Mississippi Blues Vol. 1 (1928-1937) / Various Mississippi Blues Vol. 1 (1928-1937) / Various CD

There are echoes of some of the great Mississippi blues-men of the 1920s and 30s this disc. Though, Mose Andrews "Ten Pound Hammer", has some very distinctively Mississippi descending bass figures, Mattie Delaney's "Down The Big Road" is derived from Charlie Patton's "Pea Vine Blues", "Poor Boy" Lofton's "Dark Road" is a version of Tommy Johnson's "Big Road Blues" and Mississippi Bracey's "Cherry Ball" recalls Skip James's recording of the same title, although rather distantly. Louise Johnson recorded at the same session as Charlie Patton and Son House, and both men can probably be heard shouting encouragement in the background, but these four wonderful tracks need no such celebrity connection to make them memorable. There are more surprising influences on the Mississippi Moaner, whose pair of tracks are copies of the style of Texas singer Blind Lemon Jefferson (well, not surprising really, given how popular Jefferson's records were) and Webster Taylor, whose yodelling choruses come directly from the white country singer Jimmie Rodgers. This album contains much to interest, and provides enjoyable listening for, anybody who wants to look a bit deeper than just the big names in from the Country Blues. There is little or nothing known for certain about most of the artists here. Perhaps it is these mysterious figures who best fit into the shadowy Delta mythology.

1. Look Here Mama Blues - Uncle Bud Walkeer 2. Stand Up Suitcase Blues - Uncle Bud Walkeer 3. World in a Jug - 'Big Road' Webster Taylor 4. Sunny Southern Blues - 'Big Road' Webster Taylor 5. Down the Big Road Blues - Mattie Delaney 6. Tallahatchie River Blues - Mattie Delaney 7. All Night Long Blues - Louise Johnson 8. Long Ways from Home - Louise Johnson 9. On the Wall - Louise Johnson 10. By the Moon and Stars - Louise Johnson 11. You Scolded Me and Drove Me from Your Door - Mississippi Bracy 12. Cherry Ball - Mississippi Bracy 13. Stered Gal - Mississippi Bracy 14. I'll Overcome Someday - Mississippi Bracy 15. Last King Words Blues - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 16. Skinny Leg Blues - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 17. Motherless Child Blues - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 18. Over to My House - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 19. Pick Poor Robin Clean - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 20. Eagles on a Half - Geechie Wiley ; Elvie Thomas 21. Mississippi Moan - the Mississippi Moaner (Isaiah Nettles) 22. It's Cold in China Blues - the Mississippi Moaner (Isaiah Nettles) 23. Ten Pound Hammer - Mose Andrews 24. Young Heifer Blues - Mose Andrews