Customer Reviews

Midnight Special

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I think this cd shows Sonny and Brownie at their best. The production is excellent, and both performers are in fine form. Best version I've ever heard of the great harmonica piece, "Sonny's Squall." If you're not familiar with Sonny and Brownie, this cd is an excellent introduction to both them and the entire country blues genre.

When I think of acoustic blues, I immediately think of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Terry's dynamic harmonica playing (and joyous "whoops") and McGhee's understated guitar playing make the blues a cause for celebration. This CD is actually a repackaging of two of their 1960 Prestige/Bluesway recordings (Blues and Folk, tracks 1-10, and Blues All Around My Head, tracks 11-20).

There are no other session musicians used. This is Terry and McGhee doing what they do best--performing folk/country blues with passion and conviction. They perform standards, like "Midnight Special" and "Muddy Water," but most of these are originals. This is blues that won't leave you blue. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

First of all the Listen to Samples tracks listed above in Amazon's site have nothing to do with this CD; none of those tracks are on this CD.

Now for the good news. This is a great CD, collecting 2 of the many Bluesville albums Sonny & Brownie made in the 50's and 60's (BLUES AND FOLK and BLUES ALL AROUND MY HEAD). The high quality achieved is consistent, especially on the second album. Most of the blues are standard 12-bar/aab affairs, which are great; but when they put a slight twist on the form, as on MUDDY WATER or BLUES OF HAPPINESS, which seems to have a bridge in it, they become extraordinary. RED RIVER BLUES, an old East Coast blues favorite going back to the days of Blind Boy Fuller, and EAST COAST BLUES are highlights. Wonderful stuff here; grab it while you can.

Countless hours spent listening to this finally wore out the cassette. It is time to replace with the CD. Classic, timeless, the list goes on. I fell in love with Sonny and Brownie immediately when I first heard this about 10 years ago. Try it!

Unreal album i was very impressed, recommend everyone to buy this and others.
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Sonny's Squall will really get your feet a tapping....