5 comments about Can't Quit the Blues.

1. A great box set of of blues from the man who was before Jimi, before Stevie and before Eric. I should have been listening to Buddy long ago. Three solid discs of tunes and a snappy DVD with a great mix of interview and concert video. Includes a sizeable booklet of Buddy Guy history along with the CD tracks and players. I love this set and I have nothing negative to say about it. A must have!



2. Can this mans career be compressed down to three CDs?
   In my opinion no. He is one of "THE GREATs". But this set gives you a very good sampling of some of his best work.
   
   Every song included is good. Not a dud in the whole bunch.
   
   The extra DVD included is a big plus for all us Buddy Guy fans. And the little booklet that's stapled into the box cover has some good extra material also.
   
   All in all - a very good package that is well worth the money.
   
   I does make me want to fill out my collection and get more of his music.



3. Nice survey of Guy's career. Three CD's full of some of Guy's best. The DVD contains an extensive interview and good concert footage, but beware! The DVD is 4:3 standard definition or letterbox within 4:3 throughout. It shouldn't be a surprise that concert footage covering 30+ years would largely be standard def, but it is surprising that nothing on this DVD is formatted for widescreen.



4. I purchased this box set during one of Amazon's Gold Box specials. I was excited about the box set and just couldn't wait till it arrived. 2-1/2 weeks after placing the order, it arrived. I opened the package, opened the box set and could not get the CDs loose!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I broke my thumbnail, I have pressed and mashed, still the CDs will not release! The only way I see to get the CDs out without breaking the center is to destroy the packaging. Help! the packaging may keep the CDs in place during mailing, but can't there be a choice between "Child proof" and regular? I am so disapointed that I can't get the CDs out.
   Maybe this is a great set, but I can't hear it!



5. I have not even listened to the cd's yet. I went straight for the DVD and was just realy impressed. Great stuff. I paid full price of $45 too...and dont even regret it because I always wanted some good Buddy Guy footage. Now I have it. I am a guitar nut extreme and this is great stuff.

5 comments about Born Under a Bad Sign.

1. This album and Earl Hooker's "The Moon Is Rising" are two of the greatest electric Blues albums of all-time. There is not a bad song on this disc. Albert King also displays great versatility; "Born Under A Bad Sign" sounds nothing like "The Very Thought Of You", perhaps an odd song choice for Albert, but very well-handled. This is one of the albums that the late Stevie Ray Vaughan most admired. He was heavily influenced by Albert's playing on this record, as were scores of other Blues guitarists and Blues-Rock performers.



2. This is really a fantastic blues album. Not even close to the most technical thing out there, but Albert King just pours out emotion into his guitar. It's a very soulful performance.



3. The Blues have always been much more popular in concert settings than on record. Truth is, there's not a wealth of terrific Blues studio records that appeal to a broad audience. If there were more Blues albums as excellent as "Born Under A Bad Sign", there's no question there'd be a much larger audience.
   
   If you've only ever heard the title song by Cream, do yourself a favor and get this to hear King's smoking version. No worries that this will be an album that starts with a hit followed by a lot of filler. There's a lot more searing guitar work on "Crosscut Saw" and "Kansas City" and then on throughout the album. Every song is terrific. "As The Years Go Passing By" is an achingly beautiful, if mournful, slow blues with a haunting solo from King. One of my all time favorite Blues songs. Closing the album with the Jazz chestnut "The Very Thought Of You" might seem a curious choice but King reworks it as a Blues number and it really works.
   
   This could not be a five star album if King weren't getting excellent support and Booker T and the MGs deliver that support with gusto. Their crack playing perfectly complements King on this outstanding collection of songs without ever overshadowing him.
   
   This is one of the very best Blues guitar albums and, come to that, one of the finest Blues albums period. If you were starting a Blues collection with as few as five CDs, this would have to be one of them. If you're looking for a first purchase of Albert King, I'd strongly recommend this over the excellent "Very Best of Albert King". It's not just that King never made a better Blues record. Nobody else did either.



4. Albert King-Born Under A Bad Sign *****
   
   
   This is it, the album that changed everything. Up until this point it was white boys playing only trashy rock n' roll, but after the release of Born Under A Bad sign all the little white boys from England wanted to be blues musicians, especially the guitar players. With out Born Under A Bad sign Clapton, the Vaughn brothers, and Jimi Hendrix to just name a few would not have chosen the paths they chose. Instead they would have opted for a more straight forward rock sound (not to say that Clapton wouldnt do that anyways in the late '70s and 80's sadly).
   
