RE: LW - Big Bill

[tom ball <havaball@xxxxxxx>]

Rich writes,
One of the influences mentioned is Big Bill Broonzy.
I think I recall Eric Clapton also talking about him as
an early influence.  Any info on him?   What would be
a good first CD to buy?
_______________________________
Hi Rich,

Coincidently was just asked to write a short bio on BBB for a new 
guitar book, so happen to have the following in the computer:

"Big Bill Broonzy was not only a superb guitarist and singer, but 
also a gifted composer, arranger, organizer, accompanist, storyteller 
and all-around raconteur.  His career was so spectacular that a brief 
bio does him little justice; his own book 'Big Bill Blues' (Da Capo 
Press) is recommended without reservation.

"One of 17 Broonzy children born to ex-slaves, William Lee Conley 
Broonzy came from Mississippi to Chicago in the '20s and quickly 
established himself as the premier blues artist in the Windy City. 
Up until his death in 1958, Big Bill was probably the most prolific 
musician in blues history.  His output includes an astonishing number 
of recordings: over 550 in his own name, over 600 more as a sideman. 
In 'Big Bill Blues' Broonzy wrote his own epitaph: 'Don't say I'm a 
musician or guitar player - just write Big Bill was a well known 
blues singer... he was a happy man when he was drunk and playing with 
women; he was liked by all the blues singers.' "

As for which CDs to buy, none of them are bad, but check the initial 
recording dates -- Broonzy's career could almost be looked upon as 
having been in three distinct periods:

1) '20s/early '30s:  Bill often played raggier guitar, hokum-style 
stuff under various pseudonyms (Big Bill Johnson, etc.)  Fantastic 
guitar work in this era, and the singing is very good if perhaps not 
quite as outstanding as it would later become, IMHO.

2) Late '30s/'40s: Formulaic Bluebird Era stuff, usually with Bill in 
a trio or quartet format.  Not as musically interesting a period for 
Bill (or for blues in general, IMHO.)

3) '50s: 'The Folk Revival' saw Big Bill go back to solo playing. 
His singing here is quite wonderful, and his amazing guitar work is 
right out in front -- marvelous stuff (perhaps with the exception of 
his very last sessions when he was understandably ill.)

I envy you in your upcoming discoveries!

cheers,

Tom Ball
Santa Barbara

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