Skip James- Hard Time Killing Floor Blues
one of my favorite blues songs, particularly from this era.
-the skinny miracle
Little Walter- My Babe
you can’t go wrong with this. a hit from 1955 by blues legend little walter.
-the skinny miracle
Luther Ingram- I Don’t Want to be Right
always been one of my favorite songs. i hope someone told him the answer to his questions is ‘yes. very much, yes.’ by the way, keep an eye out for the michelle obama look-a-like somewhere around the 3 minute mark (3:15).
-the skinny miracle
Son House- John the Revelator
son house isn’t accompanied by his guitar this time. it’s just him and the occasional hand-clap to keep time. i wish he could have been joined by the woman who sang this song with blind willie johnson. i liked her simple earnestness. i liked her so much that i almost posted that version. unfortunately, blind willie’s voice sounded to me like someone trying to force a cheese grater through a pencil sharpener. you can click here to judge for yourself. for me, there’s no topping son house when he sings this song. and there’s something about straightforward, hand-clappin’, foot-stompin’ gospel music. it’s right up my alley. enjoy.
-the skinny miracle
Howlin’ Wolf- Shake it for Me
the wolf really shines in this somewhat stripped-down performance. his voice and his showmanship are absolutely top-notch. if you’re interested, you can click here for another wolf post from a year or so ago. enjoy.
-the skinny miracle
Branford Marsalis, C. Dutton, C. Vance, C. Gordon, & T. Hollis- Berta, Berta
this is a work song that was featured in the movie ‘the piano lesson’ and on branford marsalis’ album ‘i heard you twice the first time.’ i don’t remember when i saw the film, but i do know that i sang this song over and over again after i heard it. it’s one of those songs that gets to me in a way i can’t completely explain. i won’t bore you with the details, but it makes me feel connected to something. anyway, if you prefer to watch the portion of the movie where the song is sung, click here. i hope you enjoy it.
note: the volume is pretty low. i apologize for that. you’ll probably have to turn your speakers up a bit to hear the song.
-the skinny miracle
lyrics
JJ Grey & Mofro- On Fire
Great video for a great song by a great band on a great album (Orange Blossoms). Check ‘em out, y’all.
-Sneak Attack
