Some
people like to think Robert Johnson was the greatest bluesman ever. A bluesman
is never all that great, since the nature of the music and lyrics are about hard
times, tough people and unmet greatness. However, after listening to a lot of
blues, I can hear how solid his music is.
This is "Martin Scorsese
Presents The Blues," based on the PBS documentary series "The Blues."
It is not intended to be the Robert Johnson boxed set. There's more of Johnson
to be heard on "Complete Recordings" which features all 41 recordings
he made. Scorsese's compilation here includes Johnson singing 16 songs, and Keb'
Mo' and Cassandra Wilson singing two other Johnson tunes.
While
this CD is not meant for Johnson purists, it has a great selection of songs that
show his range of guitar skill, lyrical depth and vocal strength. It is more than
a sampler, as it reflects the majority of Johnson's total body of work.
The
Wilson version of "They're Red Hot" is fast-paced, sounding like it
was recorded in one room, with rustic acoustics.
Keb'
Mo's cover of "Last Fair Deal Gone Down" is reverential of Johnson.
"If you cry about a nickel, you'll die 'bout a dime," he sings. Fans
of Van Morrison will think of his album "Avalon Sunset" listening to
this one. It is richly layered with Dixieland brass influences, with the vocal
reminiscent of Joe Cocker.
The
recordings here are clean. The pop, hiss and buzz often found in recordings from
the 1930s is not evident here.
A
15-page liner notes booklet, with an intro written by Scorsese, provides the background
to Johnson's life and his importance to blues in general.
Setting
Johnson apart from other musicians is that he write the standards. His are the
ones other people have recorded since. "Sweet Home Chicago" is his,
"Oh, baby don't you want to back to the land of California, to my sweet home
Chicago." His songs aren't covered like other songs are. Instead, they can
only do homage, rather than redefine, some of the most powerful blues songs ever
sung.
George
Thorogood & The Destroyers, Eric Clapton, Elmore James, Bonnie Raitt and even
the Red Hot Chili Peppers have made versions of his songs. Listen to Robert Johnson
sing, "Cross Road Blues" and learn why they did.
His
tombstone reads:
"King
of the Delta Blues Singers"
His music struck a chord
that continues
to resonate,
his blues addressed
generations he would never
know and
made poetry of
his visions and fears.
I
fully recommend "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues."
Anthony
Trendl
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