 Both albums were the brainchild of Chess Records producer Norman Dayron, and were intended to showcase Chicago blues musicians playing with the younger British rock musicians whom they had inspired.Muddy Waters brought with him two American musicians, harmonica player Carey Bell and guitarist Sammy Lawhorn.The British and Irish musicians who played on the album included Rory Gallagher, Steve Winwood, Rick Grech, and Mitch Mitchell.