Customer Reviews

Sonny Boy Williamson 1941-45

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First things first: these recordings were made by the first Sonny Boy Williamson, John Lee Williamson, who was murdered in 1948. Don't get him mixed up with Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), who recorded for Chess in the 1950s and 1960s.

This Sonny Boy Williamson is perhaps the most important transitional figure between the country blues of the 1930s and the urban, electrified Chicago blues of the late 1940s and 1950s. His earlier work sounds rural and rough-cut, and his later recordings incorporate the swinging sophistication of modern post-war Chicago. His contribution to Chicago Blues and, by extension, Rock and Roll, is beyond measure.

The most important thing about Sonny Boy was his expression. He sings with a great deal of drama -- he sounds very animated, as if you can imagine him waving his arms all around while he is telling you his story. Similarly with the harp playing, he plays with great gusto, and puts his all into every note.

This is volume four of a five volume set. All 5 volumes are great, but this is my favorite because of the exhuberant interaction of the guitar, piano, voice and harp. Sloppy Drunk, She Was A Dreamer, Mattie Mae, Elevator Woman, etc., are all blues classics, and these are the definitive recordings of these songs, right here.

If you ain't tapping your foot and singing along to this, call an undertaker, you're probably dead.