Reviews (1)

More than a history lesson...
The beauty of the anthologies in this series is that the fine music is accompanied by liner notes that help the uninitiated to understand and savor the performers as well as the performances. When I was no longer able to stomach the latest packaged acts being spoon-fed to us by the music industry, I stopped listening to recorded music. Then, on a hunch, I started to explore roots music, much of it on the wonderful Yazoo label. These songs reward repeated listening accompanied by liner note reading and biographical books on favorite performers. So much of what is best in life is hidden, because when it becomes too popular, the commerce machine rushes in and spoils it. These recordings are immune to that phenomenon and will never be stripped of their human warmth, artistry, sincerity and emotional power. Newcomers should keep in mind that "blues" music as performed in most bars and clubs is far removed from its origins -- stripped down, rehashed, sanitized, electrified -- and ruined. I hate that kind of music, but I love the old recordings, where the soul still shines through on each performance. There are numerous sub-genres in roots music that are almost completely unknown to most people today. Shocking, even weird at first listen, they provoke the attentive listener's curiosity and present an opportunity for an adventure in personal exploration. Enjoy. ... Read more

Album Details

Three CD Box Set Celebrating Five Years of this Award Winning Blues Label. Blind Lemon Jefferson 'Matchbox Blues', Bessie Smith 'Nobody Knows', Robert Johnson 'i Believe I'll Dust My Broom' Dinah Washington 'my Lovin Papa' etc. ... Read more

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True Blues
For a sound that will make you feel like you are sitting on Grandma's front porch in the bayou (even if you never have) this is a compilation not to be missed! Kick back, sip some lemonade and enjoy music ranging from 1926 to 1942. Some recordings even sound like they're playing on the local jukebox. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Amazing music
This is my new favorite CD. Such emotion flows. Robert Pete Williams is the most amazing musician. It's worth it just to hear "Prisoner's Talking Blues". ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Unpretentious Blues
Remastered, cleaning out as much noise as possible, "Great Blues Guitarists: String Dazzlers" gives us fun, yet historical blues tunes. With over 20 pages of liner notes and pictures, guitarists and bluers fans alike with enjoy this CD.

Two fast-paced Lonnie Johnson acoustic tunes start things, but Texas Alexander gets low with a carefully picked "Work Ox Blues."

The fourth track, "I'm Busy and You Can't Come In" by Sylvester Weaver is loaded with tape hiss. The guitar seems to have recorded too far from the mike, and this takes away from an otherwise nice piece. His banjo piece in track seven, sounds clearer. In track eight, he moans, "I'm so hungry, I can't get enough to eat... I'd'a ate the dishes if someone hadn't been around."

Blind Willie McTell is in fine vocal form for tracks six and seven. Despite being recorded 1931-33, McTell sounds as if he just stepped off the Prairie Home Companion stage.

The star of this CD is the gravel-throated Blind Willie Johnson. Sounding something like Froggie of the Little Rascals, or Louis Armstrong with a cold, he manages to drive power into "When the War Was On" in a duet with Angeline Johnson.

Led Zeppelin and harp man Darrell Mansfield fans might recognize "It's Nobody's Fault But Mine." This is the original, from 1927, not a cover. Blind Willie sings it the way he intended it to be heard, with just a guitar.

"How You Want It Done" by Big Bill Broonzy has great guitar scales, but the vocals are weak. His "Getting Older Every Day" sounds like a blues song is supposed to sound. Bring him into any smoke-filled bar in Chicago, and he'd fit right in.

"Guitar Swing" brings things up tempo, with a very southern flavor.

Lonnie Johnson and Eddie Lang lay down an interesting track with "Bull Frog Moan." It'll grow on you.

Seems the snakes moan as well as the frogs, as Blind Lemon Jefferson aches out "Black Snake Moan." Tape hiss is heard in the background, but doesn't hurt the song.

Joshua White gives us "Little Brother Blues" and "Prodigal Son," complete with Little Richard-like howls and some very fine picking. In "Prodigal Son" he laments "I broke my momma's heart, Lord, when I run away."

