The Lost Recordings: A Blues Brothers Legacy Unearthed
A new release, The Lost Recordings, features archival live performances by the original Blues Brothers, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. This release is accompanied by a graphic novel titled The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake, co-written by Stella Aykroyd, Luke Pisano, and James Werner. The album, available for preorder, is pressed on "royal blue" vinyl and includes 13 previously unreleased recordings. The musicians backing the Blues Brothers on this album are the original band members, including members of Booker T. and the M.G.'s, the Bar-Kays, and Howlin' Wolf's band, among others. The set list includes songs from the group's 1978 album, Briefcase Full of Blues.
Dan Aykroyd, who provided editorial oversight for the graphic novel, praised the comic for keeping the spirit of the Blues Brothers alive. The story in the graphic novel picks up a decade after the events of the 1980 movie, following Joliet Jake's mysterious disappearance from prison. The quest for the Briefcase, filled with unearthed lyrics and music, becomes a central theme in the story. The graphic novel aims to pass on the legacy of the Blues Brothers to the next generation, preserving the essence of the original story.
In addition to the deluxe edition that includes the vinyl, a "platinum edition" of the graphic novel is available, featuring a framed plaque signed by Dan Aykroyd. Publisher Z2 Comics has also released T-shirts with artwork from the graphic novel. The Blues Brothers originated as a sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1976 and gained popularity with their deadpan portrayal of blues aficionados. Their debut album, Briefcase Full of Blues, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 1978. The subsequent movie, The Blues Brothers, directed by John Landis, was a success in 1980.
Following John Belushi's passing in 1982, Dan Aykroyd revived the Blues Brothers with John Goodman for the 1998 movie, Blues Brothers 2000. The Lost Album track list includes iconic songs like "Soul Man," "Rubber Biscuit," and "Green Onions." This release offers fans a chance to experience the original Blues Brothers' live performances and delve into a new chapter of their story.