Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey [IMPORT]

Bill Wyman

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 6, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 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.com Sales Rank: #140,328 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Former Rolling Stones bass player Bill Wyman wants to enlighten people about the great blues of America's musical past. Drawing on his stash of 1,300 albums, the two-CD set Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey makes a strong case for the lasting eloquence of the African American blues music recorded in the oppressive South during the Depression and on till 1951. (Wyman has also co-authored a history of the American blues called Bill Wyman's Blues Odyssey: A Journey to Music's Heart & Soul.) Blues novitiates and devotees alike will be served well by Wyman's knowing selection of songs, 46 in all, covering an array of styles. Among his heroes are the famous (Bessie Smith, Robert Johnson) and semi-famous (Lonnie Johnson and Memphis Slim, to name two), as well as the unjustly forgotten (several pianists and cross-dressing singer Frankie "Half-Pint" Jaxon). --Frank-John Hadley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 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

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.

11 of 12 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 7 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	sfconsulting (MILL VALLEY, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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."