Search - Josh White :: Blues Singer (1932-1936)

Vintage Josh White

impossible1123 | Lisle, IL USA | 06/23/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent Josh White.Mono tracks clearly exhibit his competences and style as a bluesman. Typical of Josh White, this collection demonstrably reflects his sympathies and commentaries on social, interpersonal and political issues of the early-mid 30's. Also typical of Josh White, sensual double entendres abound. Lazy Black Snake Blues will effect a knowing smile to the careful listener. The cuts with accompanying piano create a blues joint/honky tonk atmosphere. The 20 2.5-3.0 minute songs in 'Blues Singer 1932-36' display Josh with a slight youthful edge to his voice. It is, in my opinion, an appropriate accompaniment to the content of his messages. In later years the youthful edge will mature into pure, smooth sensuality.His pacing, clear ennounciation, and basic rhymes allow the listener to absorb his messages while enjoying the artistry of his sound and skills.This, like many of his recordings, creates an intimacy between the artist and the listener. Although it can be an enjoyable background, his artistry ultimately forces its way into your consciousness and demands your full attention. 'Blues Singer 1932-1936' belongs in the serious blues collection."

Soothing, sexy voice

flamingpie@hci.net | NC, USA | 10/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not literate enough in the blues genre to accurately describe his influence or his style. But I know the man has one smooth voice, almost like he's trying to sweet-talk you. A pleasure to listen to, and a must-have for anyone's blues collection."

The Blues - something to "Josh" about

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 01/31/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In Josh White's initial recording career, he waxed gospel songs under his own name, and recorded sexually suggestive material as "Pinewood Tom." Both personas are represented on JOSH WHITE * BLUES SINGER 1932-1936. White was only 18-years old when the earliest sessions here were held, yet he already had solid skills, a mature delivery and plenty of confidence in his abilities. These Jim Crow-era "race records" were aimed exclusively at black consumers. A decade later, White redefined himself as a folksinger, and performed for primarily white audiences.



Heavy electronic processing, necessary to mask record surface imperfections, proves inadequate on a few of these tracks-- some crackle and swish is still audible. At times this filtering's inevitable loss of frequencies interferes with the listening experience to the point of annoyance.



A nicely illustrated 16-page booklet offers session details, a bio, song commentary, photos and reproductions of such oddities as an early advertisement for "JOSHUA WHITE - The Singing Christian." The ad states that White's PERFECT brand 78s were 25¢ each. Any still-playable copies of these records are undoubtedly worth considerably more now. (3½ stars)



TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 61:25"