The Best of Mississippi John Hurt

Mississippi John Hurt

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B000000EBH
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,398 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Indie Music > Blues > Traditional Blues

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
This inappropriately titled album is actually a concert recording from a performance at Oberlin College in 1965. Regardless, Hurt's rich, gentle voice and relaxed, flowing guitar lines could soothe the stormiest Monday. Among the hymns and traditional songs heard here are "I Shall Not Be Moved," "Nearer My God to Thee," "Since I've Laid This Burden Down," and "You Are My Sunshine." Complementing those are Hurt folk/blues staples, notably "Monday Morning Blues," "Coffee Blues," and "C.C. Rider." The blues patriarch's warmth and geniality come through here with such emotional intimacy that you can't help being deeply moved. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy, February 10, 2002

By	Allan Ostermann "allan" (Portland (the one on the left)) - See all my reviews

Yes, this is a live recording, not a collection of prerecorded material; but you know what? I think it's even better than the studio works. I own Avalon Blues and Worried Blues, and they're wonderful. But there's something different going on here. There's a certain undefinable spirit he adds to the songs. Gosh, I don't want to say it, but it's almost rowdy, if Mr. Hurt could ever be described in that fashion (heck, though, it's almost like calling Perry Como speed metal).

All I'm trying to say is that the artist/audience chemistry seems to add something exciting to the music and the musician. I guess he seems happier and more alive; which leads me to one oxymoron I've always used to describe Mississippi John Hurt. Happy blues. I love this album, and if you like anything this man has recorded, I'd almost guarantee you'll feel the same.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it may not be his best, but:, May 14, 2002

By	Douglas J. Harwood (Lexington, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This disc is a fine place to dive into the wonderfully gentle blues of this wonderfully gentle man. There was nothing flashy about John Hurt, and maybe for that reason his music may stick to your ribs for a long, long time.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite album, June 17, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Brooks, Alberta, Canada) - See all my reviews

I first heard this album in the mid-sixties. I bought the LP as soon as I could locate it, and updated to the CD as well. I have hundreds of recordings but this is the one I like the best. I've listened to it for more than 30 years.