Label: Capitol
Recorded September 8 & 10 1969 in Jackson, Mississippi
Blues
By the time acoustic blues master Mississippi Fred McDowell finally plugged in for the first time, something this recording captures, his songs were already a major part of the emerging blues-rock scene of the late 1960s. The slide-guitar genius was a Delta blues purist of the first degree who ignored all else, even while serving as a significant influence on a new generation of blues players. His influence endures, and his music, in its original form, remains riveting. The best example is the timeless classic "You Got to Move," covered by the Rolling Stones in a surprisingly faithful rendition on 1971's Sticky Fingers and radically reconfigured by adventurous jazz diva Cassandra Wilson three decades later on Belly of the Sun. Both versions are excellent, but McDowell's original, saturated with searing sincerity and electrifying licks, is better. In similar style, McDowell demonstrates the inspiration behind "Kokomo Me Baby" (popularized by his protégé Bonnie Raitt), "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," and "Baby Please Don't Go," all core material of the modern blues-rock repertoire. All have since been done in different styles, but none have been done better. If you're looking for the real roots of modern blues and you haven't explored McDowell's ragged but righteous creations, you need to immediately redefine your search and hear his inspirational source music firsthand.
By Michael Point.
**
Before I nitpick about Amazon's official review, I'd like to say this is one of the finest blues albums ever.
That said, Michael Point obviously hasn't listened to much of the early blues, or he'd have realized that Big Joe Williams sang "Baby Please Don't Go" in the 30's, Leroy Carr wrote "Kokomo Blues" (later "appropriated" by Robert Johnson and turned into "Sweet Home Chicago") and there's a very compelling argument that Gary Davis wrote "You Got to Move."
The blues, however, is an artform of cliche's, the forerunner of sampling, and Mississippi Fred does great justice to every song he covers. My favorite tracks are both of the ones he speaks on and "Red Cross Store," which is a jam and a half!
By TW.
**
Mississippi Fred McDowell is one of the masters of slide guitar. He has never received the credit he deserves but those who have heard will never forget him. This CD I have on a album and I have looked for the CD for years and Iam so glad its finally here. When listening to Fred McDowell you must put yourself back in time and listen close, he is all by himself playing he doesn't need a band. Its hard to believe one man can make so much rhythm. Fred McDowell is what the blues is all about, and there is no one who comes close to his original, distinctive style.
By Dawn Camp.
**
Fred McDowell- Vocal & Guitar
Jerry Puckett- Bass
Darin Lancaster- Drums
**
A1. Baby Please Don't Go 4:48
A2. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl 4:26
A3. Kokomo Me Baby 3:00
A4. That's All Right Baby 5:04
A5. Red Cross Store 4:04
B1. Everybody's Down on Me 9:12
B2. 61 Highway 4:43
B3. Glory Hallelujah 2:47
B4. Jesus Is on the Mainline 3:38
**
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