Mississippi's Big Joe Williams And His Nine-String Guitar

Big Joe Williams | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 17, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DIN
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #406,642 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This vital reissue captures the dynamic range of Williams’s work with clarity and presence—from the quietest, almost whisper-like guitar to his loudest shouts, and everything in between. 13 tracks, originally recorded in a Chicago studio during 1961. Accompanied on several tracks by bassist Ransom Knowling. Includes Bluebird Blues, Somebody’s Been Fooling, and Elevate Me Baby. "You can hear the renewed vigor and vinegar in his voice." –Dirty Linen

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Know which Joe Williams you want, April 16, 2010

By 

P. J. Moran "Witch of an Editor" (Florida Panhandle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mississippi's Big Joe Williams and His Nine-string Guitar (Vinyl)

Charles Edward Smith writes that there are two blues singers named Joe Williams: "One was with the Basie band and sings in a smooth city style. . .the other is a much older man, who knows every style of voice and guitar out of Mississippi and has used most of them in his work. . .[both] sing the blues. . .and both are friends of Memphis Slim. This album presents the older of the two singers, Joe Lee Williams, whose name got shortened to plain Joe Williams long before the younger man came on the scene. . ." (Folkways Records & Service Corp. Album # FS 3820, 1962). Side One includes "Whistling Pines," "Bluebird Blues," "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain," and others. Side Two features "T.B.Blues", "King Bisquit Stomp #2," and "Delta Blues," among others. I like corduroy better than satin, so this Big Joe [Lee] Williams suits me. <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028Z0IPM/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title>

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big Joe Williams --- Legendary Blues Player, August 6, 2005

By 

Steven Hill "Steve Hill" (Salem, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mississippi's Big Joe Williams And His Nine-String Guitar (Audio CD)

Big Joe Williams was one of the early blues players and an excellent singer, guitar player and writer. He wrote some great songs that are still popular --- "Baby, Please Don't Go" and "Who's Been Fooling". Both of them are on this album along with several classic blues and other popular songs. Big Joe experienced a revival in the 1960's and '70's, played with some of the British Rock Groups and played concerts at colleges. He sometimes played electric guitar and this album features both his electric guitar playing as well as his signature accoustic 9-string guitar.