Search - Various Artists :: Mississippi Delta Blues Jam In Memphis, Vol. 1

Mississippi Delta Blues Jam Vol. 1

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Approximately 65 min. Good sound. These tracks were recorded in 1969 at the Memphis Blues Festival in Tennesee. Artists range from Napoleon Strickland and the Como Drum Band,to Fred McDowell,to Furry Lewis."Lesser" artists on this disc are Johnny Woods,Otha Turner,Memphis "Piano" Red,and R.L.Watson and Josiah Jones. It's rumored that the real identity of these two are really John Fahey and Bill Barth. The guitar duets they play sound suspiciously like Fahey's style of playing-is it true,who knows? Being narrow in scope allows several people to appear on this album who might otherwise not get the chance.



Of all the artists here,some of the best tracks are by Napoleon Strickland and Otha Turner,both playing with the Como Drum Band. The music is presented straight forward,with no frills,which only serves to heighten the experience. Hearing Tuner's fife with drum backing is like taking a trip back in time. Combine that experience with the other-worldly tracks of slide guitar master McDowell,and then to have tracks by Furry Lewis,who starts singing in his weary,seen-it-all voice with his spare,yet effective,guitar,is certainly a highlight of the album.



The other artists are certainly no slouches-all have something good to contribute,which makes this album one to pick-up if you're looking for the "real deal" in down home,Mississippi blues. There is also a further volume of this music (same title vol.2) that's also reccomended."