Interesting to learn that Canned Heat’s big 1968 hit, “Goin’ Up the Country,” is basically a re-write of 1929’s “Bull Doze Blues” by Henry Thomas, down to the flute part (listen here). The next year, 1969, saw the single release of a spirited cover version by The Duck (Johnny Sandlin) and The Bear (Eddie Hinton) of the Muscle Shoals Sound Rhythm Section, with help from Duane Allman and the Memphis Horns.  I like how the intro fools you into thinking that the song is heading in one direction before it shift gears and heads somewhere else altogether:

“Goin’ Up the Country”     The Duck & the Bear      1969

Did Atlantic really intend the title of the track to be “Goin’ Up to Country”?

Johnny Sandlin:  Drums & percussion

Eddie Hinton:  Lead guitar

Duane Allman:  Slide guitar

Barry Beckett:  Keyboards

David Hood:  Bass Guitar

Wayne Jackson:  Trumpet

Andrew Love:  Tenor Saxophone

Joe Arnold:  Tenor Saxophone