Travelin'

Editors’ Notes As a prolific bluesman, John Lee Hooker has a huge, overwhelming catalog that hides genuine treasures in plain sight. This 1960 album is an obscure title of prime recordings. A small band joins Hooker on most cuts, including the despairing opener “No Shoes,” the menacing “I Wanna Walk,” and the muted boogie “Whiskey and Wimmen.” His foot tap guides him on the aptly titled “I’m a Stranger,” but it’s the gravity of his voice that can silence a room. His passion goes deep—he just makes it sound easy.