   Taken from a collection of singles and released as one whole album finally in 1967 Born Under A Bad Sign was Albert Kings crowning achivement so to speak. Pun intended. This was the album that solidified him as a guitar power-house and making him the third King in the three king trilogy along side B.B. King and Freddie King.
   
   The album features and all star line up of Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn on guitar and bass. Al Jackson jr. on Drums. The Memphis Horns (Wayne Jackson, Andrew Love, Joe Arnold). To top off the line up is the great Booker T. Jones and Isaac Hayes on the keys. Phenomonal. Easily the best blues line up ever assembled!
   
   Starting off with the title track, and legendary 'Born Under A Bad Sign' which is easily one of the top five blues numbers of all time. So good infact that in the mid 80's the hardcore band MDC (millions of dead cops) covered the song, and did a great job in fact. Killer cuts like 'Crosscut Saw' and 'Kansas City' keep things moving in an up beat manner complete with bleeding guitar. 'Oh, Pretty Woman' continues things. No not the Roy Orbison song, no, no, no, Kings 'Oh, Pretty Women' in my opinion is far superior. Possibly the very best song he ever recorded. A song that had a large influence over the Doors in the L.A. Woman period is 'Down Bother Me,' just a standard blues. 'The Hunter' is a rollicking number with a killer groove thanks to Al Jackson and Hayes. Now Albert King always said he thought of Born Under A Bad sign of more of a vocal album rather then a guitar album and for good reason, three of the albums best songs, 'I Almost Lost My Mind' 'As The Years Go Passing By' and the closer 'The Very Thought Of You' are very vocal. The guitar is there but the vocals are clearly the focal point of those tracks. Between those three are the gut wrenching 'Personal Manager' a song that should not be heard on a broken heart, and the severed wrist of a song, 'Laudromat Blues.'
   
   This is one blues album that even a regular rock fan would enjoy. Fans of Eric Clapton would love this album because you can see where he gained a lot of his classic guitar licks from. As far as the blues go, it doesn't get any better then Born Under A Bad Sign from the real king...Albert King!



5. Born Under a Bad Sign marked the history of the blues. This reissue is essential for blues lovers.

5 comments about Live Johnny Winter And.

1. This is a true texas blues icon coming into his form live and loose. It is a must have. Although not the greatest sound quality - it was only 35 years ago or so... It is still better than a lot of stuff put out today if you can believe it. And the songs are all covers except mean town blues, but still anything Johnny Winter has ever done is great. Compare it with todays music. Could anyone ever come out and release a live album of with 6 covers and become a legend from it? I do not think so. BUT, if you have the talent and the guitar licks that make you stand out, yes, the cream does usually rise to the top. The "And" is all about a dude named RICK DERRINGER playing 2nd guitar in the band. Yes, nice right hand man to have on your side... Jumpin' Jack Flash is a classic that JW played live for a long time. And the blues licks he plays are just killer. Try Johnny Winter And LIVE - then pick up your fender firebird and plug into your bassman cranked up - and just play.



2. I heard this album almost 30 years ago on the 12 inch black vinyl medium and loved it then .I was reminded of my love for JW when i saw a track on Crossroads Festival(Eric CLapton).Hearing it again has revived the same feelings of facination with the stunning slide that has always facinated me.GLad to be back with Johnny Winter.



3. Bought this LP in the Fall of 1971 while in high school and took the thing home and practically fell out of my chair from the first few bars...this is the finest live album I may have ever heard period!The amazing combination of Derringer and Winter is outstanding...both guitarists at the peak of their powers! I strongly suggest that if you enjoy hard blues rock that this cd be in your regular rotation. Having seen Johnny in 1970 at the Capitol Theather standing in front of almost 20 Fender Twin Reverbs was a real rush and this cd captures what it was like to hear Johnny live at his peak! Buy it now and enjoy....also may I suggest "Johnny Winter And" as well as "Johnny Winter Second" and "Still Alive and Well" all are some of the finest bluesrock ever to have been laid down period!



4. I was looking for a CD version of a cassette tape of a Johnny and Edgar Winter live concert, which I've misplaced.
   There's a killer medly of old rock and roll hits I was particularly hoping to find. This CD isn't the one. I've since discovered the one I want is a collector's item and is priced out of my range. I'll keep looking in the attic for the cassette version.



5. This is one of the best live rock/blues preformances I have ever heard. Johnny was at the top of his game!!

5 comments about Live at Carnegie Hall.

