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This CD serves as a perfect introduction to pre-war blues for the novice since it contains fine examples of the music of 20 blues artists: Bessie Smith, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie Johnson, Bo Carter, Blind Willie McTell, Lonnie Johnson, Charley Patton, Leroy Carr, Josh White, Leadbelly, Peetie Wheatstraw, Robert Johnson, Blind Boy Fuller, Big Bill Broonzy, Memphis Minnie, Bukka White, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Williams
and Son House
. Four selections are from the '20s, Son House's "Death Letter" is from 1965, and otherwise the music dates from 1931-1947. The who's who roster includes practically every early great (Tampa Red is missing but Washboard Sam and the first Sonny Boy Williamson appear as sidemen) and, with nine previously unreleased selections (both alternate takes and "new" performances), this CD is an essential purchase for both beginning and veteran collectors alike. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
01. St. Louis Blues -
Bessie Smith02. Match Box Blues -
Blind Lemon Jefferson03. Ain't No Tellin' -
Mississippi John Hurt04. Lord, I Just Can't Keep from Crying -
Blind Willie Johnson05. Pig Meat Is What I Crave -
Bo Carter06. Southern Can Is Mine -
Blind Willie McTell07. Low Down St. Louis Blues -
Lonnie Johnson08. Revenue Man Blues -
Charley Patton09. Stormy Night Blues -
Leroy Carr10. I Believe I'll Make a Change -
Josh White11. Fort Worth and Dallas Blues -
Leadbelly12. Sweet Home Blues -
Peetie Wheatstraw13. Stop Breakin' Down Blues -
Robert Johnson14. Truckin' My Blues Away, No. 2 -
Blind Boy Fuller15. Spreadin' Snake Blues -
Big Bill Broonzy16. Nothing in Rambling -
Memphis Minnie17. Fixin' to Die Blues -
Bukka White18. Hard Day Blues -
Muddy Waters19. Don't You Leave Me Here -
Big Joe Williams20. Death Letter -
Son House hotjazzandcoolblues...........................................