The Best of Mississippi Fred McDowell

by Mississippi Fred McDowell

Overview

Mississippi Fred McDowell lays down Delta blues as though time pretty much stood still. Discovered by Alan Lomax in the late '50s, his career as an authentic bluesman took off in the '60s, thanks to Arhoolie. The Best of Mississippi Fred McDowell showcases the singer's gritty vocals and slide guitar on some of his best '60s work. The power of "Fred's Worried Life Blues" and "Write Me a Few of Your Lines" resonates deep in the bones, while forceful versions of "Good Morning Little School Girl" and "You Gotta Move" strip away a hundred rip-offs. These cuts also feature McDowell's instrument of choice, the acoustic guitar. While resistant to new currents, he nonetheless plugged in on occasion. Earth-shaking electric cuts like "Levee Camp Blues" and "Meet Me Down in Froggy Bottom" rumble and hum. Even with a band, though, McDowell reminds one more of Lightnin' Hopkins than Muddy Waters. He remains rooted in the Delta. When he delivers a bit of blues, like "My Baby," he reaches deep and finds something elemental. McDowell opens two live cuts by saying "I don't play no rock & roll stuff," and then offers fine takes on "Shake 'Em on Down" and "Louise." The Best of Mississippi Fred McDowell serves up a taste of the Delta, honest and true, and impresses as a fine introduction to a great bluesman. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/23/2001
Label:	Arhoolie
UPC:	0096297050125
Rank:	39537

Tracks

1. Write Me a Few of Your Lines
2. Do My Baby Ever Think of Me
3. Levee Camp Blues
4. When the Saints Go Marching In
5. My Bottleneck (Story)
6. Fred's Worried Life Blues
7. Kokomo Blues
8. Meet Me Down in Froggy Bottom
9. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
10. Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
11. Shake 'Em on Down
12. Going Away - Won't Be Gone Long
13. I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down
14. Fred's Rambling Blues
15. I Looked at the Sun
16. You Gatta Move
17. My Baby
18. Intro: Shake 'Em on Down / Louise

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mississippi Fred McDowell   Primary Artist,Vocals
Mike Russo   Guitar
Annie Mae McDowell   Vocals
Johnny Woods   Harmonica
John Kahn   Bass

Technical Credits

Chris Strachwitz   Producer,Photography,Liner Notes,Engineer
Public Domain   Composer
Walter Jacobs   Composer
Traditional   Composer
Mississippi Fred McDowell   Arranger,Composer
Morgan K. Dodge   Graphic Design
Sonny Boy Williamson I   Composer