George Mitchell Collection

George Mitchell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 15, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 7
• Label: Fat Possum Records
• ASIN: B0015D3YZO
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,873 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The George Mitchell Collection Vols.1-45, May 30, 2008

By 

Stuart Jefferson (San Diego,Ca) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

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This review is from: George Mitchell Collection (Audio CD)

Seven discs. Each approximately 60 min. Sound is good. People of a certain age will understand the next question. In days gone by,did you ever go into your favorite record store,wander into the blues section,and come upon an album released on a low-no budget label,buy it,and come away mesmerized? That's the feeling you get from this wonderful collection put out by Fat Possum Records. This is like striking it rich or finding the holy grail. A look at the song titles and artists will give you some idea of the treasures found inside.

For the most part,the recordings were done in the late 60's. There are exceptions,but that's irrelevant,because this music flows seamlessly from one artist to the next. Recorded on a reel to reel recorder and one microphone,this is magic. Magic because Mitchell had the time and inclination to search out these people,get to know them and then record their music. Sometimes you get the feeling these forgotten men and women are singing to show just what they are capable of. Other times its to tell a story from long ago. But this is honest music presented without frills,just what you would hope and expect. To single out anyone in this collection would be a disservice to the others. When you consider the price,this is an even better deal.

The accompanying booklet is very informative. There is a section devoted to Mitchell and how he came to record these treasures. However,the real treasures are the short biographies and Mitchell's recollections about these men and women. Be aware that disc seven,a bonus disc,has no notes in the booklet. The only thing that would have been a bit better is the box itself could have been a bit more substantial-a minor quibble. All the people here accompany themselves on guitar and sometimes other instruments,but the focus is squarely on the unpretentious vocals.

For anyone who enjoys country blues and thought those days are past-check this out-you won't be sorry. After hearing this package,and the individual albums by different people recorded by Mitchell,I would like to think,and hope,he would release anything else of this caliber he has hidden away. For this is music that's deserving of a wider audience-hopefully I have started that and you,too,will feel the same.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The George Mitchell Collection is Fabulous, May 22, 2008

By 

E. Robinson (Lancaster South Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: George Mitchell Collection (Audio CD)

These are great field recordings of blues (some gospel) - mostly acoustic
and solo, some electric, some with percussion - primarily from the 1960s.
Some of these artists are known to blues fans, many are not - and many of the artists are not from Mississippi. George Mitchell is a blues lover from Atlanta who started his quest to hear the blues when he was still in high school and began recording people when he was a college student. If you've ever heard the Arhoolie blues stuff from the sixties, you'll have an idea of what some of this sounds like. I am so glad I bought this set of CDs.

Thank God for George Mitchell and Fat Possum Records and the people who made this music.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure box of great music, October 11, 2008

By 

6 String Guy - See all my reviews

This review is from: George Mitchell Collection (Audio CD)

I can't write much more than the other reviewers already have but can only echo their comments. This is great music spread over 7 CD's and is truly a bargain for the amount of music you get. I've never heard of most of these artists and you probably haven't either but this is a fantastic collection of primarily country blues featuring guitar and harmonica made by people who played this stuff on their front porch or at a local BBQ because the music moved them. The sound quality is very good considering the nature of the recordings. Buy this if you appreciate country blues and you will not regret it. Very highly recommended.