Search - Big Bill Broonzy :: Treat Me Right

Big Bill at his Best

John Scime | Ottawa, Canada | 01/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in France in 1951, William Conley "Big Bill" Broonzy was at the top of his form during this recording session, a solo-gig captured towards the latter stage of his long career. If you're looking for an entry point into the world of acoustic blues music performed by the original artists, then this is it. I highly recommend this recording due to the clarity in which Big Bill's intricate finger-picking guitar style and heart-felt vocals are captured. The quality of the recording is very good compared to much of Bill's earlier repetoire. In fact, this is about as close to actually experiencing Big Bill play live as any of us will ever get. My favourite cut is the last track, "Sixteen Tons", a traditional song recorded by many artists, including Pete Seeger and Merle Travis. From biginning to end, this is a thoroughly entertaining recording that will make you happy time and again -- this is the real folk blues!!!"