1. Live At Carnegie Hall was recorded on October 4, 1984 (one day after Stevie's thirtieth birthday), and is a highlight of Stevie's early days with his band, Double Trouble. There are also guest appearances by John Hammond, Jimmie Vaughan, Dr. John, vocalist Angela Strehli (who sings an enthusiastic lead vocal on C.O.D.), and the Roomful Of Blues horn section. The performance is an intimate, but rousing, blues celebration of Stevie's birthday. At the end of the night, Stevie says, "Thank you very much for making this my best birthday ever...forever!". Musically, you couldn't ask for better. The sound and production are smart, and the performances are clean and inspired (that's an understatement on some of the songs!). The absolute best recording ever of Cold Shot is here, Testifyin' sounds great, and Lenny is simply AMAZING. It really makes you wonder why Stevie doesn't get even more recognition as a guitar god than he already has. Things That I Used To Do and Dirty Pool are both jaw-dropping, Stevie at his blues guitar best. Pride And Joy and Iced Over both sound as good as ever and the horn section adds to the sound instead of hampering it, and it gives the songs new life. More than just really good blues, Live At Carnegie Hall is an intimate documentary of a very special night in the life of Sevie Ray Vaughan, his friends, and his family. There's a lot of love, warmth, and personality on this one, and some really fine electric guitar fueled blues music, too.



2. Of all his CD's, this feautures some of Stevie's best playing, and it's LIVE! The acoustics of Carnegie Hall add tremendous depth to his soulful playing here, and he just rips and rips away without holding anything back. As an added bonus, this was right near the end of his career when he had his head on straight and his chops were peaking. You are really missing out if your collection doesn't include this one.



3. There is such history in this venue, and for Stevie to play there it was quite an extraordinary event. The recording is fabulous in your face guitar,
   like they had the mic inside his cabinets, protected by a noise gate. Great, great live performance here.



4. Live at Carnegie Hall is a must-have for the diehard SRV fan who wants to get a taste of the guitar master's live perfomance electricity. I purchased his Live Alive CD prior to this one and was somewhat disappointed (Live Alive was recorded at the depths of SRV's drug and alcohol addiction and lacked the luster and originality of his previous works).
   
   This, however, was a real treat. His torrential solo on Dirty Pool and collaboration with his brother, Jimmie, on Things that I Used to Do were flawlessly executed and super-charged. I am always amazed at how he could bend and twist notes in ways unheard of, but these two songs were absolutely mind-boggling.
   
   The second half of the CD, where SRV adds the Room Full of Blues horns and Dr. John on keyboards, was a pleasant surprise. Initially, I was skeptical, thinking it would be like "gilding the lilly, but it's a great R&B sound that every SRV fan should experience. In addition, Angela Strehli was outstanding on her fiery vocal on C.O.D.
   
   The only issue that prevented me from giving this a five-star rating, is the muddy sound on the first two or three songs (Carnegie Hall was originally designed for acoustic performances). Don't let this stop you from adding this one to your collection, though.



5. SRV and friends play up a storm. Herein are arguably the definitive recorded versions of "Cold Shot", "Pride and Joy" and "Things That I Used To Do". The horns really add warmth to the sound, but Stevie Ray is front and center. Eric Clapton has said he was in awe of Stevie Ray Vaughan for his flow; the way solos just poured out of him, and there are some blazing examples on this recording.
   Yes, the man was a great guitar play, an absolute master of the form, but something that is rarely mentioned is that his singing was as emotive as his playing. He was in great voice on this night too.

5 comments about La Bamba: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

1. For the most part, this is a great soundtrack. The only problem I have with this, is that the "La Bamba" on the CD is not the exact one played in the movie during the concert and also at the end of the movie where the credits are. The one in the movie is SLIGHTLY faster and upbeat. Would have loved to have that version on the CD.



2. I have the soundtrack and I know that there are a few songs that aren't on the soundtrack, one for instance, being the song that is played while donna and ritchie are driving "home from school". I can't really make out the lyrics to search the song so this is my next step. So if somebody could help me that would be great.



3. I misplaced this old soundtrack and was able to purchase another on Amazon.com. This is a great soundtrack and the music is terrific. This is one soundtract you should add to your collection. I've purchased several cd's and products in general from Amazon and have never been disspointed.



4. Sound track other than the primary cut, LaBamba .Did not seem the same as the movie.Would not recommened the sound track.Was purchased as a gift.



