Blind Dog Radio

Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order, Vol. 9 (1939) by Big Bill Broonzy

Label: Document Records.
Release Date: May 15, 1993.
Recording Time: 64 minutes.
Recording Date: May 11, 1939 - December 8, 1939.
Release Info: Compilation (DOCD-5131) Studio Recording.

Styles: Acoustic Blues, Acoustic Chicago Blues, Country Blues, Regional Blues, Blues Revival, Pre-War Blues.

During the latter half of 1939, blues guitarist/singer Big Bill Broonzy was near the height of his fame and was recording quite prolifically. For the ninth of 11 Document CDs in the comprehensive Broonzy series, he is joined throughout by pianist Joshua Altheimer and either bassist Ransom Knowling (the first nine numbers) or drummer Fred Williams. The erratic clarinetist Odell Rand (who also plays some alto sax) is on the first session and does not help things much, but Broonzy is so strong that it really does not matter. Among the more notable numbers are "She Never," "Too Many Drivers," "That's All Right Baby" and "Dreamy Eyed Baby," while "Just a Dream No. 2" is a remake/continuation of his hit from earlier in the year. ~ Scott Yanow.

Abridged from this album's original booklet notes. Big Bill Broonzy was as popular and prolific an artist in 1939 as at any time in his career. For his first session after the Memphis Five date in February Bill called upon the talents of Odell Rand and Ransom Knowling for back up to his own guitar, Josh Altheimer's piano and Fred Williams drums. Knowling was probably one of the most sought-after bass players in the city, listen to his slapping on Ride Alberta Ride to see why, and Rand never seemed to want for work for his clarinet, although listening to some of the lack-lustre and lifeless performances here it is hard to see just what Bill appreciated about his work. Maybe he just thought it helped to produce a more sophisticated overall sound. One stand-out track from this session is She Never, a tale of female duplicity that inspired many, Brownie McGhee and the obscure Harvey Hill among them, to produce versions of their own at a later date. Even more popular was Too Many Drivers, ("you told me you had one driver – you got two or three") which further extended the "female as automobile" metaphor so prevalent in blues lyrics and which spawned a post war hit for Lowell Fulson. It was back to old standbys Josh Altheimer and drummer Fred Williams for his next round in the studio which produced a follow up to Bill's hit Just A Dream, labelled No. 2, on which Altheimer plays a cascading piano part while Williams bashes away at the drums with far more force than finesse. In view of his later trips to these shores Big Bill Broonzy's observation, on Dreamy Eyed Woman, that "if you was born in England I believe you would 'pass' over there" may seem prescient but it was only a facet of his oft-made contention that "beauty is only skin deep – ugly is to the bone". By the end of 1939 war had broken out in Europe and, although America was not yet directly involved, Europe's misfortune, after the WPA and CCC and other manifestations of Roosevelt's New Deal, represented a final nail in the coffin of depression in America. It looked as if Bill's Big Money might come round again. ~ Keith Briggs, 1993 Document Records.

Credits: Joshua Altheimer - piano; Keith Briggs - liner notes; Big Bill Broonzy - accordion, composer, guitar, primary artist, vocals; Ransom Knowling - bass; Johnny Parth - compilation producer, producer; Odell Rand - clarinet, sax (alto); Fred Williams - drums.

01. Just Wondering – Big Bill Broonzy
02. Keep On-A Smilin' – Big Bill Broonzy
03. She Never – Big Bill Broonzy
04. Woodie Woodie – Big Bill Broonzy
05. Too Many Drivers – Big Bill Broonzy
06. You Can't Win – Big Bill Broonzy
07. Ride Alberta, Ride – Big Bill Broonzy
08. That's All Right, Baby – Big Bill Broonzy
09. Please Be My So and So – Big Bill Broonzy
10. I C Blues – Big Bill Broonzy
11. Cotton Choppin' Blues – Big Bill Broonzy
12. Hot Dog Mama – Big Bill Broonzy
13. Dreamy Eyed Baby – Big Bill Broonzy
14. My Last Goodbye To You – Big Bill Broonzy
15. Don't You Want To Ride – Big Bill Broonzy
16. Don't You Be No Fool – Big Bill Broonzy
17. Just A Dream No 2 – Big Bill Broonzy
18. Tell Me What I Done – Big Bill Broonzy
19. Oh Yes – Big Bill Broonzy
20. I'm Still Your Sweetheart Baby – Big Bill Broonzy
21. Down and Lost In Mind – Big Bill Broonzy
22. Let's Have A Little Fun – Big Bill Broonzy
23. Messed Up In Love – Big Bill Broonzy

Personnel: Big Bill Broonzy - vocals, guitar; accompanied by Odell Rand - clarinet / alto sax; Joshua Altheimer - piano; Ransom Knowling - stand-up bass. Big Bill Broonzy - vocals, guitar; accompanied by Joshua Altheimer - piano (except on 19); Fred Williams - drums. Big Bill Broonzy - vocals, guitar; accompanied by Joshua Altheimer - piano; Fred Williams - drums.