When it comes to deep, dirty, down-home blues, Son House is the man. One of the "big three" of Delta blues (the others being Charley Patton and Willie Brown), House was the spiritual father of Robert Johnson. Ironically, H... more »ouse's only commercial recordings were a handful made in 1930. Luckily, Library of Congress folklorist Alan Lomax found him in 1941 and, over the next year or so, recorded some of the most stunning blues ever to be waxed. The sessions were, to say the least, informal. For instance, a locomotive can be heard rolling by as Son performs "Shetland Pony Blues." He is joined on some of the sides by Willie Brown, as well as mandolinist Joe Martin and harp man Leroy Williams. However, it is his solo sides that really stand out. Two of the cuts, "American Defense" and "Am I Right or Wrong," are rare examples of House as sentimental balladeer. Son House didn't so much play a guitar as assault it. And as for his voice, it is no overstatement to say few, if any, have ever matched him for sheer emotional intensity. --Lars Gandil« less
When it comes to deep, dirty, down-home blues, Son House is the man. One of the "big three" of Delta blues (the others being Charley Patton and Willie Brown), House was the spiritual father of Robert Johnson. Ironically, House's only commercial recordings were a handful made in 1930. Luckily, Library of Congress folklorist Alan Lomax found him in 1941 and, over the next year or so, recorded some of the most stunning blues ever to be waxed. The sessions were, to say the least, informal. For instance, a locomotive can be heard rolling by as Son performs "Shetland Pony Blues." He is joined on some of the sides by Willie Brown, as well as mandolinist Joe Martin and harp man Leroy Williams. However, it is his solo sides that really stand out. Two of the cuts, "American Defense" and "Am I Right or Wrong," are rare examples of House as sentimental balladeer. Son House didn't so much play a guitar as assault it. And as for his voice, it is no overstatement to say few, if any, have ever matched him for sheer emotional intensity. --Lars Gandil
CD Reviews
A powerhouse! This is the Son House CD you'll want to get.
11/25/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The 15 delta blues tracks that Son House recorded in Mississippi during 1941 and 1942 are raw and powerful. This CD is a must-buy for anyone interested in the deep blues of Mississippi. It is unfortunate that so few recordings of Son House exist prior to him being rediscovered during the blues revival during the 1960's. Other than his Library of Congress recordings made during 1941 and 1942, he recorded only three other songs, all during 1930. These songs are also incredibly powerful and gut-wrenching and are part of the CD titled "Masters of the Delta Blues: Friends of Charlie Patton". I highly encourage you to check out this CD as well."
Son House was indeed a Master of his Craft
Ryan Costantino | Nowhere, Special | 01/07/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is essential listening for any Blues fan. Hardcore Blues all the way. Son House's somber, yet light vocal style is the epitome of what the Blues ought to sound like. These are the solid, intact Library of Congress recordings (1941-1942) digitally remastered to allow the analog hiss to be merely background, bringing the music to the foreground where it belongs. Which makes this a great Blues experience. Purists might argue that the digital remastering constitutes tampering with the artist's intent. Clearly Son House intended for his music to be heard! Besides, the impurities of old time recordings are still apparent. It's just that you hear more music and less static.The Delta Blues are my favorite and Son House was the undisputed King of this artistic, down-to-earth Blues style. So all you Blues fans, if you don't have this album purchase it immediately. If you already own it you know what I'm talking about."
Shake 'n chill
katja_r | 01/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Son House is my favourite of the Missippi Delta Blues Singers, largely because of this recording. Mr. Eddie James House, Jr., (1902? Riverton, Mississipi - 1988 Detroit, Michigan) has a low gravelly voice which is full of pathos. He sings convincingly of life's hard times. I feel an eery connection as his songs awaken feelings of lost love and the frustration of hopeless poverty. And I have never even been to Mississippi ;D. To say that Mr House "did not play a guitar as much as assault it" is an unfair oversimplification of his rustic style. On this CD, he exhibits two different approaches. When playing with an ensemble (Levee Camp Blues, Government Fleet Blues, Walking Blues and Shetland Pony Blues, for example) he establishes the rhythm. He plays barred chords supporting Mr. Joe Martin on mandoline and Mr. Leroy Williams on harmonica. It would be silly and uncharacteristic of a Delta Blues format to expect a mandolin or harmonica to take on this reponsibility. On the songs which feature Mr House alone, he displays a great deal of melodic expertise. Low Down Dirty Dog Blues is a fine example. He maintains a standard Blues bass with turn around while augmenting his singing with fills played on the higher strings. But the strongest feature is his singing which is stunning, and his poignant lyrics. My favourite line is "if I don't go crazy, I believe I'll lose my mind." If you are interested in the Folk Blues of the Mississippi Delta, this is an important recording for you."
This is as authentic as you can get
Brian E. Defferding | Oshkosh, WI United States | 07/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Son House's voice is raw, deep, emotional. When I first listened to this I was slack-jawed. It's no wonder why he made such a big impact on Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters. Kind of makes you wonder how much great music Son House played during those years; it's a real shame there isn't more of this that's recorded. Son House is a blues legend; and this collection of recordings is all that's needed to back up that statement. Raw blues to the core."
I'm deeply impressed.
Ryan Costantino | 03/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am grateful for that there was a record in 1940. I love this CD"
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1