Considered to be the leading postwar Chicago blues pianist, Otis Spann played on records by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, while his own records featured accompaniment from B. B. King, Eric Clapton, and Fleetwood Mac, among others. Spann never called attention to his own musicianship in those settings but in this video of “T’Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,” Otis displays the full range of his vocal and instrumental skills. And then there’s unmitigated relish he exhibits during the performance: it’s as if he’s savoring the chance to step out from the role of sideman to lead a band of his own and make the very most of the opportunity.
