A couple of gems by Big Joe ...
'Baby Please Don't Go' is a classic blues song which has been called one of the most played, arranged and rearranged pieces in blues history. The song was first recorded by Big Joe in 1935, and some say is an adaptation of 'Long John' - an old folk theme - which dates back to slavery in the United States.
On December 12, 1941, he recorded a second version titled 'Please Don't Go' in Chicago for Bluebird with a slightly different arrangement and lyrics. Called the most exciting version, backing Williams (vocal and 9-string guitar) are Sonny Boy Williamson I (harmonica) and Alfred Elkins (imitation bass).
Williams was known for being cantankerous and getting into fights. In his early Delta days he was a walking musician who played camps, store porches, streets, and alleys from New Orleans to Chicago.
When he appeared at Mike Bloomfield's 'blues night' at The Fickle Pickle, Williams played an electric 9-string guitar through a small ramshackle amp with a pie plate nailed to it and a beer can dangling against that. When he played, everything rattled but Big Joe himself. The effect of this incredible apparatus produced the most buzzing, sizzling, African-sounding music one would likely every hear.
If you have never listened to Big Joe Williams, you have never heard Delta blues.
You can hear the pain in his voice.
No comments:
Post a Comment