Rating 5.0
Classic performances by the true masters of the genre"A rare collection of performances by America's premier bluesmen at the peak of their artistry" proclaims the cover of this disc, and that's no idle boast. Culled from 33 tracks on the two simultaneously released and similarly titled DVDs, these 16 tunes were performed live in German TV studios between 1962 and 1966, and thought lost until recently discovered.
Although the audio is mono, it's immaculately clean, and each instrument is clearly audible, an amazing feat for TV sound during these years.
T-Bone Walker does a mellow, jazzy "Don't Throw Your Love On Me So Strong", laying down one of his finest ever vocals performances. Veterans Lonnie Johnson and Sippie Wallace (both of whom were born at the tail end of the 19th century, and had risen to stardom way back in the twenties) turn out great, soulful performances of "Another Night To Cry" and "Women Be Wise".
In fact, Delta legend Robert Johnson much admired the older Lonnie Johnson, and even took to telling people that his middle initial, L, stood for "Lonnie". (It stood for Leroy. And besides, Lonnie Johnson's first name was actually Alonzo.)
Other highlights include Howlin' Wolf's two songs, Memphis Slim's "Everyday I Have The Blues" (a superior performance which he tosses off seemingly with the greatest of ease), Victoria Spivey's "Black Snake Blues", a slow, stately "Five Long Years" by pianist Eddie Boyd, and "Mississippi" Fred McDowell's howling slide guitar workout "Going Down To The River".
This CD is a little bit short, and some of the performances (such as Muddy Waters' "Got My Mojo Working") are unusually tame, but it is still a real goldmine for folk and Chicago blues fans. Never before were such historic performances so easily available in pristine sound, and as an added bonus, the booklet features complete recording information, rare photos, and an excellent, insightful essay by Rob Bowman.
4 1/2 stars - highly recommended.Lost Gold!Some of the greatest and most influential music this country has ever created was the blues- but the artists were just not given the apreciation in this country they deserved. It took the interest in Blues music by young musicians in Europe- especially in Britain- from the Rolling Stones to Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix (who actually played with B. B. King at one point) to bring them back to America. Kids hearing this music then began to search out the originators of this music and finally these Blues pioneers started to gain recognition in their own country. This DVD (and the others in the series) captures where it all got started in Europe.
Since they couldn't find places to play in the US aside form bars and honkey-tonks, they launched a tour in Europe of some of the best Bluesmen (and ladies) of the time in 1962. It was hugely successful and more tours followed. Unfortunately, little to nothing was believed to have survived of the music of that period until a German televison station was going through some old things and found several video tapes of studio programs recorded at that time. Tapes were costly and often were re-recorded over- so the fact of their mere survival is a miracle. The quality is outstanding for the time. So is the sound quality (mono, but what did you expect from a TV show?). You get eighteen amazing performances. There is no announcer- the artists introduce each other and sometimes tell you about the song. Although the tracks may list one performer, you will notice others playing "backup". You get Muddy Waters with his "Mojo Working" and Willie Dixon's "Weak Brain and Narrow Mind", Sippie Wallace (there for the Lady Bluesmakers) telling "Women Be Wise" and Memphis Slim letting us know that "the Blues is Everywhere". The list goes on. Check out the rest of the series too- you won't be disappointed!"America's premiere Bluesmen at their peak"Some of the most celebrated "Blues Singers" perform on this one-of-a-kind release "The American folk Blues Festival 1962-1966". With an all-star cast of Eddie Boyd, Willie Dixon, Lightnin' Hopkins, Lonnie Johnson, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Memphis Slim, Otis Rush, Victoria Spivey, T-Bone Walker, Sippie Wallace, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson and Howlin Wolf clearly having a ball sharing their God-given talent. This is one of the top blues rivals to come along in many a moon.So all you blues collectors take care when you play this historic recording with some of the greats in fine fiddle and voice. Some of the artists are no longer with us, but with this recording you can relive those days when blues took hold of you and it was an all time high. Entire festival is a stand out with "I CAN'T QUIT YOU BABY", "HOODOO MAN BLUES", "MY YOUNGER DAYS" and "GOT MY MOJO WORKING" many performers at the peak of their careers giving the public an ear full ~ which is the roots of American music....gotta love it! Rush out quickly and pick this one up, enjoy the blues as it was meant to be heard. A treasure of unheard blues in this country until this release. Rare photos and a descriptive 28 page booklet that is collectible. Also available on DVD "The American Folk Blues Festival Vol. 1" and "The American folk Blues Festival Vol. 2", which gives the fans sights and sounds we love...good ole American Blues! Total Time: 59:15 on 16 Tracks ~ Hip-O Records 60670 ~ (8/26/2003) |
