Burning Hell was recorded in 1959 in Detroit, MI, but wasn't released until 1964. Even then, it was only available in the U.K.. This 180-gram vinyl pressing marks the first official single LP worldwide release the album has seen. Pressed at QRP as part of the Bluesville Records / Acoustic Sounds series, the album features Hooker solo as he plays originals and classics. AllMusic states that, on this album, "Hooker shows himself to be an excellent interpreter who could have held his own with Delta bluesmen of any era."

Craft Recordings, in partnership with Acoustic Sounds, is releasing Burning Hell as part of the Bluesville Series. Bluesville is a brand-new hub for all things blues, including vinyl reissues, curated playlists, and more! Inspired by the original label imprint established under Prestige Records in 1959, the Bluesville Series will highlight the many trailblazing musicians who contributed to the rich tradition of the blues, including titles from legendary artists on labels such as Vee-Jay, Riverside, Vanguard, Stax, and Rounder Records.

The albums in the Bluesville Series are pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings and feature all-analog (AAA) mastering by Grammy-nominated engineer Matthew Lutthans at The Mastering Lab at Blue Heaven Studios, plus a tip-on jacket and obi strip with notes written by Grammy-winning producer, writer and musician Scott Billington.

• The Bluesville Series from Craft Recordings and Acoustic Sounds!
• Inspired by the original Prestige label imprint established in 1959
• Burning Hell by John Lee Hooker
• First worldwide LP release!
• Highlighting trailblazing blues musicians from legendary labels

Reviews

"Raw, unfiltered blues—just a man, a guitar, and the truth." — Mojo Magazine

"Hooker strips it all down on Burnin’ Hell, and what’s left is pure, haunted brilliance." — AllMusic

"It sounds like it was recorded in a backwoods church with the devil knocking at the door." — Uncut

"This is the blues before it went electric, before it went north—deep, dark, and spiritual." — The Guardian

"Hooker doesn’t just sing the blues—he conjures it, one foot in the grave and the other stomping time." — DownBeat