Blind Dog Radio

Statesboro Blues by Blind Willie McTell

Label: Bluebird, BMG Heritage.
Release Date: 2003.
Recording Time: 50 minutes.
Recording Date: October 18, 1927 - February 22, 1932.
Release Info: CD, Compilation 82876 55157 2.
Series: When The Sun Goes Down – Vol. 9

Statesboro Blues focuses on 17 classic performances by Blind Willie McTell. These tracks were recorded between late 1927 through February 1932 for RCA Victor. This is revelatory material recommended to anyone not familiar with the prewar blues master of the 12-string guitar. "Dark Night Blues," "Stole Rider Blues," and the title cut, "Statesboro Blues," are among the highlights along with four tracks recorded under the pseudonym Hot Shot Willie & Ruby Glaze and two featuring McTell and Alfoncy and Bethenea Harris. ~ Al Campbell

Credits: Banjo – Willie Shorter (tracks: 15); Guitar – Curley Weaver (tracks: 11, 12); Illustration – Gary Kelly; Liner Notes, Reissue Producer – David Evans; Photography – Showtime Archives; Producer (Original Sessions) – Ralph S. Peer; Producer (Series) – Joshua Sherman; Reissue Producer – Barry Feldman, Colin Escott; Research – Vince Giordano; Transferred By (Metal Parts), Other (Audio Restoration), Mastered By – Doug Pomeroy; Transferred By (Shellac Disc) – John RT Davies; Vocals – Alfoncy Harris (tracks: 15, 16), Ruby Glaze (tracks: 11 to 14); Vocals, Twelve-String Guitar – Blind Willie McTell; Written By – Willie McTell (tracks: 1 to 10, 14, 17), Unknown Artist (tracks: 11 to 13, 15, 16).

Tracklist:
  • 01. Statesboro Blues - Blind Willie McTell (2:32)
  • 02. Mr. McTell Got The Blues - Blind Willie McTell (2:17)
  • 03. Writin' Paper Blues - Blind Willie McTell (3:10)
  • 04. Stole Rider Blues - Blind Willie McTell (3:09)
  • 05. Mama, 'Taint Long Fo' Day - Blind Willie McTell (3:02)
  • 06. Three Women Blues - Blind Willie McTell (2:42)
  • 07. Dark Night Blues - Blind Willie McTell (2:54)
  • 08. Loving Talking Blues - Blind Willie McTell (2:38)
  • 09. Drive Away Blues - Blind Willie McTell (3:21)
  • 10. Love Changing Blues - Blind Willie McTell (3:15)
  • 11. Rollin' Mama Blues - Hot Shot Willie & Ruby Glaze (2:58)
  • 12. Lonesome Day Blues - Hot Shot Willie & Ruby Glaze (3:12)
  • 13. Mama, Let Me Scoop For You - Hot Shot Willie & Ruby Glaze (3:09)
  • 14. Searching The Desert For The Blues - Hot Shot Willie & Ruby Glaze (3:05)
  • 15. Teasing Brown - Alfoncy And Bethenea Harris With Blind Willie McTell (2:45)
  • 16. This Is Not The Stove To Brown Your Bread - Alfoncy And Bethenea Harris With Blind Willie McTell (2:34)
  • 17. Mr. McTell Got The Blues (Alternate Take) - Blind Willie McTell (2:19)