memphis jug baimi - Planungsbüro Dipl.-Ing. Stefan Wirz

Watch out for the misleading chord sequences— students would be advised to refer to the
discography and to the original recordings. The Calt essay is very heavy going for those
who just want to relax with their guitars, and those who don’t take their Blues too
seriously may even find themselves rolling in hysteria at some points. BUT— when you
hold this massive wad of pages and flick through, glimpsing those fascinating photos,
you may well find it to be an irresistible purchase. I know— I bought one!
O B S C C I R . e
Lp's
The second in the series of articles looking back at some of the outstanding L. P. s which
have been available in the past, and which still are reasonably accessible. (Don’t forget
the CONTACT section for your ‘ wants’ .)
THE BLUES OF OTIS SPANN Decca LK 4615
Remember this one, issued after a 1964 London session? Showcasing the
irreplaceable Otis on piano and vocal, the fluid guitar of Muddy Waters, the controlled
power of drummer Willie Smith, and the veteran string-bassist Ransom Knowling, we go
right back to the roots and to the sounds that many would describe as the real Chicago
Blues. Here’ s a run-down of the titles and tempos:
“ Rock Me Mama” (medium)
“ I Came From Clarksdale” (Slow)
“ Keep Your Hand Out O f My Pocket” (Up-tempo boogie)
“ Spann’ s Boogie” (Fast boogie-piano solo with drums)
“ Sarah Street” (Slow)
“ The Blues Don’t Like Nobody” (Medium, with harpsichord effect from 3rd piano
pedal)
“ Meet Me In The Bottom” (Medium)
“ Lost Sheep In The Fold” (Slow)
“ I Got A Feeling” (Medium-slow)
“ Jangleboogie” (Medium, harpsichord effect and vocal)
“ Natural Days” (Slow)
This record, to be found around the second-hand shops from time to time, is
recognisable by the outstanding sleeve artwork, a bleached-out photo of Otis (no pun
intended) and album title in large print. A reissue was indeed put out a couple of years
ago but with dubbed-on boogaloo which obliterated much of the original talent. But who
knows? Blues dormant Decca may even see fit to give this another go round. Any
response B-L receives will be forwarded.
_____________ ___________________________________________________ Frank Sidebottom
SHOUT — the longest established R&B/R&R sepcialist magazine, featuring session
discographies, label listings and in-depth interviews on post-war R&B, 50’s R&R and
contemporary soul artists and their music. Plus record, concert and book reviews and
R&B ephemera. 15 p. monthly; 6 issues 90 p. from 46, Slades Drive, Chislehurst, Kent.
41