These two Hooker collections are part of a major reissue series from SPV that covers the various eras of the King Snake’s long career. These two 90s albums feature some classic sidemen and guest artists, with Boom Boom (1992) including Robert Cray, Jimmy Vaughn, Albert Collins and John Hammond, and Chill Out (1995) benefiting from the presence of Carlos Santana, Van Morrison and Booker T Jones.
Both albums are excellent in their own ways. Alternating between band tracks and solo Hooker growls, Boom Boom revisits well known territory with the title track and Dimples, with Same Old Blues Again proving a highlight of both albums.
Chill Out hangs together slightly better, with its overall chilled feeling. On several tracks the supporting players provide a frame for Hooker to work within. The Santana-assisted Fire Down Below is an effective opener, and Charles Brown’s piano is also particularly when it appears. Proof that, even when he was well into his 70s, Hooker was a force to be reckoned with.
