Mississippi John Hurt - 1928 Sessions

"The playing and tunes here are gentle and melodic, making Hurt perhaps the most accessible of all country bluesmen." — Guitar World.

A truly wonderful performer whose gentle approach was a contrast to the harsh, gritty sound of many of his Mississippi contemporaries, Mississippi John Hurt recorded 13 country-blues songs for the Okeh Electric Records company in 1928. Then he vanished. Actually, he never left his hometown of Avalon, Mississippi. He simply put the guitar down. It was the Great Depression, times were tough, money was scarce, and he needed to work. Nearly 30 years later, a blues enthusiast tracked him down and took him back to Washington, D.C. Suddenly, Mississippi John's musical career resumed as quickly as it had been halted. These first songs cut in the late 1920s, however, represent Hurt in his youthful prime; the 1928 recordings represent the greatest presentation of his melancholy voice and hypnotic guitar playing.

With his warm, gentle vocals and rhythmic guitar lines, Mississippi John's recordings represent a fascinating counterpoint to what is expected of Mississippi blues. His repertoire is a mixture of narrative ballads, traditional songs and blues.

 

 

Side A

1. Aint No Tellin'

2. Stack O'Lee Blues

3. Candy Man Blues

4. Spike Driver Blues

5. Avalon Blues

6. Louis Collins

Side B

1. Frankie

2. Big Leg Blues

3. Nobody's Dirt Businiess

4. Got The Blues, Can't Be Satisfied

5. Blessed Be The Name

6. Blue Harvest Blues

7. Praying On The Old Camp Ground

Be the first to write a review for this item OR just rate it