Search - Big Maceo Merriweather :: Victor / Bluebird Recordings 1945-47

Terrific piano blues!!! 17 tracks of pure joy.

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 05/24/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1945-1947 volume of Big Maceo's works,his final ones,except a small 1952 session with John Brim,may be the greatest introduction to piano blues with Montana Taylor's works.As on the first volume,Tampa Red is always here;the down home,country feeling that dominated volume 1 disappears here,and the "Chicago sound" appears.If I had to choose between vol.1 and 2,I guess I would select this one.Don't miss it,this CD is a very important,an essential part of the history of blues.Every tune is a gem."I'm so worried" is based on the 1941 version of "worried life blues".The last four tracks include Eddie Boyd on piano,because Big Maceo suffered a stroke shortly before and couldn't play;in fact,he never recovered completely,and died five years later,aged 48.But you've got 12 outstanding tracks with Big Maceo playing the greatest piano."Maceo's 32-20" is amazing;so are "come on home","kidman blues","things have changed",etc,etc.And here comes "Chicago breakdown",a prodigious piano effort.Maybe (surely) the most extraordinary tune recorded by a blues piano player.It's simply terrific.If you're trying to play blues on the 88's,you'll sure want to cut your fingers after hearing this crazy piece.Major Merriweather was a colossus,and you can feel it listening to this track.Tampa Red said:"Major was six foot four I believe,looked like a big bear!He weighted about 256".He sadly died too yound (aged 48),but will allways be remembered as one of the greatest piano players,with Montana Taylor,Roosevelt Sykes and Otis Spann.In this record,you'll find all the roots of what would soon be called "Chicago blues".A very important moment hour of music."

Boggie woogie and a slide

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | 06/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the two Bluebird releases of Big Maceo, we are a given a great collection from the more urban side of the music. This is the stuff that puts jazz in its place by reminding it of its debt to blues and yet going places with the later that the stuffy jazz sophisticates just can't reach. Or rather, this music is a great testament to the often overlooked pre-1950 blues.Big Maceo is one of the best examples of barrelhouse blues piano. The tracks follow the traditional themes of trouble, drunkedness and misogyny with a wonderful Hastings St. rythem. Best of all,the piano is accompanied with the guitar of the great Tampa Red. Especially notable are the songs Kid Man Blues, Maceo's 32-20 and I'm So Worried Blues. If only I could find a good barrelhouse to escape the monotony of the 21st century."

Most underrated blues master.

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | 03/09/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is another title similar to this "Bluebird Recordings 1941-1942". Those two collections depict Maceo's fabulous and innovative blue piano style. One of the best blue piano recordings by post-War Chicago blues giant."