[Harp-L] Re: Re-Interest

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Though they contain no harmonica whatsoever, J.B.Lenoir's acoustic  
recordings, recently re-released as "Passionate Blues" on Bellaphon,  
are my "desert island disc" and continue to inspire me and renew my  
faith in the blues every time I go back to them. Originally released  
on 2 LPs and recorded in 1965 and 1966 under very simple conditions  
in Chicago by Horst Lippmann, the man who brought the blues to  
Europe, these brilliant songs also feature Little Walter's drummer  
Fred Below, inventor of the Chicago shuffle (obligatory harmonica  
content ;-) on many cuts plus  backing vocals from Willie Dixon on a  
couple of tunes.

I've been listening to these gems for at least 35 years and keep  
returning to them. JB was a brilliant singer and unique guitar  
stylist, the songs are beautifully performed and offer an object  
lesson in how complex, varied and subtle blues grooves can be. They  
also provide a rare example of an African American singer who wasn't  
afraid to sing about social and political issues at a time when it  
was a lot safer to keep your mouth shut.

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com