Blues Story by Various Artists

28 Sep

Written by Richard Bourcier
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Every once in a while, a great blues anthology arrives on the scene. Blues Story is one of them. While most serious blues collectors will already own much of this material, newcomers will find this compilation a great starting point.

The 2-CD set features 38 tracks by an equal number of artists. Starting with Mamie Smith’s 1920 recording of Crazy Blues the Blues Story moves forward to include some of the most important blues recording in the history of the genre. Pioneer artists such as Charlie Patton, Son House, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey offer their trademark songs. The R&B era is well represented by Louis Jordan, Little Milton and Ruth Brown. Other artists such as Bobby Blue Bland, Muddy Waters, Gatemouth Brown and John Lee Hooker were equally important to fans on both sides of the fence between blues and rock.

The Blues Story concentrates on providing an insight into the blues world via songs and artists that "made a difference." Take a moment to glance through the track listings below and you’ll get the idea. The ample liner notes by Jim O’Neil, founding editor of Living Blues Magazine are informative and interesting.

A matching DVD is also available from the CD producers. Interviews, performances and anecdotes feature dozens of blues entertainers. The DVD is an extended version of the broadcast aired on PBS. CDs and the DVD are available from the Shout Factory website. Browse the sound samples and decide for yourself. In my opinion, this set is a winner!

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Various Artists
CD Title: Blues Story
Genre: Blues
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Shout! Factory
Tracks: Mamie Smith - Crazy Blues; Blind Lemon Jefferson – Match Box Blues; Blind Blake – Police Dog Blues; Ma Rainey – Yonder Comes The Blues; Charley Patton – Screamin’ and Hollerin’ Blues; Tommy Johnson – Canned Heat Blues; Bessie Smith – St. Louis Blues; Son House – Walking Blues; Pinetop Perkins – How Long; Robert Lockwood Jr. – Take a Walk With Me; Sonny Boy Williamson – She Brought Life Back To The Dead; Lowell Fulson – Reconsider Baby; Louis Jordan – Caldonia; Big Joe Turner – Shake Rattle and Roll; Ruth Brown – Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean; Clarence Gatemouth Brown – Okie Dokie Stomp; T-Bone Walker – Call It Stormy Monday; B.B.King – Everyday I Have The Blues; Bobby Blue Bland – St. James Infirmary; Muddy Waters – Hoochie Coochie Man; Little Walter – Rollin’ and Tumblin’ (Pt-1); Elmore James – Dust My Broom; Guitar Slim – The Things I Used To Do; Koko Taylor – Wang Dang Doodle; Jimmy Reed – Big Boss Man; Howlin’ Wolf – How Many More Years; Otis Rush – Three Times a Fool; Buddy Guy – First Time I Met The Blues; Little Milton – You’re Gonna Have a Murder On Your Hands; Albert King – Born Under a Bad Sign; Mississippi Fred McDowell – Shake Em On Down; Big Bill Broonzy – I Can’t Be Satisfied; Skip James – Hard Time Killing Floor Blues; Reverend Gary Davis – Samson & Delilah; Bukka White – Aberdeen Mississippi Blues; Mississippi John Hurt – Candy Man Blues; John Lee Hooker – Boom Boom; Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog.
Label Website: http://www.shoutfactory.com
Rating: Five Stars