...I just picked up Robert Johnson: The Complete Recordings of amazon for $17 delivered. It's a 2 disc set with a booklet about the history of the man and the lyrics. The songs have been stuck in my head for the past two days.
A few months back I was flipping channels and caught a show on PBS with Eric Clapton singing blues songs in a tribute to one of his favorite artists. The music kept me captivated and I ended up buying the disc Clapton put out, Me And Mr. Johnson. I've listened to it several times over the past few months and decided last week to seek out recordings by the original artist, who I don't believe I ever heard of before that show.
All I can say is WOW! When I first listened I was a little disappointed because I expected much more. But it stuck with me and the next morning I listened again. Then again, then again. That's pretty rare for me. There is a subtle power to his basic music.
FTR, these are crappy recordings, at best, from the late 1930's. That is part of what amazed me most, and I still like it. For those who don't know the name, most people will recognize some of his music and hear the influences in a lot of later music. You'll also recognize the character portrayed in so many Hollywood movies of the traveling blues singer who goes to the crossroads to meet the devil, a character based on Robert Johnson. Definately worth checking out if you have any interest in Blues or early Rock n Roll.
Jack
