Search - Arthur Big Boy Crudup :: Arthur Big Boy Crudup and His 22 Greatest Songs

Cool blues--and a rock sensibility

Steven A. Peterson | Hershey, PA (Born in Kewanee, IL) | 07/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arthur Crudup ("Big Boy") was an important blues artist and had an impact on rock and roll (Elvis covered some of his works and Bob Dylan testified to his influence on him). And this CD tells us why he was such a key figure. The liner notes say that "During the 40s and early 50s Arthur Crudup was an important name in the blues field. . . ."



Let's look at some examples from this CD.



"Dust My Broom": He displays a great blues voice and steady guitar work. A nice cut.



"That's all right": This was covered by Elvis Presley. There is a rock sensibility to this song as well as sound blues. The song is sung well, good guitar work, and some nice rhythm. One line:



"That's all right,

And now momma,

Any way you choose."



"If I get lucky": As the liner notes indicate, something of a countrified sensibility. He shows off an interesting blues voice, and he cries out his lines. Simple but effective guitar work. He sings:



"Cuz the woman I love

Done throw me away."



No wonder that he wants to go back to Mississippi "where I belong."



"Mean old Frisco blues": This cut was covered later on by Brownie McGhee and B. B. King. There is animated guitar playing as well as good vocals. According to the liner notes, some of the earlier electric guitar work in blues.



In sum, this is a very nice introduction to the work of Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup.





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