Wonderful Folk Blues
Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/03/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is actually a repackaging of two earlier Fantasy albums (Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, tracks 1-14, and Blues and Shouts, tracks 15-26), both originally recorded in March, 1957. [They actually recorded 38 tracks at that session. The other twelve songs, all spirituals, were released as Just a Closer Walk With Thee.] There are no session musicians used here, just Terry on harmonica and McGhee on guitar; both provide vocals. They sometimes sing solo--it's McGhee's smooth vocal on tunes like "I Got Fooled" and "I Feel So Good," and Terry's rougher-edged voice on "California Blues" and "I Have Had My Fun"--but on many of the tracks they harmonize wonderfully, like on the McGhee-penned "Sportin' Life," which Baby Boomers will recognize as a song covered by the Lovin' Spoonful. They also harmonize on "John Henry," which was performed at the close of the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof that featured both Terry and McGhee in the cast from 1955-1958.This is wonderful folk blues and though not as strong as the other Fantasy re-issue Midnight Special, it is still a welcome addition to any Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee collection. RECOMMENDED"
Great Sonny and Brownie
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 09/22/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's some discrepancy over the correct recording dates for these two Fantasy albums included on this CD. Some sources say only the SONNY TERRY AND BROWNIE MCGHEE sides (#1-14) were recorded in 1957, the other album being recorded in 1961. Whatever the case may be, these are excellent performances. Sonny's singing is rougher and more old-fashioned than Brownie's. I GOT FOOLED is a terrific piece and THINKIN' AND WORRYIN' has an unusual form: 4-bar verses piled up one after the other - different and captivating. Sonny and Brownie sing duets on a handful of tunes. The second album is a bit more folky than the first, with the oft-recorded JOHN HENRY included as well as a version of TAKE THIS HAMMER. Both albums are excellent and will give much enjoyment."