Search - Blind Boy Fuller :: Remastered 1935-1938

Piedmont Blues at its Best

J. Grant | North Carolina, USA | 11/18/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the tradition of Blind Blake and Buddy Moss, this set of Blind Boy Fuller sides delivers piedmont blues at its finest. Tutored by Rev. Gary Davis, Fulton Allen (aka Blind Boy Fuller), arguably equals or exceeds his teachers' prowess on the guitar. There are several songs in which there are multiple versions, easily identified as "take 1", take 2, etc. However, there are several songs by different titles which are the same song, rather like many of John Lee Hooker's songs in the late 40's and early 50's when he was recording for multiple labels simutainiously. For example, Weeping Willow and Ain't No Gettin' Along are the same song as are Stingy Mama and Mojo Hidin' Woman along with several others. This doesn't take away from the quality of this set as the arrangements differ slightly, but using completely different titles does make it a bit akward when making a playlist to put on my mp3 player. The sound ranges from pretty darn good to poor (only on a handful of songs). JSP provides ample liner notes (about 12 pages worth) written by Neil Slaven, which provide plenty of interesting facts and track info. Additional artists that appear in supporting roles includes Gary Davis, Sonny Terry and George "Bull City Red" Washington. Highly recommended."