Search - Various Artists :: Legends of the Blues

Great Introduction to the Blues

Ibochild | Los Angeles, CA USA | 02/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For someone unfamiliar with the blues, this collection is a great one to start your collection. For others only familiar with contemporary blues artists, this CD gives them a real sense of the origins of the blues. The collection starts off with Bessie Smith's 1925 recording of "St. Louis Blues," arguably the most famous blues recording of the early period. In that song Smith's powerful vocals are almost overshadowed by Louis Armstrong's cornet playing. The song was so popular at the time that it was used as the central part of "St. Louis Blues," Smith's only film appearance.Other highlights in this twenty song collection include Robert Johnson's "Stop Breakin'Down Blues." For those not familiar with Johnson are in for a treat on this one. His unique emotional style is evident here in this story of betrayal.Memphis Minnie, arguably one of the best blues guitarists of all-time is represented here in "Nothin' in Ramblin'." Despite being a woman, the subject matter about a woman on the road is very usual for the pre-feminist era. Memphis Minnie truly deserves to ranked with the best in the blues.Bukka White's "Fixin' to Die Blues" is another gem. This gospel-tinged song although featured only vocals, guitar and washboard makes you want to tap your feet. It really rocks."Don't You Leave Me Here" by Big Joe Williams is probably the most contemporary of the songs in this collection in terms of the sound. It's a good example of early "urban blues" style popularized by the likes of Bobby Blue Bland and others.Although it was recorded in 1965, "Death Letter" by Son House fits nicely in this collection. Featuring House accompanied by his own guitar, "Death Letter" is a great "gut bucket" blues. A gospel influence is also evident here.What's also great about this collection is the variety of voices. Mississippi John Hurt on "Ain't No Tellin'" has a very soothing voice which compliments his soft guitar playing. Meanwhile, Blind Willie Johnson is rough and raw on "Lord, I Can't Keep from Cryin'." As you can see this is only a sampling of this twenty song set. It also includes previously unreleased tracks by Leadbelly, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Lonnie Johnson.If you like the blues, you'll love this collection. Since the blues influenced rock and soul, fans of those music genres should also appreciate this great music as well. If anything, check out the CD for the stories. There are some great stories here."

THIS is the Blues . . .

Daniel Frisina | Albany, New York | 03/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blues is definately something I love. It's something I ache for, and this album soothes my nerves. It's one of the best compilations of old time blues that I've ever heard of. For anyone who enjoys the sweet chordhs of Leadbelly and Muddy Waters, or the melodious pipes of Bessie Smith, this is an ideal selection. These songs hold strong to the Blues tradition of emotion, hardship, love, nostalgia, stress, fear, death and taxes. I highly recommend the purchase of this fine album."