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November-December 2004 Newsletter
CD Reviews
The American Folk Blues Festival
1962-1969 – Vol. 3 I reviewed the first two DVD’s in this series a couple of issues ago. The footage on both was stunning, showing many of the greatest blues musicians in their prime. They were a treasure trove of outstanding performances that left me believing that there wasn’t any chance of topping them. But then guitarist Nick Moss told me that footage of my choice as the finest blues harp player of all time, Little Walter, existed and might be on a future release. Nick was right – the latest DVD has what may be the only performance clips of Little Walter, including one with a dapper Hound Dog Taylor. The second piece has him backing an unbelievably young Koko Taylor belting out a stirring version of her hit “Wang Dang Doodle”. The disc starts with Big Mama Thornton tearing into “Hound Dog”, a song many don’t realize that she wrote. She is followed by an energized and youthful Buddy Guy trying to out do James Brown on “Out of Sight”. Dr. Isaiah Ross then delivers a lesson on how to be a one-man band, playing guitar, harmonica and percussion. And he sings too!!! The heart of this volume is the acoustic performances by the likes of Skip James, Bukka White, the Sonny Terry & and Brownie McGhee duo and a mesmerizing take on “Death Letter Blues” by Son House. Even if you aren’t a fan of country Blues, you probably will be after viewing this collection. And right in the middle of the DVD are the Little Walter clips. If that wasn’t enough, the disc closes with another track from the under-appreciated guitarist Earl Hooker, followed by Muddy Waters doing “Long Distance Call” and “Got My Mojo Working”. These DVDs belong in every blues fan’s collection. Together they provide you with a visual history lesson of many of the true giants, musicians who shaped blues music. I can’t pick a favorite, as each offers its’ own set of treats. Don’t miss out – buy them!! |
