Father of the Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions

Artist: Son House

Number of Discs: 2

Total time: 99:56
Label: Columbia/Legacy
Availability: In stock
Item #: 8001307

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Review

After being rediscovered by the folk-blues community in the early '60s, Son House rose to the occasion and recorded this magnificent set of performances. Allowed to stretch out past the shorter running time of the original 78s, House turns in wonderful, steaming performances of some of his best-known material. On some tracks, House is supplemented by folk-blues researcher/musician Alan Wilson, who would later become a member of the blues-rock group Canned Heat and here plays some nice second guitar and harmonica on several cuts. This two-disc set features alternate takes, some unissued material and some studio chatter from producer John Hammond, Sr. that ocassionally hints at the chaotic nature inherent to some of these '60s "rediscovery" sessions. While not as overpowering as his earlier work (what could be?), all of these sides are so power packed with sheer emotional involvement from House, they're an indispensable part of his canonade.~ Cub Koda, All Music Guide

Read About This Recording

Eddie James House Jr., known as Son House, purchased his first guitar for $1.50 in the late 1920s and although it was all broken-up with only five strings instead of the usual six, it didn't deter him from becoming recognized as one of the most influential Mississippi delta blues singers in America.

This two-CD box set is the complete 1965 sessions of Son House, a definitive reservoir of his forceful artistry. His distinct guitar plucking style holds listeners pleasantly hostage as he inflicts vocals reminiscent of an intense country preacher baptizing the congregation in the deep waters of the sho nuff' delta blues.

Listening to Son House is an emotional experience that shakes the soul with a southern Baptist flavor, causing one to jump up and shout. His rustic voice rolls like the Mississippi River, full of engaging stories of those severely struck by the rhythm of the blues. Son influenced many blues men such as Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson and rockers such as Canned Heat, and even though he never became a household name like his many followers, these treasured gems are a testament that his music continues to endure the test of time.

-Ron Scott

Pearline; Louise McGhee; Empire State Express; Sundown; Death Letter*; Levee Camp Moan*; Grinnin' In Your Face*; John The Revelator*; Preachin' Blues*; President Kennedy**; Down the Staff**; Motherless Children**; Yonder Comes My Mother**; Shake It and Break It**; Pony Blues**; Downhearted Blues**.

(*Previously Unreleased Alternate Take; **Previously Unissued.)

Eddie James (Son) House Jr., Steel Guitar.

Tracks + Soundclips

Father of the Delta Blues: The Complete 1965 Sessions
	1. Death Letter	7:19
	2. Pearline	4:32
	3. Louise Mcghee	6:12
	4. John the Revelator	2:30
	5. Empire State Express	3:39
	6. Preachin' Blues	5:43
	7. Grinning in Your Face	2:06
	8. Sundown	6:12
	9. Levee Camp Moan	9:28
	10. Death Letter [Alternate Take][#]	5:51
	11. Levee Camp Moan [Alternate Take][#]	4:50
	12. Grinning in Your Face [Alternate Take][#]	3:12
	13. John the Revelator [Alternate Take][#]	2:15
	14. Preachin' Blues [Alternate Take][#]	5:27
	15. President Kennedy [#]	3:42
	16. Down the Staff [#]	3:40
	17. Motherless Children [#]	4:28
	18. Yonder Comes My Mother [#]	3:38
	19. Shake It and Break It [#]	2:42
	20. Pony Blues [#]	5:22
	21. Downhearted Blues [#]	7:08