who elevated the recordings of Muddy Waters, Little Walter came into his own as a frontman with a unique, amplified approach to the harmonica – arguably doing for the blues harp what Chuck Berry or Jimi Hendrix did for the electric guitar. This must-hear collection offers a dozen of his greatest singles, including the No. 1 R\u0026amp;B hits “Juke” and “My Babe,” “Mean Old World,” “Blues with a Feeling” and more, plus original liner notes by legendary Chicago historian Studs Terkel. Bring home the sound of America’s greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records 75th Anniversary Series. These audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":53717795373387,"sku":"R7716-5516","price":49.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/LittleWalter_Cover.jpg?v=1761291006"},{"product_id":"tell-mama-acoustic-sounds","title":"Tell Mama (Acoustic Sounds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen soul history shifted in the late '60s, Etta James was right at the center of the storm. After a bitter split between Atlantic's Jerry Wexler and FAME Studio's Rick Hall, Hall struck back by inviting Chess Records — Atlantic's fiercest rival — to bring its biggest stars to Muscle Shoals. Between August and December of 1967, Etta James walked into FAME looking for a creative spark... and walked out with the greatest album of her career: \u003cem\u003eTell Mama\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese sessions didn't just revive Etta — they reignited her artistry. Powered by the now-legendary Muscle Shoals rhythm section, James delivers some of the most commanding, emotionally charged performances ever put to tape. The title track \"Tell Mama\" and her scorching take on Otis Redding's \"Security\" both stormed the charts, pushing Etta back into the national spotlight. But the album's true jewel is found on the flip side: \"I'd Rather Go Blind.\" First handed to her by songwriter and friend Fugi Foster during a prison visit, Etta transformed it into a soul masterwork — a performance so definitive it's been covered hundreds of times, yet never surpassed.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll-analog mastering by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, 180-gram vinyl pressed by Quality Record Pressings. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors, \u003cem\u003eTell Mama\u003c\/em\u003e isn't just another classic soul LP — it's a cornerstone of the genre. This is Etta James at full power, captured in one of the most storied studios in American music, backed by musicians whose sound defined an era. Essential for soul devotees, indispensable for blues fans, and a must-own centerpiece for any serious vinyl collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":56575546065227,"sku":"R8597-1020","price":47.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_2f3529ba-c0d8-40ad-ac83-29e864eaa582.jpg?v=1771584945"},{"product_id":"st-louis-to-liverpool-acoustic-sounds","title":"St. Louis To Liverpool (Acoustic Sounds)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIncludes the charting singles “No Particular Place To Go,” “You Never Can Tell,” “Little Marie” and more!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 1964, Chuck Berry had already rewritten the rules of rock ‘n’ roll. With \u003cem\u003eSt. Louis to Liverpool,\u003c\/em\u003e his seventh studio album for Chess Records, he proved he could still push the music forward with style, swagger, and unforgettable songwriting. This was the first Berry studio LP to crack the U.S. Billboard album chart — a long-overdue breakthrough that signaled just how deeply his sound had taken hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album is stacked with hits, featuring four of Berry’s five charting singles from 1964: the cruising, grin-inducing “No Particular Place to Go,” the effortlessly cool “You Never Can Tell,” the runaway-train energy of “Promised Land,” and the bright, melodic “Little Marie.” Decades later, You Never Can Tell would achieve a second life — and iconic status — when John Travolta and Uma Thurman danced to it in Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll-analog mastering by Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab, 180-gram vinyl pressed by Quality Record Pressings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collectors and rock enthusiasts, St. Louis to Liverpool stands as one of Berry’s most cohesive, joyfully creative records — a perfect blend of sharp storytelling, signature guitar fire, and pure rock ‘n’ roll charm.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":56576155124043,"sku":"R0755-4847","price":47.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_18983cac-4183-4c17-8414-14c7648213da.jpg?v=1771588331"},{"product_id":"i-was-walking-through-the-woods-chess-acoustic-sounds-series","title":"I Was Walking Through The Woods (Chess Acoustic Sounds Series)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eI Was Walkin\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003eThrough The Woods\u003c\/em\u003e gathers Buddy Guy\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es early recordings for Chess Records \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e– \u003c\/span\u003eall recorded in the early 1960s. This collection spotlights the searing guitar work that demonstrates why Guy was one of the most talented of Chicago\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es new generation of blues musicians. Key tracks include \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eFirst Time I Met The Blues\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eand \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eI Found A True Love.