John Lee Hooker - The Healer (1989) [24-192]


The Healer
was a major comeback for John Lee Hooker. Featuring a wide array of guest stars, including Bonnie Raitt, Johnnie Johnson, and Los Lobos, The Healer captured widespread media attention because of all the superstar musicians involved in its production. Unfortunately, that long guest list is what makes the album a fairly unengaging listen. Certainly there are moments were it clicks, but that's usually when the music doesn't greatly expand on his stripped-down boogie.
John Lee Hooker was 73 years old when the album was released. It was his first Grammy win and was the album that had placed highest on the Billboard charts in his forty-year career. The album had such success that it "permitted John Lee Hooker to live out the end of his life in comfort". Powers recounts with joy sending a large royalty check to Hooker, and the deep gratitude he felt for the opportunity to help him to finally achieve the recognition he deserved. 

 

    John Lee Hooker – vocals, guitar, steel guitar
    Jose Areas – timbales
    Steve Berlin – saxophone
    Ndugu Chancler – drums
    Richard Cousins – bass guitar
    Robert Cray – guitar
    Steve Ehrmann – bass guitar
    Jim Gaines – engineering and co-production on "The Healer"
    David Hidalgo – guitar, accordion
    Sam Lehmer – engineering on all tracks except "The Healer" and "Think Twice Before You Go", mixing
    Scott Mathews – drums
    Charlie Musselwhite – harmonica
    Mike Kappus – executive producer
    Conrad Lozano – bass guitar
    Mark Lynelle – engineering on "Think Twice Before You Go"
    Adolfo de la Parra – drums
    Armando Peraza – congas
    Louie Pérez – drums
    Bonnie Raitt – vocals, slide guitar
    Roy Rogers – guitar, slide guitar, production
    Cesar Rosas – guitar
    Carlos Santana – guitar and co-production on "The Healer"
    Larry Taylor – bass guitar
    Chester D. Thompson – keyboards
    George Thorogood – guitar
    Henry Vestine – guitar


01. The Healer (5:38)
02. I'm in the Mood (4:30)
03. Baby Lee (3:45)
04. Cuttin' Out (4:36)
05. Think Twice Before You Go (2:59)
06. Sally Mae (3:18)
07. That's Alright (4:23)
08. Rockin' Chair (4:08)
09. My Dream (4:07)
10. No Substitute (4:05)