Released two years after Otis Spann’s death, 1972’s Walking the Blues features sides that date back to 1960. Taking a break from his day job in Muddy Waters’ band, the pianist proves equally gifted as singer and songwriter. The originals “It Must Have Been the Devil” and “Half Ain’t Been Told” highlight the contrast between big, powerful keys and deep, haunted vocals that define his inimitable style. Guitarist and Robert Johnson protégé Robert Lockwood, Jr., fills in the cracks with spare, oftentimes jazzy licks.