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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 33, No. 2 4 March 1970

The Real Folk Blues

The Real Folk Blues

Sonny Boy Williamson, real name Willie or Rice Miller, was born in Glendora, Mississippi about 1901 and died in Helena, Arkansas on May 25, 1965. Although he only started recording under his own name in 1951 he claims to be the original Sonny Boy, as opposed to John Lee Williamson. This claim he carried to his grave but as to who was the original doesn't really matter now—what does matter is that they both left some very good blues recordings behind.

This is the fourth Chess album made by Sonny Boy and the second to be released here, and it would probably be the best, by a slight edge, over the other Chess album More of the Real Folk Blues.

The music on this album was recorded around 1963, the same period as the More Of album. Collectors with that record will have an idea what to expect. Listen to his harp work on the slow numbers—he has probably the most distinctive style of all the harp players, with the possible exception of Little Walter. The usual slight irony of his lyrics is also in evidence. This was the period when Chess was probably the biggest Chicago blues label and they made some very good records. It would have been just after these sessions that Sonny Boy went to Europe with one of the American Folk Blues Festivals. He made recordings in Europe but never recorded for Chess again.

His absolute control over the harp is amazing, particularly on Checkin' Up On My Baby, Mr Downchild, Too Young To Die, and Bring It On Home To Me, which are the outstanding tracks on this set. Sonny Boy's fusion of instrument and vocal is only part of the pathos and cunning skill of this artist — one of the most colorful and memorable artists in blues history.

Take a listen to this album—especially if you like Chicago blues—Sonny Boy Williamson—or simply good old Rhythm and Blues.