Mississippi Fred McDowell – This Ain’t No Rock N’ Roll / Arhoolie CD-441

Description

CD 441

For most of his life he played in the countryside near his home in Como, Mississippi. By the time he was “discovered” by folklorist Alan Lomax in 1959, McDowell was very much his own man and, in fact, one of the most significant masters of country blues to have emerged since the mid-1930s.

At the time this album was recorded in 1969 (and 1968) it represented a significant departure for Fred, for here he was heard for the first time in an entire program of performances with electric guitar and sometimes with the support of a small group. It should be pointed out that Fred had been playing the amplified instrument heard here for several years, both at the country parties and dances he then played around Como and at the Sunday morning church services at which he and the Hunter’s Chapel Singers performed weekly.

1. My Baby
2. Levee Camp Blues
3. When The Saints Go Marching In
4. Diamond Ring
5. Dankin’s Farm
6. You Ain’t Treatin’ Me Right
7. Ethel Mae Blues
8. Meet Me Down In Froggy Bottom
9. Mama Said I’m Crazy
10. I Heard Somebody Calling Me
11. Keep Your Lamp Trimmed And Burning
12. I Wonder What Have I Done Wrong
13. I Worked Old Lu And I Worked Old Bess
14. Jim, Steam Killed Lula
15. Worried Now, Won’t Be Worried Long
16. Going Away, Won’t Be Gone Long
17. Going Down That Gravel Bottom
18. Bye, Bye Little Girl

REVIEW

“To quote the liner notes, “One can never have enough of Fred McDowell in his record collection.” That sums it up for me. Tracks #18 were recorded in 1969 and were previously released as Arhoolie LP 1046. Tracks #918 were recorded in 1968 at Chris Strachwitz’ house, and were previously unissued. Fred McDowell is a genuine icon of traditional country blues. There’s no doubt that blues has a soul when you listen to this man and his guitar. Just go out and get this one!”

-Michael “Wolf” Spicer, Music City Bluesletter