Willie Dixon

Dixon is the first important blues composer since the classic era who isn't also an important singer. Between songwriting royalties and production income, he doesn't have to perform much--which may be why his records are so undistinguished. It's not that Dixon doesn't have a "good voice"--is it ever? But he's never developed his expressive potential. The material is classic, and the backing by an anonymous "hand-picked crew of Chicago blues veterans" adds personality (is that Otis Spann?), but this document is for collectors only. (Grade: B)