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Before he became a master interpreter of Crescent City rhythm and blues, and before David Bartholomew took him under his wing at Imperial records, Ford "Snooks" Eaglin took to the streets. While moonlighting behind New Orleans stars like Sugarboy Crawford, he specialized in an eclectic variety of acoustic folk songs and blues. So you won't find the fiery electric fretwork you've come to expect from Snooks on this album. But you will find subtler pleasures. At the time, Snooks (blind since his early childhood) was absorbing the gospel and rhythm and blues that he heard around him. He has given the songs on this CD his own warm and very personal treatment. Tracks like Ray Charles's "I Got a Woman," "Mama, Don't You Tear My Clothes," and "Don't You Lie to Me" offer a mix of nimble fingerpicking and strumming backed by simple washboard accompaniment. But the sound quality isn't too great, and there is a sameness to his sound once you reach the last track. Still, these songs are an interesting chapter in the story of a New Orleans blues legend, one who sounds more vital with each passing year.
--Ken Hohman
Product Description
Versatile and transcendent, Snooks Eaglin is known for his electric R&B, as well as his acoustic folk classics. Billed in the mid-50s as "Lil Ray Charles," this influential New Orleans guitarist can hold his own with just his voice and guitar, though he prefers playing with a rhythm section. Eaglin was first recorded by a folklorist who heard him on the streets of the French Quarter, and has since created diverse and unique music with influences ranging from traditional blues standards to jazz, classical, and gospel. Snooks Eaglin: New Orleans Street Singeris a poignant collection of his early work, and yet still holds true to his broad range and style. 32-page booklet, 25 classic tracks (including 8 bonus tracks not available on the original LP), 68 mins. of music!
--This text refers to an alternate
Audio CD
edition.