Big Bill Broonzy - Big Bill Blues: His 23 Greatest Songs 1927-42

Artist:

Broonzy, Big Bill

UPC:

799582600622

See Also:

Graham, Davy Wolf, Howlin` Hurt, Mississippi John Williamson, Sonny B. (Rice Mill Lightnin` Hopkins/Mississippi Fred McDowell/Big Bill Broonzy - Best Of The Blues Tradition, Vol. 1 [Box]

Description:

Personnel: Big Bill Broonzy (vocals, guitar); John Thomas (vocals, guitar); Frank Brasswell, George Barnes (guitar); Jazz Gillum (harmonica); Bill Owsley (clarinet); Buster Bennett (alto saxophone); Punch Miller (trumpet); Black Bob Hudson, Joshua Altheimer, Memphis Slim, Blind John Davis (piano); Fred Williams, Judge Riley (drums); Washboard Sam (washboard). Audio Remasterer: Gerhard Wessely. Liner Note Author: Steve James. Editor: Gerhard Wessely. Exactly what it says -- a veritable greatest-hits collection that showcases just why Big Bill Broonzy is one of the most important blues figures ever. To be fair, the very early material either hasn`t cleaned up well, or not a lot of money has been invested in technical work, and some of the sides are barely listenable because of scratches. But, in a perverse way, that`s part of the appeal. The sound quality improves considerably (it`s only the three tracks pre-1930 where it`s a problem). His version of "Key to the Highway," probably his best-known piece, is from the `40s and is still as stinging now as it was then. But it`s only one of 23 highlights here; this, after all, is the man who helped shape blues from a rural Mississippi sound to its new urban home in Chicago, literally one of the seminal figures of the genre. Just listen to his "C.C. Rider" or "Milk Cow Blues" and you can hear the raw, rough foundation of rock & roll, as well as the deep roots of the blues. And "House Rent Blues" and "Big Bill Blues" aren`t just blues songs -- they stand as commentary on the state of the nation and its people. If you only buy one Broonzy album -- and everyone needs at least one -- then this is it; it`s vital. ~ Chris Nickson

Track Listing:

DISC 1

1. House Rent Stomp
2. Big Bill Blues
3. Down in the Basement Blues
4. Saturday Night Rub
5. Police Station Blues
6. Mr. Conductor Man
7. Bull Cow Blues
8. Milk Cow Blues
9. Mississippi River Blues
10. C.C. Rider
11. Evil Woman Blues
12. Louise, Louise Blues
13. New Shake `Em On
14. Wpa Rag
15. I Believe I`ll Go Back Home
16. Just a Dream (On My Mind)
17. Plow Hand Blues
18. Looking for My Baby
19. Lone Wolf Blues
20. Lonesome Road Blues
21. Key to the Highway
22. Tell Me Baby
23. Hard Hearted Woman

Album Information

Release Date:

02/03/2004

Type:

Performer

Genre:

Blues

Subgenre:

Country Blues

Label:

Wolf

Catalog Number:

900006

Original Release Year:

2004

# of Discs:

1

Studio/Live:

Studio

Mono/Stereo:

Mono

Portions copyright 2005 Muze Inc. All rights reserved.