Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
Given that the history of recorded blues corresponds roughly with that of the record industry, the compilers of the three-part Before the Blues series may as well be digging around in the Garden of Eden for old records. The digitized scratches on many of the 69 songs included say one thing about this music: it's old! And wondrous. We tend to attribute babe-in-the-woods innocence to music recorded under the shortening shadow of the 19th century, when William Howard Taft was still waddling about and automobiles and airplanes were novel. But these songs provide evidence that bloodshed, substance abuse (mostly drinkin' and cokin'), and complex human emotions were hardly taboo subjects for rural America's musical pioneers. Volume 2 of the Yazoo triad of CDs is highlighted by selections from a few august bluesmen (Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton) and a bunch of long-forgotten black entertainers (Geeshie Wiley, Golden P. Harris). In tandem, they provide a window upon a time when recorded music was just finding its footing. --Steven Stolder

Rating: - This Is The Foundation, Brothers, Take Heed and Listen Well.
Oy, Vey!! This is it, kids. This here comp. contains some of the most heartstoppinly beautiful old music yer ears will wrap themselves lovingly around. Geeshie Wiley's "Last King Word Blues" will stop you dead cold in yer cosy, comfortable shoes, chilling stuff. or how about the unforgettable melody and sublime guitar of Peg Leg Howell's "Skin Game Blues". Get carried off by The Memphis Jug Ensamble's "KC Moan". The profound spiritual joy, arising out of desperation, in Golden P Harris' "I'll ... Read More