Forget the Rhythm….

Apparently, it’s all about the blues!! I should have seen it coming but I’m no clairvoyant (although it does sound a tad like a blues song I think). Following the last post, @ForeverBlues decided a blues variation of the theme would be most welcome. Now, I’m really a fan of the R&B genre because by definition and, unsurprisingly, it covers both the ‘rhythm and the blues‘! Be that as it may, I’m still partial to the more straight forward musical form and have included a number of blues performers in both the original, long gone Shades of Blue website and on the cut down version that appears on the stripped down The R&B Primer (and in the booklet, to be absolutely clear).

So, without further flimflam, onto the recommendations. I will preface them by stating that some are easier to source than others. I’d also make the point that if and when you do your own research the landscape may well have changed. I’ll start with those that are currently available and that represent excellent value for money.

Definitive Delta Blues

Starting at the beginning, one for the Delta purists. The “Definitive Delta Blues” is where you’ll find the ‘great’ Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Big Joe Williams, Robert Lockwood, Sleepy John Estes and many many more. I quote one review from many years ago….”not only good music but very many thought provoking insights into the trials and tribulations visited upon ordinary men and women by fellow human beings deliberately indulging in evil toward others. Notwithstanding the costs and sufferings that I cannot imagine, what shines through for me is that the music and lyrics are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit!” That’s all fine and dandy (and indubitably true) but for those more inclined towards a somewhat broader palate, spread over 4 CDs it can become a little dirge like. But for guitarists and musos everywhere, it’s a fine and value for money introduction at around a tenner

Essential Blues Anthology

The “Essential Blues Anthology” is only a 2CD retrospective but is a pretty good starter collection nonetheless. 50 tracks by legendary blues artists including: Muddy Waters, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Jimmy Reed. If you are completely new to the genre and want to give it a go, it’s a fairly pain free and cheap(ish) place to start. Bobby Bland is also on here and Robert Johnson isn’t, which to me are both very good things. The odd nod to R&B aside (Willie Mabon, Smiley Lewis) this is blues from the period when R&B was also at its prime. It’s priced around £6.50 so there are others that offer more ‘bang for the buck’ but I would say that its track choices probably offer a better and more varied introduction to the blues.

100 Blues Classics

The “100 Blues Classics” is similar in content and context as the previous example but fleshes the sound out a little as this is a 4CD collection. It mines a similar archive as the Essentials collection and includes tracks by the likes of some of the most influential and important blues men of the mid-20th Century American era. It provides both an education and a source of great entertainment. There are so many terrific artists and classic songs to enjoy on this collection, from B.B. King to Elmore James, Bo Diddley, Willie Dixon and Jimmy Reed. Even less R&B on this set so definitely more of a recommendation for the serious first timer! Currently £9.99, which is a steal

The Real Blues Collection

“The Real Blues Collection“ is arguably a more representative and balanced overview for the newbie and is the first I would argue I could put forward as a recommendation and not immediately regret doing so. For £6 you get a 3CD collection, and you get a flavour of the early guitar sides from the likes of Robert Johnson, Charley Patton, Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Lemon Johnson and Son House. In this case however, you can hear a little of the genre’s progression over the years with cuts from Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Electric Flag all showcasing the 1960s resurgence, followed by the flame carriers of the modern era, including Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Johnny Winter. It has to be said, there are also some tracks that veer towards jazz rather than blues. I like the diversity but if early delta blues is your bag, by all means go with the “Definitive Delta Blues Set”

And so we now move on to my recommendations. As with the R&B collections in the previous postings, there are a couple of caveats. Firstly, a cursory internet search suggests that these two won’t be available new from your friendly on-line retailer of choice. So, the second hand market will have to be your friend if you intend to purchase either, although of course that could indeed change. Secondly, the next two are both proper Box Sets, with ‘book type’ packaging and included extensive essays all part of the deal. More expensive but more expansive – your choice!!

Charly Blues Masterworks

The first of these is the 4CD “Charly Blues Masterworks” from Charly, a British record label that specialises in reissued material. Despite what I said earlier (contrarian to the end) I do believe you can currently get it new for around £56 from Amazon.co.uk (other vendors are available). That’s too pricey and I bought it new when it initially came out for far less. The CDs are split thematically / geographically and are structured as below…

• CD 1 – From Southern States To Chicago
• CD 2 – Blues Kings From Chicago (not one actual Blues King in the listings however
• CD 3 – From Coast To Coast
• CD 4 – Keepers Of The Faith

This structure works well and there is more than enough material to justify the recommendation. It is limited however. I suspect that is mostly to do with the restrictions on the labels with which it is associated such as Vee Jay and Fire and Fury. Hence no B.B. King or Bobby Bland for example. Also, as I said, don’t pay for a new copy. You can pick up second hand from reputable dealers for as little as £5 including postage (at the time of writing). Buying at that price, it’s far easier to overlook its limitations and enjoy the quality that is on show.

Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey

And so we arrive at the R&B Primer’s number one recommendation. As you would also expect, it is a perverse and somewhat leftfield choice – not only can you not buy it new anymore (or at least I can’t), it’s actually quite difficult to find even in those pesky listings that still show items but then inform you that the item is no longer in stock. But stick with me, there is hope 🙏

The first thing to say is that the breadth and depth across the FIVE CDs of “Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey” is remarkable. From Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith and W.C. Handy through to Susan Tedeschi, Los Lobos and Bonnie Raitt. Name a truly influential blues player, you’ll probably find him or her somewhere across these five CDs. I might be wrong and I can’t be bothered checking, but I’m pretty sure the music on offer covers the 1920s through to the 1990s. The accompanying sixty page booklet is also a well written and excellent addition

Now, I am biased as I am extremely fortunate to have a copy in the household but it’s not actually mine. It was a present to and is owned by Mrs. No Name. Back when Shades of Blue was a web site in its own right, I was fortunate to be sent for review the 7 DVDs telling the story of the blues, also called “Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey” – a seven part series of personal and impressionistic views from seven of the world’s best directors, who all share a passion for the blues. The films range from the merely very interesting through to the stellar and the musical counterpart pretty much achieves the same thing. Do get the DVDs as well if you want to dig a little deeper in the well.

So, the winner is the Martin Scorsese 5CD set and it is indeed coloured partly by a subjective and personal component, but as I write this, “Scorsese Presents The Blues” can be found on that well known online marketplace for around£40. A little steep but it’s still my preferred choice at that price. If you can’t or don’t want to run to it, then the 3CD “Real Blues Collection” is a pretty good alternative and is a steal at £6! Also, in the spirit of the question posed, it’s probably the rational choice. Head or heart, you decide!

🗣️ versus ❤️‍🩹