It is impossible to overstate the importance of Charley Patton’s music and its lasting influence. Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker and other key figures in American music were directly and profoundly inspired by Patton in his lifetime. This recording of his own “Poor Me” – made shortly before his passing in 1934, captures Charley Patton’s masterful guitar technique and unique vocal style in a sublime solo performance.
Ora Alexander was a blues singer and Vaudeville performer who recorded for Columbia Records in the early 1930’s. “You’ve Got To Save That Thing,” one of her better known tracks, is a definitive slice of the Vaudeville Blues genre. The performance just plain rocks, with raw accompaniment in the barrelhouse style, and a blistering vocal that would bring the house down in any nightspot today. Judging from the hoots and hollers, those present at this recording session couldn’t contain their enthusiasm! Well neither can we.
Skip James’ recordings are instantly recognizable as much for his peculiar guitar style as for his utterly unique voice. He does this other-worldly falsetto wail kind of thing, and the way he tuned his 6-string acoustic steel string influenced many later music legends, including Eric Clapton. “Cherry Ball Blues” is a classic lament about losing love. This nice clean mp3 copy of the original vinyl side is free, and priceless.
In the early 1960s Syd Barrett grafted Pink Anderson’s first name with another bluesman (Floyd Council), to form the name of Pink Floyd. Two decades before Barrett was born, Columbia Records recorded two 78’s with Pink Anderson & Simmie Dooley in 1928. This upbeat number features a humorous back and forth chatter between Pink Anderson and Simmie Dooley, both playing guitar and singing verses. This is a great tune that deserves to be heard.
What a lovely track by this classy classic performer. Lottie Kimbrough brings a message that rings true through the ages, with humor and a voice of gold.
