Search - Memphis Slim :: Bluebird Recordings 1940-41

All songs are in the same key but never make listeners bored

Annie Van Auken | 01/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All songs are in the same key. But no matter how many times I play this CD I never got bored. Memphis slim uses his golden one pattern repeatedly in this CD just like Elmore James and Theloneous Monk do, but when a performer is a master, the monotonous riffs keep attracting the listeners. Sound quality is also excellent. Highly recommended CD."

Memphis Pete

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 02/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Chatman Jr. recorded for OKEH records in July, 1940. Three months later he was at RCA's Chicago facilities, where A & R man Lester Melrose told Chatman his new name would be Memphis Slim.



MEMPHIS SLIM * THE BLUEBIRD RECORDINGS 1940-1941 contains all the known sides "Slim" made for RCA. Every song on this album was mastered from its original metal part, so audio quality tends to be remarkably fine. Alternate takes of three songs are offered, including Slim's first BLUEBIRD issue, "Beer Drinkin' Woman."



The 23 tracks here, recorded at three different Chicago studio sessions, are grouped together by date. They are fine examples of the sort of piano blues being played in roadhouses all over the Depression era South. Good stuff!



TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 67:36"