For track 8 of our Blues Fix Mix CD, I decided that a change of pace was in order, so we're looking a a pre-war blues artist this week, but with a twist. One of my favorite pre-war blues artists (for those new to the blues, "pre-war" actually indicates the time prior to World War II) is Nehemiah "Skip" James, the enigmatic artist from Bentonia, MS who introduced the Bentonia style of blues to the world. James recorded for Paramount Records in 1931 and the recordings that survived over the years are considered masterpieces of recorded blues not just for the era, but for all time.
James' style was something that you couldn't immediately get over. His voice was an haunting falsetto and his guitar worked coupled finger-picking with a hypnotic bass line, which gave it a totally unique sound. Even in those horribly scratchy recordings for Paramount, which have been cleaned up about as much as they possibly could, you get that James was a unique blues artists. There were only a few artists who played in the Bentonia style......there are still only a few that do.
I didn't really want to put one of his Paramount sides on a mix CD......remember these were set up for new listeners, who I didn't figure would have the patience to endure the scratchy quality of the recordings (That being said, once you get a taste of Skip James' music, I strongly suggest that you check these recordings out. They're are on a par with the recordings of Son House, Bukka White, and yes, Robert Johnson). Fortunately, even though James basically vanished from sight after his Paramount recordings.....they didn't sell very well and he only received $40 and a train ticket for his efforts, so he opted to become an ordained minister, also driving a tractor and working as a supervisor on various plantations......he was rediscovered by blues fans in the early 60's and was able to perform and record again.
James' best post-war recordings were for Vanguard Records. His Today! release was the first time I heard him and it was amazing. The recording was crystal clear, one of the best recordings of the rediscovered Mississippi country blues artists, and he really seemed to be at the height of his powers, almost like it was just 1932 instead of 1964. He sounded incredible as he re-created many of his old songs, plus a few new ones. He was in the hospital when he was found, and sadly, he battled illness for most of his "Comeback" years, passing away in 1969. The song I selected for our Blues Fix Mix CD was the opening track on Today! "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues" really showcases James' haunting vocals and his delicate guitar picking and, trust me, that's only the tip of the iceberg.
Track 1: "Cold Women With Warm Hearts," Magic Slim & the Teardrops Track 2: "Son of Juke," Billy Branch Track 3: "Feel Like Blowing My Horn," Robert Lockwood, Jr. Track 4: "Big Boy Now," Big Jack Johnson Track 5: "Blues Man," B.B. King Track 6" "Four Cars Running," Larry Garner Track 7: "Cadillac Blues," Johnnie Bassett & the Blues Insurgents Track 8" "Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues," Skip James
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