Memphis Slim - Legend Of The Blues, Vol.1-2 '1967/1969/2024

Tracks list

The legendary Chicago pianist who moved to Paris in the early '60s didn't record
much in the States afterwards, but this set, captured in 1967, finds him back in
the U.S.A. supported by a sharp four-piece of blues and jazz veterans. The 20
tracks were originally released on two albums and have been in and out of print
throughout the decades, so their appearance here on a single platter should be
welcomed by Slim's many fans. It's a relaxed affair that shows a typically
low-key Slim in splendid form aided by backing musicians who ease into the
standard blues groove but can turn up the heat when needed. The first ten
selections are credited to Slim, but many are reworkings of standard blues
classics with different titles and slightly altered lyrics, likely to get Slim a
few more dollars and eliminate the need to pay royalties. Therefore, the opening
"Little Lonely Girl" is nothing more than a cover of "Good Morning Little
Schoolgirl" with a few words changed. On some tunes like "Ramble This Highway"
("Key to the Highway"), Slim doesn't even revise the lyrics. Regardless, this is
a cool gathering that benefits from experienced players going through their
paces with easy-rolling finesse. Chapman aka Slim starts off the second album
with the socially conscious "Freedom," a slow burner that sizzles with a
jazz-blues bass lick and some of Slim's most emotional singing. He swings
through the upbeat "A Long Time Baby" displaying his boogie-woogie chops and
talks his way through the story-song "Only Fools Have Fun." Unfortunately, the
vocals distort sporadically during the last ten songs, which is either a
function of BGO's botched remastering or an anomaly present in the original
recording that could not be removed. Either way it's distracting, but not enough
of a hindrance to dissuade Memphis Slim followers from enjoying this genial,
charming session that is a welcome addition to his thick catalog.

Tracklist:

Legend Of The Blues, Vol.1
1.01 - Memphis Slim - Little Lonely Girl (2:13) 
1.02 - Memphis Slim - Gone Again (4:04) 
1.03 - Memphis Slim - Forty Years Or More (4:32) 
1.04 - Memphis Slim - All By Myself (2:11) 
1.05 - Memphis Slim - Broadway Boogie (3:00) 
1.06 - Memphis Slim - Lend Me Your Love (4:49) 
1.07 - Memphis Slim - Ramble This Highway (2:50) 
1.08 - Memphis Slim - I Feel Like Ballin' The Jack (2:23) 
1.09 - Memphis Slim - Rock Me Woman (5:04) 
1.10 - Memphis Slim - This Little Woman (3:36) 



Legend Of The Blues, Vol. 2
1.01 - Memphis Slim - Freedom (5:22) 
1.02 - Memphis Slim - A Long Time Baby (2:26) 
1.03 - Memphis Slim - There's A Fool In Town (3:05) 
1.04 - Memphis Slim - Only Fools Have Fun (4:43) 
1.05 - Memphis Slim - Too Late (2:54) 
1.06 - Memphis Slim - Strollin' Through The Park (4:37) 
1.07 - Memphis Slim - Dear Abby And Ann (2:45) 
1.08 - Memphis Slim - I'm Too Poor To Die (4:19) 
1.09 - Memphis Slim - I Am The Blues (2:47) 
1.10 - Memphis Slim - Gambler's Blues (3:59)

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