The Curmudgeons takes a look at recent releases celebrating the blues.
Chicago deserves its reputation as the capital of the blues. Though New Orleans and Memphis can make plausible claims, Chicago was home not only to many of the best artists but also to a critical mass of record labels, clubs and audience that kept the genre alive. When the great migration of Southern African-Americans came north in the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s, more of them landed in Chicago than anywhere else—and they brought the blues with them.
The company’s importance is established with the compilation’s opening track: “Snatch It Back and Hold It” from Junior Wells’ 1965 debut album,This was a major shift in the evolution of the blues, as Well’s staccato vocals and sax-like harmonica blended James Brown funk with Chess Records blues with help from guitarist Buddy Guy.
Delmark is bit older than Alligator. The latter label celebrated its half-century birthday in 2021 with its own compilation,That set showcased one of the company’s brightest recent discoveries, Selwyn Birchwood, who has released an impressive new album this summer.contains 13 strong originals by the singer/guitarist backed by his road band featuring the wild-card flavor of Regi Oliver’s baritone sax.
But it’s the quality of the originals co-written by Wilson and/or producer/harmonica specialist Joe Nosek that makes this album much more than a mere revival. The title track evokes the kind of seedy motel where illicit love can flourish with barbecue on the side. The slow blues, “I Can’t Stand You,” a duet between Wilson and Deitra Farr, is a swinging, back-and-forth lovers quarrel.
The small town of Bentonia, Mississippi, evolved its own brand of blues with its own tunings and high, lonesome singing. Skip James and Jack Owens were the original masters, and Jimmy “Duck” Holmes is their living-legend heir. For this compilation, the Black Keys contribute their muscular version of Owens’ “No Lovin’,” while Holmes is represented by his lean and mean “Catfish Blues.” Gabe Carter, a younger Chicagoan who has devoted himself to the Bentonia sound, provides two respectable cuts.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Landmarks: Cal-Sag bike tour showcases Chicago’s blues legacyThe Cal-Sag Graveyard Blues Tour stops at Restvale Cemetery in Alsip, Lincoln Cemetery in Blue Island Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip, visiting graves of Blues musicians.
Read more »
Mega Rayquaza Raid Guide For Pokémon GO Fest 2023Use our Mega Rayquaza Raid Guide for Pokémon GO Fest 2023 to take down the Dragon/Flying-type Legendary lording over this annual event.
Read more »
OPINION: Common sense should guide AmericaOur country needs a cultural shift away from “me first, I’ve got mine” thinking toward more ethical, inclusive attitudes.
Read more »
Evil Dead Rise Parents' Guide: What Age Is Appropriate To See The Movie?Is Evil Dead Rise appropriate for kids?
Read more »