Label: Document Records.
Release Date: May 27, 1994.
Releases: 1994, 2000, 2005.
Recording Time: 74 minutes.
Recording Date: 1930 - 1935.
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Acoustic Chicago Blues, Regional Blues, Pre-War Blues, Slide Guitar Blues.
All of Kokomo Arnold's 1930s recordings have been made available on four Document CDs. Vol. 1 features the singer/guitarist on two songs from 1930 (recorded in Memphis, TN, as "Gitfiddle Jim") and then the first 22 selections that he cut in Chicago during 1934-1935, two of which were previously unreleased. Best known is "Milk Cow Blues," but the memorable and sometimes haunting blues singer also performs such numbers as "Old Original Kokomo Blues," "Front Door Blues," "Back Door Blues," "Chain Gang Blues," and "Hobo Blues." Blues collectors will definitely want all four CDs in this perfectly done series. - Review by Scott Yanow.
Credits: Kokomo Arnold - composer, guitar, primary artist, vocals; Keith Briggs - liner notes; Leroy Carr - composer; Johnny Parth - compilation producer, programming; Rufus G. Perryman - composer; Charlie Spands - composer; Studio Klement - remastering; S. Williams - composer.
Tracks: 1) Rainy Night Blues; 2) Paddlin' Madeline Blues; 3) Milk Cow Blues; 4) Old Original Kokomo Blues; 5) Back to the Woods; 6) Sagefield Woman Blues; 7) Old Black Cat Blues (Jinx Blues); 8) Sissy Man Blues; 9) Front Door Blues; 10) Back Door Blues; 11) The Twelves (Dirty Dozens); 12) Feels So Good; 13) Milk Cow Blues, No. 2; 14) Biscuit Roller Blues; 15) Slop Jar Blues; 16) Black Annie; 17) Chain Gang Blues; 18) Monday Morning Blues; 19) How Long, How Long Blues; 20) Things 'Bout Coming My Way; 21) You Should Not A' Done It; 22) Lonesome Southern Blues; 23) Black Money Blues; 24) Hobo Blues.