Washboard Sam – Complete Recorded Works In Chronological Order – Volume 2 – Document DOCD-5172 

Blues street musicians used the washboard somewhat as the default rhythmic instrument due to its rather inexpensive nature and easy availability.  However, Washboard Sam took the lowly instrument one step further, carrying it into the studio, and making it the focus of his blues career, both as a session musician, and for utilization on his own recordings. 

As a solo blues artist, Washboard Sam recorded in excess of 160 selections.  He had a fine voice, and was quite capable of writing excellent blues tunes.  He is said to have been an engaging on-stage performer, and one who could command full venues of fans who were seeking his blues brand that has a “good timey” feel.  Despite a period when the blues became electrified and his music fell somewhat out of favor, in the 1960s when young British music fans discovered American blues music, Washboard Sam found a new audience eager for his style of blues, and he returned to touring, including Europe, and he even recorded during that period.

With seven total volumes in this Washboard Sam Document Records series, this CD is a stellar introduction to the always-pleasing sounds of this strong-throated artist.  With Arnett Nelson on clarinet, Big Bill Broonzy (his half-brother) handling the guitar duties, and Black Bob holding down the piano work, cut for cut, this collection is the most satisfying of all the available volumes.  Sam’s rhythmic washboard playing augmented his always-inexhaustible songwriting capabilities.  There is much to savor here for new and experienced blues enthusiasts alike.  This is blues of a somewhat different sort, but it is engaging and exciting insofar as its differing nature holds the listener captive.  In short, this is an unanticipated good time by a bluesman who deserves greater notoriety.

Below are the collection’s blues in running order.  Put this one on your stereo, sit back, and be assured that these 23 blues cuts will become some of your new favorites.

Highly-essential to any thoughtful blues collection!

Song Titles

• Easy Ridin’ Mama
• The Big Boat
• Black Door
• We Gonna Move
• Low Down Woman
• I Drink Good Whiskey
• Lowland Blues
• I’m On My Way Blues
• Washboard’s Barrel House Song
• Want To Woogie Some More
• Ladies’ Man
• You Got To Take It
• Beer Garden Blues
• Where Were You Last Night?
• Somebody’s Got To Go
• Gonna Be Some Walkin’ Done
• Second Story Man
• Don’t Leave Me Here
• My Woman’s A Sender
• Towboat Blues
• Mountain Blues
• Phantom Black Snake
• Yellow, Black And Brown