That's Where It's At - John Lee Hooker (1LP Vinyl)

That's Where It's At by John Lee Hooker.

There is a certain kind of John Lee Hooker record that rewards the patient listener, and "That's Where It's At" is squarely in that tradition. Across ten tracks, the Detroit bluesman leans into the deep, hypnotic groove that made his name, letting the boogie stretch out and the slower numbers breathe. It is an album built for late hours and low light, the sort of listening that pulls you in one measured phrase at a time.

The A side sets the tone with "Teachin' The Blues," a title that feels almost like a mission statement from a man who spent his life doing exactly that. "Goin' To Louisiana" carries the restless travel motif that runs through so much of Hooker's catalog, while "I Need You" and "My Love Comes Down For You" turn the focus inward toward yearning and devotion. The side closes with "Please Don't Go" and "I Just Don't Know," two performances that trade in the ache and uncertainty at the heart of the blues.

Flip to the B side and the mood settles into something even more unhurried. "Slow And Easy" lives up to its name, and "Two White Horses" carries the weight of old blues imagery that generations of players have returned to again and again. "Feel So Bad" digs into pure lament before "Grinder Man" brings the record home with a title steeped in the working, grinding rhythm that Hooker made his signature.

The production here comes courtesy of Henry Stone, a figure whose ear for feel and groove suits Hooker's approach beautifully. Ron Albert handled the engineering, capturing the raw, close presence that gives these performances their intimacy. The result is a session that never overreaches, trusting the strength of the voice and the guitar to carry the room.

Just as much thought went into how the record presents itself. Honeya Thompson provided the art direction, with Christopher Whorf on design and photography by Beverly Parker, a package assembled with the same care given to the music inside. The sleeve notes, penned by Milton "Butterball" Smith, round out the presentation and offer a companion voice to the listening experience.

For collectors of postwar blues, this is a satisfying document of Hooker doing what he did best, unhurried and utterly assured. It is a record that respects the form and the listener alike, offering ten tracks that reward repeated spins. Whether you are new to Hooker or deep into his discography, "That's Where It's At" earns its place on the shelf and on the turntable.

Pressing Details:
Track Listing:
A1. Teachin' The Blues
A2. Goin' To Louisiana
A3. I Need You
A4. My Love Comes Down For You
A5. Please Don't Go
A6. I Just Don't Know
B1. Slow And Easy
B2. Two White Horses
B3. Feel So Bad
B4. Grinder Man

Credits:
Honeya Thompson - Art Direction
Christopher Whorf - Design
Ron Albert - Engineer
Beverly Parker (2) - Photography By
Henry Stone - Producer
Milton "Butterball" Smith - Sleeve Notes

Artist: John Lee Hooker

Format: 1LP

Genre: Blues

Label: Stax

Catalog Number: STS 2013

Release Year: 2018

Country: Import

Condition: Sealed (New)