I'll Just Keep on Singin' the Blues

Read About This Recording

A masterful blues pianist and singer, Memphis Slim had a long and prolific career. Born as John Chatman in 1915, by the time he settled in Chicago in 1939, he had named himself after his hometown. He soon made his recording debut, began teaming up with guitarist Big Bill Broonzy and developed a style that easily fit into several idioms throughout his career. Memphis Slim could play and sing down home blues, swinging uptempo pieces, and bluish ballads with equal skill.

Slim put together the first version of his House Rockers in 1947, using the spirited band as his group throughout the 1950s. In 1960 he toured Europe with bassist Willie Dixon and so liked the treatment he received overseas that in 1962 he moved to Paris. While he visited the U.S. occasionally after that, he lived and prospered in Europe up until the time of his death in 1988.

I'll Just Keep on Singin' the Blues is a set from 1961 that was recorded just prior to Memphis Slim leaving the U.S. Joined by his House Rockers, which at the time was a sextet also featuring guitarist Matt Murphy, altoist John Calvin and tenor-saxophonist Johnny Board, Slim is heard in prime form on a dozen of his originals. Usually featured as a soloist during his European years, it is particularly fun listening to Memphis Slim interact with and be inspired by his talented sidemen throughout this rocking blues album.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

Lonesome; Cold Blooded Woman; One Man's Mad; Let the Good Times Roll Creole; What is the Mare Rack; Pigalle Love; Four Walls; It's Been Too Long; Big Bertha; I'm Lost Without You; I'll Just Keep on Singin' the Blues; True Love.

Memphis Slim, Vocals/Piano; Matt Guitar Murphy, Guitar; Probably: John Calvin, Alto Sax; Johnny Board, Tenor Sax; Sam Chatman, Bass; Billie Stepney, Drums.