Label: Arhoolie Records.
Release Date: February 14, 1994.
Recording Time: 67 minutes.
Release Info: Compilation Studio Recording.
Recording Date: 1959 - 1970.
Styles: Acoustic Blues, Acoustic Louisiana Blues, Country Blues, Regional Blues.
Robert Pete Williams' music had the striking lyricism and highly individualized sound of the great Delta blues masters, but it was made well after the heyday of that style. Williams improvised considerably in his performances, using blues' language but varying his approach. These songs were mostly recorded at the Angola State Penitentiary. While Williams sings mournful, anguished blues with spectacular impact, he also can turn around and do more joyous fare effectively. His vigorous accompaniment, especially on six-string guitar, is just as creative and stunning as his vocals. This 15-cut disc, which has five bonus cuts, is most welcome. ~ Ron Wynn
Credits: Henry Kaiser - editing, liner notes; Mance Lipscomb - composer; Blind Willie McTell - composer; Harry Oster - engineer, photography, producer; Wayne Pope - cover design; Chris Strachwitz - producer; Traditional - composer; Robert Pete Williams - arranger, composer, guitar, guitar (12 string), primary artist, vocals.
Tracks: 1) Pardon Denied Again; 2) This Wild Old Life; 3) Just Tippin' In; 4) Louise; 5) Church on Fire with the Word of God; 6) Texas Blues; 7) I'm Blue as a Man Can Be; 8) Up and Down Blues; 9) So Much Is Happenin' in This Wicked World; 10) Come Here Baby; 11) Levee Camp Blues; 12) Two Wings; 13) Angola Special; 14) Motherless Children Have a Hard Time; 15) Please Lord, Helpl Me on My Way.