Folk Singer was recorded in September 1963 at Chess Records' studio at 2120 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago, produced by Chess co-founder Leonard Chess with Willie Dixon serving as bassist and session coordinator. The album was engineered by Ron Malo, who was known for his work at Chess Studios. The recording was a deliberate departure from Muddy Waters' electric Chicago blues sound, featuring stripped-down acoustic arrangements with Waters on acoustic guitar, accompanied by Dixon on upright bass, Buddy Guy on acoustic guitar, and Clifton James on drums. The album was Chess Records' response to the early 1960s folk music revival, aiming to present Waters to the growing white folk audience that was rediscovering acoustic blues. The intimate, minimalist production and close-miking techniques resulted in a warm, remarkably clean recording that has since become celebrated among audiophiles for its exceptional sound quality.
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5 cataloged · sorted by audiophile score
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Analogue Productions — APB 1483-45
Widely considered the definitive audiophile vinyl pressing — the 45 RPM 2LP set cut by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes is legendary on SHF, frequently cited as one of the best-sounding records ever made.
Analogue Productions — CAPB 1483 SA
The Analogue Productions SACD is considered the best digital-format option, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original tapes; SHF consensus is that it is superb and nearly rivals the 45 RPM vinyl.
Classic Records — CHS-1483-45
Classic Records 45 RPM pressing cut by Bernie Grundman is highly praised and considered among the top vinyl versions, though many SHF members give a slight edge to the Analogue Productions pressing.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab — UDCD 593
The MoFi gold CD is a highly regarded CD version, frequently recommended as one of the best CD pressings with excellent dynamics and transparency.
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab — UD1S 2-023