Search - Mercy Dee :: Troublesome Mind

Troublesome Mind

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/11/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Approximately 64 min. Good sound-usual for Arhoolie Records. All of these tracks were recorded in the very early sixties in either Stockton or Berkeley,California. Arhoolie's owner,Chris Strachwitz,found Mercy Dee playing in a bar in a farming area where Walton made his living. Walton played piano and sung by night,by day he picked whatever was currently in the fields in the Fresno,Bakersfield area.



One of his first hits was One Room Country Shack-reprised here-for a small label in the area. The song was then picked up by Mose Allison and became a huge hit record. After that Walton no longer had to rely on working in the fields for his living. Born in Texas,Walton's style was formed at an early age. On moving to California he soaked up the west coast sound and incorporated it into his style. His rich baritone voice was a good counterpoint to his somewhat barrelhouse style of playing.



Of the sixteen tracks,five are solo,and on the others he's accompanied by Sidney Maiden-harmonica,Otis Cherry-drums,and the great K.C. Douglas-guitar. The tempos are mostly moderate to slow,but that allows Walton's vocals to shine. This is unassuming blues music-but at the same time it has the feel of real blues. Music that calls attention to itself not by it's pace or brashness,but for the simple reason that it's good blues,played by a master along with sidemen who are steeped in the blues. As Chris Strachwitz said-this is some of the best blues he has ever had the pleasure of recording. On hearing this,you will agree."