Music Releases

This release is a 50th anniversary celebration of the original festival, collecting 24 previously unheard songs by such blues legends as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, James Cotton, Son House, Magic Sam, T-Bone Walker, Junior Wells, Big Mama Thornton, Clifton Chenier, Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Pinetop Perkins, J. B. Hutto & His Hawks, Roosevelt Sykes, Luther Allison, Otis Rush, Big Joe Williams, Charlie Musselwhite and more. The first ever release of music recorded live at the landmark event, ANN ARBOR BLUES FESTIVAL 1969 is available in two individual 2x LP volumes (Volume 1, Volume 2), a Double CD set, and a Deluxe Edition vinyl edition featuring a 58-page bound book and reproductions of original festival ephemera.

Critical Acclaim:

“[I]t’s more important for blues history than ever that these tapes were found and released. This isn’t just an important and historical listen, though; it’s also an extremely fun one.” — PopMatters

“[T]he 1969 festival was a landmark event that paved the way for the dozens of festivals that blues lovers can enjoy today…. Yes, the sound varies from somewhat murky to razor-sharp depending on the recorder’s location, and yes, there are extraneous sounds of conversation, laughter, and cheering from the crowd, but the result captures the feeling that you were there better than a pristine recording from the board ever could.
— Living Blues Magazine




Only Mable Hillery's second full-length release, Hotter Than A Bulldog Spitting In A Polecat's Eye presents a glimpse of a long-underappreciated master.

In 1975, brothers John and Jim Fishel organized the fourth annual Miami Blues Festival at the University of Miami in Florida. When blues legend Johnny Shines suggested a then-obscure traditional blues singer named Mable Hillery, the brothers booked her on the strength of his recommendation. In a special one-off collaboration, the pair dazzled the Miami audience with a set that conjured the skill and power of renowned classic blues musician Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. Now available on LP featuring extensive research, and original artwork by Rachel Meirs.

Critical Acclaim:

“This timeless LP is…an essential recording for any serious blues enthusiast.” – Blues Music Magazine

“[Johnny] Shines is the only accompanist and his playing approaches perfection…[Hillery’s interpretations of blues classics] might be presented as prime examples of re-creation within the tradition.” 
– Blues & Rhythm