Seems a little slow here lately, so, remembering Corrosion's statement about a daily question concening classic blues artitsts, I thought I'd throw one out there. sorry...should read "concerning"- missed the r somehow :) I go with Brownie McGhee/Sonny Terry if they qualify. I'm not exactly sure if Josh White falls into this category since he sang a lot of protest and union songs in addition to the blues.
I keep meaning to mentally head eastward to explore that genre. I read names like Pink Anderson and then forget to follow through.
Edit- Martin, doggone it you're right again and I like it. I've listened to everyone of them, especially Skip James, Rev. Davis, Fuller and John Hurt. I loved the abstractions of Skip James, which Cream used on "I'm So Glad". That's how I discovered him at age 14, from always reading writer credits. Man, anyone citing Josh White is OKAY BY ME!!!!
But, as much as I love Josh White as a player and vocalist ...
It was a stormy humid summer night many years ago. Full of a glut of Robert Johnson, I switched on the radio looking for some *REAL* blues.
I am so grateful that I heard the crackle between to pop stations of some old college station and they were playing the 1920's recording of Mississippi John Hurt's version of Stagolee.
I had the presence of mind to pop in a cassette right away.
Changed my life.
Anyway, here my lil version of it, heavily influenced by the MJH version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Z205C1E9...
These days I am trying to learn more Blind Blake (and of course come far short). But John Hurt always has a special place for me.
Gentelmen. Thank you for the nostalgic trip! Try Lightnin' Wells
Great contemporary Picker | 