Rating:
Genre:
Blues
Release Date: 05/27/1994
An essential
Tommy Johnson collection,
Document's
Complete Recorded Works (1928-1929) features 17 songs from the
Delta blues pioneer, including two alternative takes and a pair of previously unissued songs known respectively as
"Morning Prayer Blues" and
"Boogaloosa Blues." Culled from the great
Delta musician's recording sessions in Memphis and Grafton, WI, from February 1928 to December 1929, this collection shines a light on all of
Johnson's known output during his most active recording years. As with most music taken straight from original 78s, the sound quality varies between tracks; all in all, the pops and static aren't too distracting here. The music is well-worth seeking out as the writing, guitar playing, and singing are all exceptional. Johnson's voice, one of the distinctive early
Delta blues voices along with
Son House and
Charley Patton, changes from a deep rumble to a woeful falsetto while his guitar playing is characteristic of the early
Delta style. With the exception of a few of the tracks from an August 1928 session, other players accompany
Johnson on the tracks. Highlights include the well-known material such as
"Cool Drink of Water Blues" and
"Canned Heat Blues," as well as scratchy lesser-known gems from his later sessions. The tracks
"Ridin' Horse" and
"Alcohol and Jake Blues" were taken from what is believed to be the only remaining copy of the 78 they were originally released on. These two songs had not been released on CD prior to this collection. On the two versions of
"Black Mare Blues" included,
Johnson is joined by the
New Orleans Nehi Boys, featuring
Kid Ernest Marshall on clarinet and
Charley Taylor on piano. The CD includes informative notes by
Paul Oliver, personnel lineups for each session, along with issue numbers for the original releases. This is highly recommended for those who have never heard
Johnson's music and equally recommended for those who have.
~Jeff Schwachter, All Music Guide
;)
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