"Denver Blues," from 1934, is a contemplative guitar solo by Tampa Red. He stretches each note. It is one of my favorites here.

You've not got the blues unless you've got those "Away Down in the Alley Blues." Another guitar solo, this time by Lonnie Johnson, it has a multi-layered effect. This is one song that needs no more instruments, and words would ruin it. He shows off his skills, and lyrically demonstrates a complex texture, lifting Johnson a notch above other blues guitarists.

The CD finishes with Johnson's "I Love You, Mary Lou." While not as strong as his other song here, we hear him do the vocals as well.

I fully recommend "Great Blues Guitarists: String Dazzlers."

Anthony Trendl

Excellent collection of early blues artists
One of the finest collections of early blues artists and styles currently available. Every cut on this CD has been remastered from the original (in most cases from old recordings of these artists when they performed live on old radio shows). GREAT! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A solid primer
A fine introduction to those wanting more exposure to the blues and a nice addition to for the more knowledgable. Great song selection - there's sure to be something you haven't heard.

And "Lord I Just Can't Keep From Crying" by Blind Willie Johnson gets better with each play.

Great Introduction to the Blues
For someone unfamiliar with the blues, this collection is a great one to start your collection. For others only familiar with contemporary blues artists, this CD gives them a real sense of the origins of the blues.

The collection starts off with Bessie Smith's 1925 recording of "St. Louis Blues," arguably the most famous blues recording of the early period. In that song Smith's powerful vocals are almost overshadowed by Louis Armstrong's cornet playing. The song was so popular at the time that it was used as the central part of "St. Louis Blues," Smith's only film appearance.

Other highlights in this twenty song collection include Robert Johnson's "Stop Breakin'Down Blues." For those not familiar with Johnson are in for a treat on this one. His unique emotional style is evident here in this story of betrayal.

Memphis Minnie, arguably one of the best blues guitarists of all-time is represented here in "Nothin' in Ramblin'." Despite being a woman, the subject matter about a woman on the road is very usual for the pre-feminist era. Memphis Minnie truly deserves to ranked with the best in the blues.

Bukka White's "Fixin' to Die Blues" is another gem. This gospel-tinged song although featured only vocals, guitar and washboard makes you want to tap your feet. It really rocks.

"Don't You Leave Me Here" by Big Joe Williams is probably the most contemporary of the songs in this collection in terms of the sound. It's a good example of early "urban blues" style popularized by the likes of Bobby Blue Bland and others.

Although it was recorded in 1965, "Death Letter" by Son House fits nicely in this collection. Featuring House accompanied by his own guitar, "Death Letter" is a great "gut bucket" blues. A gospel influence is also evident here.

What's also great about this collection is the variety of voices. Mississippi John Hurt on "Ain't No Tellin'" has a very soothing voice which compliments his soft guitar playing. Meanwhile, Blind Willie Johnson is rough and raw on "Lord, I Can't Keep from Cryin'."

As you can see this is only a sampling of this twenty song set. It also includes previously unreleased tracks by Leadbelly, Peetie Wheatstraw, and Lonnie Johnson.

If you like the blues, you'll love this collection. Since the blues influenced rock and soul, fans of those music genres should also appreciate this great music as well. If anything, check out the CD for the stories. There are some great stories here.

THIS is the Blues . . .
Blues is definately something I love. It's something I ache for, and this album soothes my nerves. It's one of the best compilations of old time blues that I've ever heard of. For anyone who enjoys the sweet chordhs of Leadbelly and Muddy Waters, or the melodious pipes of Bessie Smith, this is an ideal selection. These songs hold strong to the Blues tradition of emotion, hardship, love, nostalgia, stress, fear, death and taxes. I highly recommend the purchase of this fine album. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An absolute must for any blues enthusiast...
Absolutely amazing to find this...I had a bootleg for the longest time. This is the CD you should hand someone who asks you what the blues is. Gritty and historical. ... Read more