Two Rare & Bare 1968 Blue Horizon Albums With 10 Previously
Mark Barry at Reckless Records, Lon | UK | 05/27/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This superb double set finally makes available for the first time on CD two extremely rare platters on the cult UK blues label Blue Horizon. And a typically superlative release it is too in this excellent on-going series.
Here's how the discs are laid out:
Disc 1 by FURRY LEWIS (56:42 minutes)
Tracks 1 to 11 are the album "Presenting The Country Blues", 1968 on Blue Horizon 7-63228
Tracks 12 and 13 are previously unreleased studio out-takes from the July 1968 album sessions
Disc 2 by MISSISSIPPI JOE CALLICOTT (79:00 minutes):
Tracks 1 to 8 are the album "Presenting The Country Blues", 1968 on Blue Horizon 7-63227
Tracks 9 to 16 are previously unreleased studio out-takes from the July 1968 album sessions
Both albums were recorded in one mammoth session at The Ardent Recording Studios on National Street in Memphis, Tennessee on Sunday, the 21st of July 1968.
The original two-track analogue tapes have been transferred and remastered by Duncan Cowell at Sound Mastering in London and the sound quality is just gorgeous - lively, warm and clear. The 20-page booklet features both albums' artwork, photos of the artists, photos of the studio, John Fry the American producer, full session discography, knowledgeable liner notes and even has a classy card wrap on the outside.
Both LPs are stripped down bare acoustic blues, Furry and his guitar, Joe and his - and that's it! After say seven or eight songs, this laid bare style makes for difficult listening at times, especially with so much of it on offer here. But once accustomed to it, the starkness is of course, part of its charm and power.
Each bluesman had a world-weary gritty approach to their songs - both great storytellers - both miserable over some woman somewhere! Furry's `Indian woman done me wrong' tune "Big Chief Blues" also has good guitar picking. In contrast, Callicott was unbelievably forthright. How about his lyrics to "Dough Roller Blues" - "I love that woman in a dirty way..." or ""I'll cut your throat woman and drink your blood like wine..." Nice!
The previously unreleased tracks are mostly fully formed - and offer more of the same. Excellent - one and all.
So, another great release then from Blue Horizon - and top marks to all the good people involved."
Track Listings (29) - Disc #1