Authorized Bootleg: Muddy Waters (Live At the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, CA - November 4-6, 1966)

Though the shows that rock promoter extraordinaire Billy Graham booked at the Fillmore West throughout the ‘60s have long been the stuff of legend, until recently few were aware exactly how thoroughly Graham had documented the remarkable music scene to which he was privy, making immaculate soundboard recordings of nearly every show staged at the Fillmore. This Muddy Waters’ set from 1966 is one of the first fruits of a major effort to make much of this vast and historically important archive available to the general public. As a document of Waters’ live prowess it exceeds expectations, rivaling his legendary Newport Folk Festival performances for the thrilling instrumental virtuosity displayed by Waters’ band (comprised of Chess stalwarts George Smith, Luther "Georgia Boy" Johnson, Francis Clay, Mac Arnold and Sammy Lawhorn) and for Waters’ unfailing personal magnetism. This miraculous performance is comprised entirely of classic Waters’ material performed with enviable ease and heart-stopping conviction.