5. This is a solid soundtrack. Los Lobos do a good job of duplicating Ritchie Valens' old songs (although there was no accordion on the original versions). The other cover songs, by Howard Huntsberry, Marshall Crenshaw and Brian Setzer, are also well done. Bo Diddley does a great remake of his classic "Who Do You Love". The last two songs by Los Lobos are not Ritchie Valens songs, but they are okay. If you liked the movie, you will probably like the soundtrack, too.

5 comments about From the Cradle.

1. First, let me say I have nothing against white blues guitar slingers. Love Bloomfield and Jonny Winter.
   
   Second, as a "classic rock dude" Clapton can't be beat. Layla, and all that other stuff- its seminal classic rock. The guy almost defines the genre.
   
   However, as a blues player, and especially as a blues singer, he is way overrated. People float him five stars because of the above classic rock god status. "Clapton? I love Clapton. Five stars."
   
   The licks are ok, the solos are ok when he keeps them short. When he tries to go gonzo on a slow blues, he just sounds silly. Everything after Bluesbreakers was downhill for the guy blues-wise.
   
   And the singing. Terrible. Imagine the whitest dude you know- Nay, the whitest BRITISH dude you know, trying to sing blues. Some can pull it off: Robben Ford, Jonny Winter, NOT Clapton. He sounds awful.
   
   In summary: as classic rock dude: wonderful. As gut bucket blues stringer: emberassing



2. I am a huge blues fan. I love artists like Peter Green, SRV, BB King, Muddy, Buddy guy and so on. I wouldn't rank Clapton up with any of these guys by any means, which most people would agree with me, would be a unfair comparison anyway. I am not a huge Clapton fan, I liked the stuff he did with John Mayall, but after that, I hadn't really heard a Clapton song I really enjoyed. I do agree with alot of people, Clapton doesn't have the phrasing the true greats have, but he does have some chops and a very good understanding of blues music. Its nice to see him go back to his earlier roots. This album is by far my favorite album of his, and I would rank it as one of the top blues albums i've ever heard. His phrasing on this album is exceptional, and his tone is just killer on EVERY track. His voice is fairly soulful on this album as well. But this is definately not your typical Clapton fan's favorite album. This sets Claptons prime for me. GREAT ALBUM! Now go listen to some Peter Green and enjoy the true British blues experience :).



3. Anyone who appreciates the blues, especially from a guitarist's paradigm, will enjoy this recording. Clapton is always a delight. However, on this album you get to enjoy a cornacopia of Slowhand riffs and solos throughout every track.
   If you do "air guitar", you'll want this disc.



4. "Clapton is God" used to be scrawled on the subways and phone booths of England in the 1960s. From the Cradle shows why. A tour de force of blues solos and techniques, Clapton shows why he is the master of rock and blues guitar, without ever sounding derivative. From the opening slide licks of Blues Before Sunrise through the incendiary riffs of Five Long Years and down to the syncopated jangling of Motherless Child and the choogling grind of Drifting, Clapton lays out the entire blues vocabulary in one tight, very listenable CD. Knowing that every song on here was done in one take with only minimal overdubs only makes this album all the more legendary. A must-have for any student of the blues.



5. Have to say that I have been a huge Clapton fan since the Cream days...He has just gone soft, it's time to face the facts...It has way more to do with inspiration than his getting on in years...I really had my hopes up that this would be an inspired effort, but nothing could be further than the truth!!! If this is "soul" then you are probably someone who thinks that Michael Bolton is a soul singer.

5 comments about The Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

1. Along with Earl Hooker's "The Moon Is Rising", this album is a Chicago Blues masterpiece. Though the lead singer and harmonica player is white, his singing is more than credible and his harmonica playing is excellent. Guitarist Michael Bloomfield plays some incendiary lead guitar, and was taken from us much too early. His death is a tragedy in the truest sense of the world. I recently viewed a video of him at one of the many folk festivals during the 1960s, perhaps Newport, talking about how his father is rich, his family is Jewish, he had a Bar Mitzvah, and how he'll never be able to play or sing like Son House. His admiration for the great Son House was more than obvious. Recently, rock guitar magazines have started to talk more about Bloomfield and his wonderful talents, which is a great thing. He deserves to be ranked up there with Clapton and Allman in terms of white guys who play Blues and/or Blues-Rock. Every track on this album is fun, full of energy and masterfully played. I highly recommend this album to anybody interested in Chicago Blues, especially those coming to the Blues from a Classic Rock or Clapton-related background. My personal favorite on the album is the band's cover of Elmore James' "Shake Your Moneymaker", which is a great deal different than the original, but in a good way.



