~ This book/CD package, part of the Hall Leonard "Signature Licks" series, contains an informative brief biography, a discussion of the equipment used by John Lee Hooker, transcriptions and detailed analysis of each transcription, and a CD that demonstrates the transcriptions (all by Dave Rubin). In addition, there is a list of recommended John Lee Hooker CDs. Considering the confusing jumble of John Lee Hooker reissues available, the listing is extremely helpful.
~ The 64-page book contains transcriptions of selected segments of the 14 songs listed below in standard musical notation and tab formation. With other books in the "Signature Licks" series I like to compare the transcription and the enclosed CD version with the original version by the artist. In this case such a comparison is difficult because Hooker himself recorded and re-recorded multiple versions of his songs under his own name and under pseudonyms - and each time he recorded the song he varied his playing. Rubin has indicated in his analysis of each song the original recording date or release date and label. That may or may not help readers track down the original version upon which the transcription is based. To me the best way to think of this book/CD package is that it provides insight into the style and favorite riffs of John Lee Hooker. Once the content of this book/CD package is mastered, feel free to modify and create - that's what Hooker did.
~ Perhaps the most beneficial component of the book is that each song has a detailed discussing of the tuning used (which varies from song to song) and recommended fingering for both the fret-board hand and the picking/strumming hand.
~ The fourteen songs are:
* Blues Before Sunrise * Boogie Chillen No. 2 * Boom Boom * Bottle Up And Go * Catfish Blues * Dimples * Hoogie Boogie * It Serves Me Right To Suffer * Mama, You Got A Daughter * Moaning Blues * One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer * This Is Hip (This Is It) * Tupelo (Tupelo Blues) * Wednesday Evening Blues
~ Highly recommended to intermediate and advanced level students of blues guitar.