Search - Various Artists :: Jook Joint Blues: That's What They Want

The Grind: blues under the radar

Douglas Curry | new york | 08/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This compliation is filled with music it took me all of the seventies, eighties, nineties, and the new millenium to fail to fully collect on vinyl albums and cds. This is blues from the crevices, that which hides in the nooks and crannies, and once did hide in virtually every southern black community. These aptly described juke joint blues were the stuff of small labels, sometimes among the very few, or even sole releases of a label's entire output. Hence the lack of anything approaching uniformity -- read that BLANDNESS, COMMERCIAL SLAVISHNESS. Each tune is a unique slice of a different time and place, and conjures, no doubt, a singular memory in the minds of anyone who ever saw these performances 'live,' owned the original 78 rpm disc, or dropped a nickel into the vendor to hear it. So, if you get this -- and I vigorously assert that if you're a real blues lover, you should -- forget what you know about the polished 1950's blues of T-Bone Walker, BB King, even Muddy Waters. This is another thing entirely. This is the grit -- music from the grind of working all day and playing all night, or these tunes were created by those who followed the money that followed the crops -- and worked the southern juke joints. Rock 'n Roll, even northern Urban blues existed at the same time, but did so in a parallel universe where never the twain could meet. This is southern black culture exposed... years later.... The artists represented here never thought about us hearing this; they had no concept that their music would travel the world and boomerang back home via the British Invasion. This was local stuff, spreaking to the neighbors in the black bottoms all across the segregated South. The recordings here take you there. Take these recordings and make the trip. I guarantee you will not only be transported to another time and place, but that your tastes in blues will be broadened as well."

"Play Your Harmonica, Son!"

Thomas Tracy | Northern GA, United States | 09/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Muddy Waters once said, "The Blues had a baby and they called it Rock n' Roll". Well, if you buy this four disc set you will get a thorough introduction to Mama & Daddy!



I cannot recommend this collection highly enough if you are looking for some grinding, hard-drinking, electric guitar & harmonica Blues. The music is raw-edged and rowdy, the breadth of performers impressive. The sound quality is very good on most all of the tracks, especially considering their age (most were recorded in the early to mid 1950's). The liner notes are extensive and provide an insight into many of the lesser-known performers of the era, most of whom I was previously unaware. Many of the licks heard in this collection are recognizable due to their adoption in later rock 'n' roll classics.



The bottom line is if you are a fan of Delta/Louisiana/Swamp Blues or want to know more about the roots of Rock 'n' Roll, this collection is a must-have."

Down Home and Funky

Eliminator Man | Plymouth, MN | 03/02/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm just here to agree with the others and also recommend a disc called Shim Sham Shimmy, which is very, very similar to this one. In fact, they share one song. I love this music, all rough edges and funky tones. Blues before it was taken over by flashy guitar players looking for a forum to show off (full disclosure: I have a ton of that music too)."