2. This was an amazing album when it was released in 1965, and it is now.
   While the vinyl seems superior to the CD [I have 2 copies of the vinyl]
   they are both amazing and full of energy. There is a note on the back of the original album cover advising to play loud for maximum effect. That is just as true now as it was then....These are the guys that played with Dylan at times. That is, Sam Lay, Jerome Arnold, Mike Bloofield.



3. The general critical consensus seems to be that the PBBB's second album, "East/West," is the one to get, but I disagree. I own both, and I find that this, the band's first release, is much better than album #2. The songs here are played with more intensity and focus (the band is "tighter," as musicians say), and the vocals and harp are tough, gritty and "authentic," in a blues sense. In contrast, the band seems to be trying too hard to sound like great blues on "East/West." On this album, everything feels organic and unforced. Mike Bloomfield, of course, is excellent on every track, and that makes a significant difference between this and any other "white boy blues," or whatever you want to call it, that was around at the same time. Here, and on Dylan albums, he's really the difference between "good" and "great." Get this one--it sounds fresh, almost contemporary, despite its age.



4. this white boy blues stuff is so over-done. every band like this from this era all sound the same: boring, watered-down, stuck-in-the-same-groove, white-boy, schlock. pure torture!! sure, the PBBB, John Mayall, Clapton, etc, all did their part by bringing the underlying music (real blues) to the attention of a larger audience, which is not necessarily a good thing, but i can respect that they liked what they heard and copied it. fair enough. however, if you're looking for something that can be felt through your speakers and over time and space, check out Magic Sam, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, or Lonnie Mack, or, if you like the older stuff, Son House, or RL Burnside. this 3rd generation blues stuff is soooo boring and predictable at this point.



5. I say they don't make music like this anymore.Its a twist of Rolling Stones an Cream and for Mike Bloomfield, to me he is one of the best in his field. So if you like the Stones or Cream you will like this, enjoy.

5 comments about Capitol Collectors Series: Louis Prima.

1. There's very little I can add to the previous reviews except to say that this was the reason I bought a CD player years ago. More out of curiosity than anything else, I happened to pick up a copy of "Louis Prima: the Capitol Collectors Series" in its audiocassette format back in the early Nineties. Let me assure you, this is Prima at his best, during the wild and swinging Fifties, when his was "THE" act to see in Las Vegas. From the opening number, "Just A Gigolo," I was hooked. There isn't a single track (with the possible exception of "Beep! Beep!") that I didn't enjoy. The man was a master at his craft. No one's a bigger fan of Dean Martin's than me, but when you compare Dino's versions of "Oh, Marie" and "Buona Sera" to Louis', Prima blows him away. Feeling depressed? Down in the dumps? Put on this CD and you'll soon be "jump, jive and wailin'" along with Louis, Keely, Sam Butera, and the rest of the Wildest. Guaranteed!



2. I've never heard a bad Louie Prima album. The quality is good the songs are great. Lots of good tunes@!



3. How many effortless and affecting changes in tempo and rhythmn can one musician make? Louis Prima was the master. And he was a more accomplished man with a trumpet than Louis Armstrong ever hoped to be. On top of all that, when you set him beside Keely Smith, the combination is music magic. Get the music and listen. At first it may sound like "old timers" music; but stick with it, play it again, and like with great wine, you'll be rewarded after the draught has settled in your guts.



4. There is no other as talented and timeless as Luis Prima, and this is an amazing collection. However, the CD only plays some of the time and in some CD players...it never does. It is very frustrating! Why bother buying this if you can't enjoy it?



5. IF YOU LIKE THE MUSIC OF LOUIS PRIMA, THIS IS THE ONE CD TO GET. FEATURES DUETS WITH HIS WIFE KEELY SMITH AND BACKUP BY SAM BUTERA AND THE WITNESSES, IT HAS ALL OF THE WELL KNOWN LOUIS PRIMA SONGS, WITH GREAT RECORDING QUALITY. FUN, UPTEMPO, HUMOROUS AND SWINGIN'. HOW I WISH I COULD HAVE CAUGHT THIS LOUNGE ACT IN VEGAS BACK IN THE 50S.

5 comments about Blue Velocity.

