November-December 2004 Newsletter
• Blues in the Schools • Chris Cain show • CD Reviews • Harmonica Joe • new releases • Upcoming Events •

CD Reviews
• Jason Ricci • American Folk Blues Festival • Up the Mississippi •

Up the Mississippi: A Journey of the Blues 

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society in Davenport, Iowa, has produced a 127-page book that chronicles the history of the blues.  Sponsored by the Society and the Illinois Arts Council, the book gives a short but succinct history of the music that defines the roots of American music.  Dr. Eunice Boardman, a music educator and professor emeritus of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana edited the book.  It also includes a 21-track CD, with 20 songs and a 16 minute piece by Hawkeye Herman on “Understanding Blues Music.”   

The book and CD will provide enjoyment and information to both those familiar with the Blues and to the novice.  The songs included range from Lead Belly’s “Good Morning Blues” to Billy Branch and Bonnie Lee’s “I Got the Blues About My Baby.”  Robert Johnson, Bessie Smith, Dinah Washington, Big Bill Broonzy, Little Walter, Magic Sam and a dozen other artists are featured on the CD.  

The book follows the history and stories of the blues through a collection of essays.  The many contributors wind their way up the Mississippi with stories, lyrics and histories of where the blues originated and continue up to how the blues live on today. 

The CD alone is worth the price ($15 plus $3 shipping and handling); the book and CD will make a fine pair of additions to any blues library and CD collection.  The book can be obtained from MVBS via their web site at www.mvbs.org or via mail at Mississippi Valley Blues Society, 102 South Harrison Street, Suite 300 Davenport, IA 52801.