LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

• 180 gram audiophile vinyl

Here Comes Shuggie Otis (1971) is the debut album by guitarist and songwriter Shuggie Otis, when he was only 18. Produced and arranged by his father, Johnny Otis and Dan Aldrich, the set features nine original cuts co-written by the pair.

The album is evenly divided between vocal tunes and instrumentals. Shuggie's guitar is improvisational poetry. Shuggie's vocals weren't quite there, and were still somewhat tentative, but his gorgeous guitar solo is right in the pocket. Take the modern Soul Rocker "Baby I Needed You", with a killer hook in the refrain.

Track Listing:

Side A

• OXFORD GRAY
• JENNIE LEE
• BOOTIE COOLER
• KNOWING (THAT YOU WANT HIM)
• FUNKY THITHEE

Side B

• SHUGGIE'S BOOGIE
• HURRICANE
• GOSPEL GROOVE
• BABY, I NEEDED YOU
• THE HAWKS