1. I love a good blues guitar player who can go in a few other directions with the same intensity. Duarte fills that bill. Regardless of your mood there is something on this CD to keep it company. From the funky blues of "Let her be" to the more rock oriented "Met My Match", Durate delivers! The solo work on "Something Wicked" is worth the price of the CD alone.



2. While listening to this compilation and it's variations, I kept wondering who he sounds like. After a while I thought, Robin Trower. Then I thought Stevie Ray Vaughan....and finally I thought James Solberg. Wow, what a combination!!
   
   Duarte was just in Abilene Texas the other night and I missed his show. After listening to this CD, I'm sorry I missed it.
   
   This CD is a refreshing mix between blues and rock - but blues is its mainstay. I personally liked tracks after three the best, although the first three were indeed good. Especially the first track - Amy Lee.
   
   You couldn't do much better trying to find an explosive blues compilation and I highly recommend the blues fan add this to his/her collection.



3. Got this CD on a whim and was pleasantly surprised. This guy is a great bluesy player, singer and songwriter. I liked all the songs first time through and they are getting better with repeat listenings.



4. So many blues guitar players have disappointed me by going commercial or off the deep end (Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang etc.). I guess they do this to make more money. I can't blame them, however, the music is not up to par. So far, Chris Duarte has been super consistent. This is another excellent blues CD. If you like any of his earlier music, you are sure to like this CD. Sometimes it takes a few times through a CD to really get into it. This was great from the first time I listened to it. His show in Manhattan at Hill Country BBQ was the best performance I have ever witnessed. I have seen KWS 3 times and he was my favorite guitar player....Move over Kenny...Duarte is a nice guy too...he took the time to autograph many CDs at the show.



5. I have been a fan of Duarte for a long time and I waited anxiously for the delivery of this cd. His playing is remarkable; Beyond the other comparisons I heard some Robin Trower influence in the later tunes of the album, however the songs were so mediocre I was very disappointed overall.

5 comments about Avalon Blues: The Complete 1928 Okeh Recordings.

1. Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm. Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground"). The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era. A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.
   
   As to the recordings themselves, they are probably the sweetest sounding, most mellifluous early delta/country blues I have ever heard. John Hurt may not have had the well-known name of a Robert Johnson or Son House, but these recordings have had their influence in their own way. The song Stack O' Lee penned by Hurt became an R&B hit in 1950 (as Stack-A-Lee) for New Orleans pianist Archibald, and also became a rock-and-roll hit in 1958 for Lloyd Price (as Stagger Lee).
   
   It should be noted that after Hurt recorded these songs, he went back to work in his hometown of Avalon, MS. Because this was an out-of the-way town, few passed through it, and because of this Hurt was influenced by few outside artists of the day. What we wind up with on this album is the heart and soul of John Hurt.......and it is magnificent.



2. Superb - no other word for it.
   
   Something a learned colleague pointed out to me, listen out for the riff on track 9 which, 50 years later, became JJ Cale's "They call me the breeze"!



3. Fabulous singing, guitar playing that must have had a great influence on Jerry Garcias acoustic stuff. And wonderful songs.



4. Mississippi John Hurt recorded only 13 songs before returning to a life of obscurity and hard work on a farm. Of these 13 songs recorded in 1928, 11 were penned by John Hurt with the other two being traditional spiritual numbers ("Blessed be the name" and "Praying on the old camp ground"). The recording quality of these Okeh recordings is simply fantastic, and have the best recording quality I have heard from this era. A little hiss is heard (very little) and not much else.
   
   As to the recordings themselves, they are probably the sweetest sounding, most mellifluous early delta/country blues I have ever heard. John Hurt may not have had the well-known name of a Robert Johnson or Son House, but these recordings have had their influence in their own way. The song Stack O' Lee penned by Hurt became an R&B hit in 1950 (as Stack-A-Lee) for New Orleans pianist Archibald, and also became a rock-and-roll hit in 1958 for Lloyd Price (as Stagger Lee).
   
   It should be noted that after Hurt recorded these songs, he went back to work in his hometown of Avalon, MS. Because this was an out-of the-way town, few passed through it, and because of this Hurt was influenced by few outside artists of the day. What we wind up with on this album is the heart and soul of John Hurt.......and it is magnificent.



5. If you like to hear Mississippi John Hurt, this is a very good
   group of early music he sang. I like it very much, and I bought it as a gift for a family member never thinking I would get "hooked" on him as much as the family member was. This open my eyes to some wonderful music. I'm glad I bought for someone else and got to listen to it myself.