Christopher Marshall

Otis Spann is the man who plays the most wonderful blues piano that I have ever heard. Very melodic, with harmonies of beauty as well. The difference is that his piano-playing is punctuated with a choice of notes that sound lovely, and marvellously make sense. Even though he was too ill to sing on this album, if you listen to recordings he made before "Last Call" it is clear - just like his voice - that he was one of the greatest blues singers as well. Many of his efforts feature very good backing bands, such as The Muddy Waters Blues Band, resulting in some absolute classics. No doubt.