The Legendary Chess Label

Films focusing on the life and times of record label bosses are few and far between. But then there's Chess Records. The 2008 release Cadillac Records told the tale of this legendary, highly influential Windy City label and its founders - brothers Leonard and Phil Chess - in a glossed-over Hollywood sort of way, while the just-released "Who Do You Love" tells a much grittier and somewhat historically-skewed version that will ultimately still satisfy those who expect to see lots of gunplay and drug consumption.

Naturally, half of the story here revolves around the sounds that stirred the pot, and Chess Select presents classic blues, rock 'n' roll, R&B, and soul from the label's vast catalog.
Of interest (and a financial relief) to music fans who have continually repurchased reissue after reissue, are knockout box sets from Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, both of whom are credited in the above films as bridging blues and rock 'n' roll. Diddley's trademark, pounding beat influenced everyone from Buddy Holly and The Rolling Stones to Iggy Pop and The Jesus & Mary Chain, and each of his Chess Masters (spanning 1955-1961) is packed full of rockers, novelties, instrumentals, blues, doo wop, ballads, and a bounty of previously-unreleased booty including raw and reckless home demo recordings. Berry's jet-propelled electric boogie - depending who you talk to - merits equal or greater value, and included on his three sets of  Complete Chess Recordings (which gather everything from 1955-1966 and 1969-1974) are numerous multiple takes, blues covers, jam sessions, and a shelved 45 minute live concert album recorded in Michigan in 1963, all culminating with the smokin' London Chuck Berry Sessions and the somewhat silly and naughty novelty pop of "My Ding-A-Ling."

Other Chess Select releases from Muddy Waters, Koko Taylor, and Little Walter only add to the long-lauded legacy of one of America's treasured musical institutions.

		B. B. King Mr. Blues   CD debut of The King Of The Blues first album for ABC Records					Bo Diddley I'm A Man/The Chess Masters, 1955-1958   2-CD set + free guitar magnet while supplies last!
		Bo Diddley Ride On: The Chess Masters, Volume 3, 1960 - 1961					Bo Diddley Road Runner / The Chess Masters, 1959-1960   One of rock 'n' roll's greatest innovators at his peak.
		Chuck Berry Have Mercy- His Complete Chess Recordings 1969-1974   Third and last 4 CD set of Chuck Berrys Chess recordings.					Chuck Berry Johnny B. Goode: His Complete '50s Chess Recordings 4-CD Set
		Chuck Berry You Never Can Tell/The Complete Chess Recordings 1960-1966   A wonderful 4CD continuation of his ground-breaking, "50's Recordings."					Etta James Etta James   First Time On CD in the US
		Junior Parker Driving Wheel   Elected to Blues Hall Of Fame!					Koko Taylor What It Takes: The Chess Years (Expanded Edition)   The Queen Of Chicago Blues!
		Little Walter The Complete Chess Masters (1950-1967)   As shown in the Chess Records bio film, "Cadillac Records," in the world of pop, rock and blues harmonica, there are two distinct eras: before Little Walter and post Little Walter.					Muddy Waters Hoochie Coochie Man: Complete Chess Masters, Volume 2 1952-1958   Legendary Chicago Bluesmans mid-period classics get the deluxe treatment!
		Muddy Waters Unk In Funk   A long missing piece in the Muddy Waters Chess puzzle is finally available again!