Long out of print, John Lee Hooker’s Grammy-winning 1989 album, The Healer, returns to vinyl and CD courtesy of Craft Recordings.  It’s a well-overdue resurrection of a terrific album that, at the time of its initial release, solidified Hooker’s lasting influence and accomplishments.  It also brought, finally, the then-73 Hooker the industry recognition the electric blues architect so mightily deserved.

The ten-track collection is chock full of guests- from Carlos Santana on the title track to Bonnie Raitt, Canned Heat, Los Lobos, and more.  Seeing such a list of admirers, it’s fair to wonder if Hooker would be a guest on his own record.  Instead, he is not only the focal point, but carries the album with his matchless jazz-like vocal phrasing across a series of traditional blues numbers; the Raitt duet, “I’m In The Mood,” the Grammy winner.

Wisely and in reverence, the guests support Hooker the best way they can: by largely adorning the tracks with just enough of their signature style to be recognized while leaving the heavy lifting to John Lee.  Guitarist George Thorogood lights up “Sally Mae;” Charlie Musselwhite and his harmonica delight on “That’s Alright.”  Yet, it’s on the final three songs- sans collaborators- that Hooker shows off his most affecting blues; the “No Substitute” finale, truly golden.

Rosters of stars joining an icon for an album’s worth of tributes became somewhat de rigueur in the late ‘90s and early 21^st century.  Hooker’s achievement should’ve been a lesson to those that followed: the best way for the stars to pay tribute is to let the icon shine.  The Healer would be the final jewel in John Lee Hooker’s crown.  It’s wonderful to have it back on display.