Any fans of Son House here?

[dolo amber]

Heard some yesterday on NPR and I'd like to hear more. Just wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations, from what I've learned today there is LOADS out there to choose from.

I must admit that while I think myself quite the music aficionado, I'm sorely lacking in my knowledge of the blues. :(

[mobuto]

1. What kind of recs?

Listening to Death Letter Blues at the moment, one of the greats. Empire State Blues is amazing. Then there's the Walkin' Blues. I'm not sure what else to say. Son House was really the father of what we think of as the Delta Blues, having taught both Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters.

[dolo amber]

3. Cool...

Thanks for that!

The person that was being interviewed on NPR went to Louisiana back in the 30's to photograph the people playing the music that was eventually labeled 'the blues'...they touched upon the fact that Son was pretty much the epicenter of it all at that time. I've done the Robert Johnson thing, and had heard the name Son House before, but I'd never really understood what an important role he had. Maybe he should have came up with that "Met the devil at the crossroads" schtick. ;)

[RainDog]

5. That must have been the late Alan Lomax

He and his dad went to the Mississippi Delta area and recorded Leadbelly in prison, Muddy Waters, before he was Muddy...

That moment in time is included in the book I mentioned to you below- The Land Where Blues Began.

It went out of print for a while, but Lomax died last year or so and the book got reissued.

[SiobhanClancy]

2. I love Son House

I think you might start with "Father of the Delta Blues-the Complete 1965 Sessions" The Complete Library of Congress Sessions are also wonderful,but the sound quality of some of the old recordings is hard to adjust to,which is why I would start with the first one I mentioned.
I think Son House was greatest bluesman who ever lived...Robert Johnson was a protege of his,which should tell you something:)
I'm glad you discovered him...lots of enjoyment ahead for you.

[mitchum]

6. The Real King of the Blues is Son House

the 1965 sessions are a priceless treasure. House still retained the power of his youth, but the recording fidelity is much clearer than the 1929 or 1940 sessions. "Preaching Blues" is an astonishing song. House imagines himself "up in the pulpit" preaching the blues. The notion is a deliberate provocation to the community that drew a distinct line between the devil's music and sacred music. It is one of the great fuck yous of the world (right up there with Caligula making his horse a senator) And of course "Death Letter" ("My Black Mama")'s "I was hugging the pillow, but it was too late" is one of the most heartbreaking lines ever set to music.
I love Son House.

[RainDog]

7. And led the way for Ray Charles and Aretha

to do the same.

[dolo amber]

11. Thanks Siobhan

The one album I got yesterday was the "Father of the Delta Blues"...been listening all night. He's awesome! It's so weird to listen to this and realise that HE was making all of this up, what became the blues...amazing stuff, truly. :hi:

[RainDog]

4. A couple of good books

Chasin' That Devil Music

and

Land Where Blues Began.

Both have cds with the books with some rare recordings of different blues players.

Son House and Robert Johnson and so many were all part of the delta blues tradition.

to get a sense of a somewhat different take, listen to some Blind Blake and then Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.

James Cotton is a great harmonica player and used to be part of Muddy Waters' band.

You can still catch some older blues players because they tour sometimes for the Fat Possum label.

HoneyBoy Edwards was here last year for a local music fest.

And don't forget to check out the ladies, like Memphis Minnie and Etta James.

[dolo amber]

9. Excellent!

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely look into it. I already have 2 favorite songs! (I, er....found some clips on my pc, I have NO idea how they got there...:o ;))

"Grinnin' in your face" and "John the Revelator"

Yes. :)

[flamingyouth]

8. My husband has most of the records listed here on this thread

We are both huge blues fans - but he is not only a fan, he's like a walking music encyclopedia! Son House is great. Don't you love discovering someone new to you? I always do. :hi:

[dolo amber]

10. You have NO idea

I am by default a huge Techno/house head...Not that there's anything wrong with electronic music, but listening to this is like sooooo cleansing to my aural palate... I'm just sitting here listening to that song mitchum mentioned "Preachin' Blues" grinning like an idiot. :7

[flamingyouth]

12. That song is one of my favorites

It's great to get out and, as you put it, "cleanse the aural palate" (I love that phrase - I'm going to steal it and use it!). Enjoy! :-)

[dolo amber]

13. Shameless Kick

Just to get more input. :)