One of John Lee Hooker's early-'60s acoustic releases on Riverside, Country Blues offers an intimate perspective on the legendary bluesman. With his pristinely recorded vocals dominating these solo sessions, all the subtle shadings of his delivery emerge to an unprecedented degree. Hooker's mastery comes into sharp focus thanks to his ominous, threatening presence on "Black Snake," the unsettling lust of "Good Mornin', Lil' School Girl," and the lovelorn sadness of "How Long Blues."