The Folkways Years: 1959-1973

The Folkways Years: 1959-1973

Editorial Reviews
<"b0000478717499"> Amazon.com
Urban enough to connect with inner-city blues fans and flexible enough to forge new audiences among starry-eyed blues revivalist on both sides of the Atlantic, Memphis Slim was what would now be called a crossover artist. Like his friend and frequent musical foil Willie Dixon, the pianist-vocalist was amiable and adaptable--characteristics that also came across in their music. The Folkways Years captures the man born Peter Chapman in a variety of sessions cut over a decade and a half. Slim and Dixon tackle "Joggie Boogie," "Stewball," "Beer-Drinking Woman," and Slim's trademark tune "Everyday I Have the Blues." A number of solo tracks and small ensemble pieces (many including guitarist Matt Murphy) add texture to the collection. And there's even a rather stiff Slim-Dixon-Pete Seeger take on "Midnight Special" that illustrates producer and Folkways head Moses Asch's efforts to give Memphis Slim's sophisticated blues a folksy slant. The handsome package and 65-page illustrated booklet add value to this satisfying anthology. --Steven Stolder

<"b0000478714999"> Album Description
This collection contains the best of blues pianist Memphis Slim's Folkways years and includes 3 previously unreleased tracks. The CD features solo performances, small ensembles, and accompaniment by Folkways artists including Willie Dixon, Jazz Gillum, and Pete Seeger. Slim plays highly personal interpretations of classic and original blues. 32 page booklet, extensive notes, lyrics, and photos. 65 minutes.