Skip James was perhaps the most stylistically original of the blues performers from the Mississippi River Delta region, with his unusual cross-note (open D minor) tuning, haunting falsetto vocals, and an intense, variable marriage of music and lyrics. Countless artists have come under his spell, including Eric Clapton, Ritchie Blackmore, Dion Dimucci, Buddy Guy, and even Beck, among many others.

James made a number of recordings for Paramount before the Depression carried him into obscurity. This newly remastered CD release contains all of Skip James’ surviving 1931 blues recordings which would form the basis of his reputation and secure him as one of the blues legends of that classic era. It is truly an indispensable set for any blues devotee.

SKIP JAMES, vocals, guitar, piano and foot stomping.

Recorded in Grafton, Wisconsin, February 1931.

INCLUDES 16-PAGE BOOKLET

TRACKS:

01 CYPRESS GROVE BLUES
02 IF YOU HAVEN’T ANY HAY GET ON DOWN THE ROAD
03 HARD TIME KILLIN’ FLOOR BLUES
04 SPECIAL RIDER BLUES
05 DEVIL GOT MY WOMAN
06 I’M SO GLAD
07 CHERRY BALL BLUES
08 22-20 BLUES
09 JESUS IS A MIGHTY GOOD LEADER
10 HARD LUCK CHILD
11 LITTLE COW AND CALF IS GONNA DIE BLUES
12 ILLINOIS BLUES
13 DRUNKEN SPREE
14 FOUR O’CLOCK BLUES
15 HOW LONG BUCK
16 YOLA MY BLUES AWAY
17 BE READY WHEN HE COMES
18 WHAT AM I TO DO BLUES

TOTAL TIME: 54:45