The uncharacteristically refined swing supporting John Lee Hooker’s leering growls on opening track “Shake It Baby” reflects the uniqueness of these sessions. Jazz and R&B musicians play with the bluesman, affording him enough space to let his uniquely elastic timing establish its own meandering pace, as on the creeping “Country Boy.” They also offer Hooker the opportunity to explore some truly novel ideas, like a deftly jumping version of “Money (That's What I Want)” punctuated by trombone.