Search - Bill Jazz Gillum :: Bluebird Recordings 1934-38

Classic Chicago blues

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 02/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard Jazz Gillum on LP about ten years ago. It was just two songs, but I remember they made me want to hear more. Now I can listen to a whole CD by Gillum and I enjoy every minute of it. Gillum was a superb Harmonica player with a sound that combined southern country blues with urban Chicago feeling. Gillum could play the higher notes of the Harmonica better then most other bluesmen(note his "Harmonica stomp). He was also a good singer, with a sad voice that suited his mostly slow-medium tempo blues songs. On all songs Gillum is accompanied by Big Bill Broonzy, and you know he knew what he was doing ! Other contributers are Washboard Sam and Black Bob, who make it somewhat of an All-Star session. "Sarah Jane" is a fast non blues song, but with blues feeling. "I want you by my side" is based on the "careless love" melody. "Dont scandalize my name is also not in the blues structure. "Jockey Blues" is an 8 bar blues. Besides these - the songs follow more or less the same successful formula, which reminds me of Sonny Boy Williamson (not Rice Miller) and is just as good. Overall, the music here is great and dynamic, and affords us a chance to hear one of the great Chicago bluesman in his top form."