Blacks, Whites & The Blues

Small began playing old-timey music more than 40 years ago, and for roughly the past 25 he’s been playing strictly blues; mostly as a band leader, but for the last several years as a solo artist: just his voice and his guitar. On this release he plays songs written from the late 1800’s to the ’50’s. Songs ranging from Robert Johnson and Mississippi Fred McDowell to Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, among others. Some fine interpretations here, including a Small original. No FCC’s.

*My Favorites*: 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11.

1. (2:58) Mid. Muddy Waters song. Even-paced, foot stompin’ beat with faithful rendition of the classic.
2. *(3:25) Fast. Upbeat boogie original. Soulful, driving and sparse. Very cool.
3. *(4:10) Slow / Mid. Willie Dixon song. Nice interpretation with some fine arpeggio flourishes.
4. (3:09) Mid. Old traditional song done slightly upbeat, yet sparse.
5. *(3:00) Mid. John Lee Hooker song done with mic effect summoning John Lee. Not a straight cover, but interesting. Has that trance sound. Cool.
6. (3:18) Slow / Mid. Mississippi Fred McDowell song. A bit slower and sparser than McDowell’s. Haunting trance.
7. (2:43) Mid. Upbeat traditional tune. Some fine scale runs. Very nice.
8. *(3:42) Mid. Traditional song with it’s title (Six White Horses) found in many song lyrics of the past. Really nicely done.
9. (4:18) Slow / Mid. B.B. King classic. Haunting with some great playing, getting more up-tempo as the song goes on.
10. *(2:57) Fast. Another Mississippi Fred McDowell classic (a version by Seasick Steve currently on our A-File). Killer slide work, upbeat and rockin’.
11. *(3:47) Mid. Traditional done by countless artists. Mean and mercurial.
12. (2:45) Mid / Fast. Robert Johnson song. Tough one to cover alone, but fairly well done.
13. (1:52) Mid. INSTRUMENTAL. Kerry Mills song from 1897. Nice and mellow.
14. (2:31) Slow / Mid. INSTRUMENTAL. Scott Joplin song. Another easy-going, mellow number.