He may not have lived long enough to create a large catalog, but Magic Sam still stands as the defining voice of Chicago's West Side. His vocals were loud, smooth and powerful, whether he was bellowing with a deep roar or moaning for his woman's forgiveness. His guitar playing remains one of the most distinct, piercingly personal blues styles: bright and staccato, with no sustain or sting, a deep soul ringing through its fully trebled glory. He often threw in bursts of rhythm-twisti...  [+]