Trouble in Mind

Big Bill Broonzy

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
• Original Release Date: February 22, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000047872
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #29,205 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Mississippi-born blues singer and guitarist William Lee Conley Broonzy had two fairly distinct careers, each of them triumphant and influential. In the 1930s, he brought the rural blues of his Delta homeland to Chicago and added elements of jazz and hokum to create a more sophisticated, urbane, exciting style, essentially helping to pave the way for the Chicago blues sound. By the 1950s, when the electric Chicago sound he helped foster began to blossom, Broonzy had all but left that style behind. Instead, he began to perform traditional folk songs (and the occasional topical original) with only his voice and acoustic guitar and he became a key figure in the burgeoning folk boom. This highly appealing set comes from the latter period and finds him to be a scintillating and smooth vocalist, one capable of generating great emotion without losing his polish. His guitar work is subtly brilliant as well, a silky blend of single-note runs, forceful bends, tricky double stops, and articulate chords. It all comes together in effortless, unassuming fashion. --Marc Greilsamer

Product Description
Acoustic blues guitarist Big Bill Broonzy late in his long career -- troubled in mind and outspoken in song. With controversial topical songs, rural blues and spirituals, this CD showcases brilliant vocals and intricate solo guitar work. Includes live radio and concert recordings plus the best of Broonzy's 1950s Folkways recordings -- including his classic "Key to the Highway." 36 page booklet, extensive notes, photos, and lyrics. 73 minutes. Reissue compiled and annotated by Jeff Place and Anthony Seeger

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Complete album, March 8, 2002

By	Blues Bro "bluesbro" (Lakewood, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews

I preferBig Bill's acoustic work over his electric work. This is a collection of acoustic songs from the last years of his life. He sings blues, folk, protest songs, gospel...all of that in this great collection. Extensive liner notes and the printed lyrics and notes for every song makes this CD a true gem. Includes some live recordings as well.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great cornerstone to start a blues collection, April 26, 2001

By	Bryan "DJ BJ" (Colorado) - See all my reviews

Smithsonian Folkways did a great job capturing the essence of Big Bill Broonzy's sound. I've heard other albums and this is my favorite. The music is taken at the latter half of his career and establishes Broonzy as a master of the country blues/folk sound. A great album any blues fan should own.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BIG BILL IS THE MAN!, May 10, 2000

By	Michael D. Sheridan (Ventura,, Ca. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just recived my copy of this Cd in the mail today. I've now played it 6 times straight through. Big Bill was brilliant! Great Voice and Terrific guitar. I highly recommend this and any other Big Bill Disc you can get your hand's on. He was a rare and under appreciated Talent! Muddy Waters thought enough of Big Bill to record an entire lp of his songs.