In October 1963, Spann toured Europe as part of that year’s American Folk Blues Festival and recorded some superb solo, contemplative blues in a broken, husky voice for Storyville Records in Copenhagen.
 
This audiophile release was re-mastered by Sean Magee at Abbey Road Studios and features Spann playing piano and singing along with Lonnie Johnson playing guitar on “Trouble in Mind.” During the time of his touring in 1963 through Europe, Otis participated in an American Folk Blues Festival and recorded this disc for Storyville Records in Copenhagen. The back of the LP details his biography including what might have been his big break—playing with Muddy Waters in 1958 at the Leeds Festival.
 
Unlike some of his accompaniment (which can be a bit pronounced), this record is mellower and more intimate. After all, just about every song is just the soloist. All the tracks except two are written by the artist and the passion he puts into every song is palpable. Some of the songs will make you jump up and dance, but most are constructed in an entirely different fashion—much slower and more tradition old-school blues. Jelly Roll Baker is a funny tune that even manages to elicit a chuckle from the artist at its conclusion. Spann’s voice is powerful and unique in its way while his piano playing is excellent. There are sure to be more than a few favorites on this disc for the blues enthusiast. For those unfamiliar with the artist, what better introduction than this beautiful sounding record?
 
LP x 1 standard sleeve
Recorded October 16th 1963 in Copenhagen, Denmark
 
PPAN SLP157 -Artist-Otis Spann
Internal ID: JIT
Format: Vinyl
Format Detail: LP Black
Genre: Jazz
Released: 7/25/18