\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBring home the sound of America\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records Acoustic Sounds Series. These audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57213505896779,"sku":"R1972-6166","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_9e0b3d33-73a4-4ee7-b1fb-6c8efbc726ed.jpg?v=1777928568"},{"product_id":"the-real-folk-blues-chess-acoustic-sounds-series","title":"The Real Folk Blues (Chess Acoustic Sounds Series)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIn the mid-1960s, Chess Records released a series of The Real Folk Blues albums that compiled singles from the careers of some of its greatest artists. John Lee Hooker\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es The Real Folk Blues differed from many of the other compilations as it featured newly recorded sessions for the label. These legendary 1966 recordings capture the essence of his signature sound and approach to the blues. Standout tracks include \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eOne Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” “\u003c\/span\u003eStella Mae\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eand \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eI\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003em In The Mood.\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBring home the sound of America\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records Acoustic Sounds Series. These audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57213546791243,"sku":"R3279-7025","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_aab2622a-8c83-495d-a13c-e9e378365c50.jpg?v=1777929981"},{"product_id":"howlin-wolf-chess-acoustic-sounds-series","title":"Howlin' Wolf (Chess Acoustic Sounds Series)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFondly referred to as \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eThe Rockin\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003eChair Album\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003edue to the depiction of a rocking chair on its cover, Howlin\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003eWolf\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es self-titled album is rockin\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003ein more ways than one. This record captures the true sound of the electric blues with a compilation of singles previously released between 1957 and 1961. Featuring the talents of Chess mainstays, including Willie Dixon, Hubert Sumlin, Sam Lay, and Jimmy Rogers, the album delivers a powerful sound. Standout tracks include \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eLittle Red Rooster,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” “\u003c\/span\u003eSpoonful,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eand \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eBack Door Man,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eamong others. Bring home the sound of America\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records Acoustic Sounds Series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThese audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003esleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57557892170059,"sku":"R9080-1318","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/ACHE_42141__198092__04172026095159-9511.jpg?v=1781186449"},{"product_id":"muddy-brass-and-the-blues-chess-acoustic-sounds-series","title":"Muddy, Brass and the Blues (Chess Acoustic Sounds Series)","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMuddy, Brass and the Blues\u003c\/em\u003e marks a turning point in Muddy Waters\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’ \u003c\/span\u003ecareer. Despite the cover depicting Waters with a guitar, it is his talents as an R\u0026amp;B singer that shine through on this record. He explores a new sound that pairs the classic elements of the blues with brass. The result is a striking take on the blues that feels fresh and daring. Key tracks include \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eCorine, Corina,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” “\u003c\/span\u003eBlack Night,\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eand \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e“\u003c\/span\u003eSweet Little Angel.\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e” \u003c\/span\u003eBring home the sound of America\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e’\u003c\/span\u003es greatest blues label in high fidelity with the Chess Records Acoustic Sounds Series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThese audiophile reissues of classic albums and compilations from the Chess discography are remastered from the original analog tapes and pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings (QRP). Each disc is packaged in tip-on gatefold sleeves printed on high-grade board.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chess","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":57559426859339,"sku":"R1783-7865","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_0ef6aabd-e450-4bc5-8398-dac4bcb290bb.jpg?v=1781202139"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_7e462b6c_thumbnail_4096_3c4fe4d3-214d-4723-91e2-e841c3b2560a.jpg?v=1726899050","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/collections\/chess.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}