Search - Mance Lipscomb :: Texas Songster

Texas Sharecropper

Jeff Melvin | 12/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is THE DEFINITIVE acoustic Texas blues album. It was recorded in 1960 by Arhoolie Records founder Chris Strachwitz in the Navasota, Texas home of Mance Lipscomb. The raw, clear production on this album perfectly captures the emotive and rhythmic qualities of the Songster's "Texas dead-thumb" style and laid-back, yet powerful vocals. It is evident that Strachwitz was able to put Lipscomb at ease during the sessions, resulting in a natural, flowing quality that contrasts well with the heavy downbeat rhythm of the guitar. He effortlessly transitions through various blues, rags, and ballads. Lipscomb was a fairly prolific writer in terms of blues musicians. You will notice his original couplets spread throughout the album, including within the traditional songs. This album is an absolute MUST HAVE for every acoustic blues fan."

The real deal

Webley Webster | Hillsborough, NC USA | 02/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like Mississippi John Hurt and Reverend Gary Davis, do NOT pass this one by. Lipscomb is a great singer and fingerpicker in the "songster" tradition. He is bluesier than Hurt (his straight blues have a heavy dose of Lightnin' Hopkins in them) but every bit as warm and tuneful. I bought this three months ago and it's still in heavy rotation."

An National Treasure

Webley Webster | 07/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're searching for blues as a collector, don't miss this. Mance and his music is a national treasure. Listen to this and then listen to some of today's "blues" masters like Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughn, etc. and then you'll know where they got their mojo from."