Pilgrimage: Mississippi to Memphis

BluesCaravan

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 23, 2006)
• Original Release Date: May 23, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ruf
• ASIN: B000C4ROZS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #232,207 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. 1010 Degrees

2. All The Time

3. Heal Me Love

4. Last Love Song

5. You Don't Know

6. Too Much To Hide

7. Mississippi Lawnmower Blues

8. Blues Caravan

9. Funky Mama

10. Dreamland Blues

11. Twinkle Toes Willie

12. Time Bers Witness

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

What happens when three young European artists, all musically rooted in the blues, yet untraditional in their approach, take a journey of discovery to the American South?

I began contemplating the question in early 2005, and the artists I had in mind were Aynsley Lister, Ian Parker and Erja Lyytinen, all of whom have a distinct and contemporary blues identity. How would such artists react to an exploration of the places of great historical significance in the blues world – in short, a blues pilgrimage? There was only one way to find out. I decided on three recording destinations, which would give a varied overview – Clarksdale, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. Just one week before the sessions were due to start, nature dealt a cruel blow in Louisiana and Mississippi in the form of Hurricane Katrina. Of course, the human suffering, loss of life, and devastation of property in the region put any concerns into stark perspective. With the New Orleans studio completely flooded, plans had to change.

We headed straight for Clarksdale to begin work. There was no doubt that we would find the true essence of the blues there, as it is not only a place of great nostalgia, but also where the blues culture is truly alive and thriving today.

The first day at the Delta Recording Studio was an intrepid experience for the artists, but when they heard the first playbacks of the day, the realization was made that this was a unique experience to be savored. By day two, any insecurities and pre-conceptions about how the sessions "should" be conducted were dissipating, the local "its all good" catch phrase becoming everyone’s new mantra. Late night discussions in the shacks on the old plantation near the studio revealed everyone’s changing attitude towards making music with a revived passion for the blues and child-like excitement for the project. In total, nine tracks were cut during four long days in Clarksdale.

The Memphis sessions happened at Ardent Studios, produced by Jim Gaines, a man steeped in the musical history of not only Memphis, but rock & roll and blues music through his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Luther Allison, amongst so many others. Mr. Gaines’ subtle approach undoubtedly brought out the best in everyone on the four tracks we recorded during the next three days.

The endless fun we had during the ‘pilgrimage’ is undoubtedly reflected in the music on this release. The trip inspired a good deal of soul searching and maybe even some re-evaluation of musical values. In just seven days of recording I was able to witness three young artists develop, grow and rediscover themselves in the wonderful American art form known as the blues.

Thomas Ruf

Product Description

Three of Europe's up-and-coming contemporary blues artists, Erja Lyytinen (Finland), Ian Parker (UK) and Aynsley Lister (UK) made a trip to the US to record in the heart of Blues country. Recording sessions produced in Clarksdale, MS by Jimbo Mathis (Squireel Nut Zippers, Buddy Guy) and in Memphis by Jim Gaines (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Santana, Luther Allison) resulted in a truly unique and satisfying twist on modern blues music.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty good not great, July 13, 2006

By	K. Cooper - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The 3 Europeans do have talent and an affection for blues music and the Cd is pretty good. Of the 3, Erja Lyytinen, from Finland seems to be the best with one big exception. In the middle of one song, she starts rapping for 30 seconds or so, which is something most blues fans will not appreciate. Other than that, a worthwhile effort when they stick to the blues.