Customer Reviews

The Legend of Sleepy John Estes

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I have spent considerable time in this space detailing the musical careers of a number of old time, mainly black, country blues musicians, especially, like the artist under review Sleepy John Estes, those who were "discovered" during the folk revival of the 1960s. Not everyone got the publicity of the likes of Mississippi John Hurt, Son House and Skip James, but they at least got some well deserved notice on "discovery". Or, really rediscovery because most of them, like Sleepy John, had careers back in the day. But you get the point.

That said, I have remarked elsewhere that some of these two career stalwarts also had two musical voices. I always like to bring up the example of Mississippi John Hurt. If you hear him (and you should do so) on a recording from the late 1920s like you can on Harry Smith famous "Anthology of American Folk Music" where he is both dexterous on the guitar and velvety-voiced on the lyrics and melody and then check out a folk revival production where his guitar is still smoothly worked but his voice had become raspy (although very serviceable) you will see what I mean. The same holds true for Sleepy John. But here is the kicker. In both cases they still give that very deeply-rooted passionate voice in telling in song the lives of woe they have led and the music they have made.

Thus, as with Mississippi John the only question left is what are the stick outs you should pay special attention to: "Divin' Duck Blues," the much covered, especially by Geoff Muldaur of the old Jim Kweskin Jug Band, "Drop Down Mama," "Milk Cow Blues," and the mournful and heartfelt "I've Been Well Warned".

Many of the great bluesmen weren't recognized.In spite of this fact they've left a great treasure of good moments and Sleepy John Estes was one of them.This album shows Este's way to play and sing with intensity heart feelings,his great songs with soulful lyrics almost all of them of his own composition.We must thanks the opportunity that Bob Koester gave to bluesfans to hear and know something more about this legendary bluesman,died December 1,1977,at 77.Rest in peace John Estes,you've passed by....so your music, will be eternal!!!