Search - Memphis Slim :: Rockin This House

Rockin' This House

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 05/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of four cd's averages about seventy minutes each. The recordings are up to usual JSP standards. To have a collection of these three major artists in one place is fantastic. Both Memphis Slim and Roosevelt Sykes are well-known. However,the great Eddie Boyd should certainly be as well-known. Memphis Slim is given the most space in this collection,and rightly so. Playing with a group consisting of a rhthym section and a sax or two and the great Matt Murphy on guitar during this stage of his career makes these songs unbeatable. Some of these tunes went on to become staples for the rest of Slim's career. No matter if the song is fast or slow the "Chicago sound" comes through.



Roosevelt Sykes is only given about half of a cd. Several of his songs are variants of some of his songs he has recorded. There is a similar feel of styles between Slim and Sykes,but that is a good thing! If you like either Slim and/or Sykes there are numerous albums which continue their development which can easily be found.



Eddie Boyd is not as well-known as the above two artists because he did not have the chances to record like they did. Some of you will remember his recordings done in England with members of Fleetwood Mac. Boyd was not happy with these recordings but at least it gave him a chance to record. The songs on this collection represent his most well-known and important songs-songs he would continue to play for the rest of his life.



I advise anyone who is interested in Chicago blues piano to do a little research into all three of these people's music,as you will find more great music by these three and learn more about their styles. Doing so will reward you with some insight into the times and the lives,and more great music of these real deal bluesmen."