CD - T-Bone Walker: Papa Ain't Salty

T-Bone was one of the great innovators in the blues, and his influence on guitarists and fellow blues players is just about inestimable. Perhaps not as revered as he should be nowadays, this release might be a timely reminder to everyone just how good he was.
B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robert Cray are among those who have acknowledged their debt.

This double CD showcase 55 reasons why the great man has so many "in the know" followers. There have been a number of compilations of Walker's recordings over recent years, many of them sliding in and out print with alarming regularity. What makes this one a particularly fine representation is the attention to detail on the remastering and a judicious choice of material. Unlike many other examples, this one covers T-Bone's earliest recordings (1939's 'Witchita Fall Blues') right through to the Atlantic sides and sessions as late as April 1955. Along the way, it picks up all the best loved material, including 'Call It Stormy Monday', 'T-Bone Shuffle', 'I Know Your Wig Is Gone' and 'Long Skirt Baby Blues'.

If you haven't got any Walker recordings, this is a fine place to start.

October 2005