Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [Import]

Bill Wyman | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 6, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: Document
• ASIN: B00005OACN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,367 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #26 in Music > Blues > Regional Blues > St. Louis Blues

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leave it to a Rolling Stone..., December 11, 2001

By 

Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey (Audio CD)

Leave it to a Rolling Stone to assemble the most generous, distinctive collection of classic blues issued this year. I purchased this set on impulse because I love early blues recordings and heard that Bill Wyman, of the Rolling Stones, had just produced a broadcast series based on the lives and works of early blues musicians. To be honest, there aren't many early blues recordings on CD that have been as carefully researched or as beautifully remastered. There are two disks and 46 cuts on this bargain-priced collection, only about a third of which are performed by die-hard favorites like Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton, Big Maceo, Lonnie Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Memphis Minnie and Blind Lemon Jefferson. The balance of the collection includes performances by musicians you may not have ever heard, or at least listened too very often, from Mamie Smith and Bo Carter to Casey Bill Weldon and Georgia White. But there isn't a bad cut in the bunch. As with most of Wyman's recorded projects, there is a distinctive, laid-back feel to the compilation. The music is intensely personal, and very listenable. Originally remastered in the UK by Denis Blackham, the warmth and presence of the collection is startling. Add to all of this a booklet that is handsome and informative, and I couldn't imagine a better way to spend 20 bucks. PS. You don't have to love the blues to enjoy most of these performances. Anyone who loves vintage jazz or roots music can dive right in. Very strongly recommended.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Noteworthy Compilation, December 26, 2001

By 

Kurt Harding "bon vivant" (Boerne TX) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey (Audio CD)

I'm rarely in someone's Amen Corner, but I can't disagree with anything the previous reviewer wrote. Rather, let me expand on it. The Rolling Stones, particularly in their salad days, were heavily influenced by black American blues as were many of their British contemporaries. Here the listener has the chance to hear 46 of the songs which influenced that generation of musicians and which touched Wyman in particular.
Bill Wyman has put together a fine group of old blues that feature a wide range of musicians, both famous and obscure, playing a wide range of blues styles. Rock fans who have never listened to traditional blues will recognize a number of these songs which have been covered by artists ranging from Van Morrison to John Mayall.
The 2-CD set includes an informative booklet containing short biographical sketches of each featured artist. It also contains many rare photos obtained from various sources.
Hats off to Bill Wyman! Blues Odyssey is a noteworthy compilation, very well remastered, that is worth every penny of its price. If you love the blues, buy this one today.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bill Wyman is giving Ken Burns a run for the money here, January 29, 2002

By 

mvconsults (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey (Audio CD)

For all of you who enjoyed Ken Burns' epic Jazz series, former Stones bassist Bill Wyman follows it up here with his own study and insight on the musical genre that he obviously loves, the Blues. Besides the handsome coffee table book, this 2 CD set contains most of the legends of the American blues spread over 46 tracks, from Papa Charlie Jackson's 1925 recording of "All I Want is a Spoonful" to 1951 blues tracks from Elmore James and B.B. King. No, "The Thrill is Gone" isn't covered here nor are the newer blues artists like Robert Cray or Stevie Ray Vaughan, just the old masters.

One thing I was reminded of was that the blues did not begin with Robert Johnson who emerged in the mid-'30s. Of course! Just like rock and roll didn't begin with Elvis. Get this collection and check out Wyman's commentary on each of the artists. It's very informative and easy to get a grasp on what for many is an arcane musical genre.

And yes, as Wyman states, "the Blues are perfect however you feel."