Search - Charley Jordan :: Charley Jordan 1930-1931

A St. Louis Bluesman

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 01/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Charley Jordan was known mostly as Peetie Wheatstraw's guitarist. It is great, however, to hear him play and sing his own songs. The first 10 titles show him accompanied only by his own guitar. He plays and sings beautifully. His songs include a variation on "red river blues" - called here "dollar bill blues", and "just a spoonful" (both songs also sung by J.D.Short). On the next two song Jordan accompanies Bessie Mae Smith. Smith sings in the popular style of the day and adds to the CD. The final 10 songs have Jordan accompanied by the great Peetie Wheatstraw. All the songs are good blues. They are all played in the same medium tempo. When you compare Wheatstraw with Jordan as singers - Peetie comes on top. The most interesting and my personal favorite on this good CD is "Keep It Clean" - Jordan's trademark song. If you already have a CD by Wheatstraw, it is time get this one."