Mick Hartley

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And bow-wow to you too

The great Big Mama Thornton, introduced by Buddy Guy. From 1965:

Her song, of course, before Elvis took it on.

From the same session there's Downhome Shakedown, with Big Mama leading a whole bunch of harmonica players, including Walter Shakey Horton, Dr Ross, and John Lee Hooker. No doubt who's the boss though: like a mother duck with her little ducklings tagging on behind. Unfortunately the standard of harp playing isn't always great, with the young John Lee Hooker in particular completely uninspired. Maybe this was the point when he decided from now on he was going to stick to guitar.

And finally, Buddy Guy takes centre stage for Out of Sight.

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4 responses to “And bow-wow to you too”

  1. Dom Avatar
    Dom

    I know this is OT, but I started with Thornton, went here and there, and came across this, which I think you’ll like:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FaU59MnWCDY
    I heard her sing this in Philly. She accompanied herself on piano, and it was tinkly just like you hear it here, only the break was a good bit longer.
    I’m the only person around who thinks Billie Holliday is good, but no better than good, and you can see it if you compare the two versions here.

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  2. Mick H Avatar
    Mick H

    Yes certainly I like that.
    It’s a bit of an unfair comparison with Billie Holiday, as her version is so drenched with over-the-top strings compared to the simple piano of Nina Simone. But yes, I guess you’re right that Nina wins this one.

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  3. Laban Avatar
    Laban

    She does a pretty good ‘Ball and Chain’, too – before Janis took it on.

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  4. Sheddie Avatar
    Sheddie

    I went to one of these folk festivals in Bristol in the early 70’s. The artists liked to get their refreshments in early. JL Hooker had definitely had more than one Bourbon & One scotch and Jimmie Reed was so drunk he couldn’t find the harp in front of his face.

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