Released on the Impulse! Records label in early 1966, this was part of the short-lived Impulse folk music division, with the slogan adapted from their jazz promotion: “The new wave of folk is on Impulse!” Signed to Impulse’s parent label ABC Records, it is the only album Hooker made for the jazz label. Producer Bob Thiele partnered Hooker with session musicians all possessing jazz pedigrees, presenting a unique setting for his music. The released songs are a mix of new compositions and re-workings of tunes Hooker had previously recorded, and includes a cover of Barrett Strong’s 1959 Motown hit “Money (That’s What I Want).” With Panama Francis on drums, Milt Hinton on bass, and Barry Galbraith on second guitar, the result is some of the best John Lee Hooker material with a band that you’re likely to come across.