***This 24-track collection of historic Delta blues recordings kick off with SON HOUSE’s earliest recorded material. These seven tracks were recorded by House for Paramount in Grafton, WI in 1930 and are keystone recordings in the history of American music. They include the original rare versions of “Walkin’ Blues” (later made famous by Robert Johnson) and “Death Letter Blues” (here called “My Black Mama Part II), covered by Jack White of the White Stripes. The remaining seventeen tracks on this album are a chance for listeners to hear some lesser known Delta bluesmen, all contemporaries of Son House like RUBE LACY, GARFIELD AKERS, JOE CALLICOTT, JIM THOMPKINS, BLIND JOE (WILLIE) REYNOLDS, KID BALEY and WILLIE BROWN. While these men are perhaps not quite the genius that House was—with perhaps the exception of Willie Brown who often played with House (just check out “Future Blues” if you need convincing)—these lesser known artists are still all top drawer Delta bluesmen that add welcome context to the genre.
2XLP $32.65
07/13/2010